Stage names:

Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII
Ichikawa Koyone IV

Real name: Sôma Takayuki

Guild: Takinoya

Line number: HACHIDAIME (VIII)

Birthday: 24 September 1959

Connections:

Father: Ichikawa Monnosuke VII

Career:

February 1969: he makes his first appearance on stage at the Kabukiza, receiving the name of de Ichikawa Koyone IV and playing the role of Rokudaikimi in the "Sushiya" act of the play "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura".

April 1979: historic revival at the Meijiza of Tsuruya Namboku IV long-forgotten play "Haji Momiji Ase no Kaomise" (commonly called "Date no Jûyaku"); Koyone plays the role of Princess Miyagata [casting].

April 1987: Koyone takes part in the revival at the Meijiza of the play "Jûni Hitoe Komachi Zakura", which includes the famous Tokiwazu-based dance-drama "Tsumoru Koi Yuki no seki no To" [more details].

December 1990: Ichikawa Koyone IV takes the name of Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII at the Kabukiza, playing the role of Minamoto no Yoshitsune in the "Shi-no-Kiri" scene of the classic "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura".

Comments:

Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII is a dynamic and talented member of the young actors troupe led by the star Ichikawa Ennosuke III.

Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII's best roles: Shizuka Gozen ("Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura") and Hayase Iori ("Tengajaya").