The biggest piece of news for 2010: it is finally possible to book a Kabuki ticket in English online! The Shôchiku Company finally opened in August 2010 an official Kabuki website in English:

Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website in English

Ticket Web Shôchiku

The FAQ

Another big piece of news for 2010: The 16 Kabukiza Sayonara Kôen (Kabukiza Farewell Public Performances) will be released in DVD. 8 deluxe DVD boxes, containing 12 DVDs and two months of Kabuki, will be published in 2010 and 2011 [more details in Japanese]. One box every 2 months, from August 2010 to October 2011. A few figures to make your head spin: this amazing collection will gather 35 Kabuki programs (more than 100 dramas or dances) on 96 DVDs. Each box will be priced 26,250 JPY ... and, the last but not the least, the famous English commentaries will be included!

The Living National Treasure Nagauta shinobue musician Takara Sanzaemon IV died the 7th of August 2010. Son of Fukuhara Hyakunosuke V, he took the names of Fukuhara Hyakunosuke VI and Takara Sanzaemon IV in 1964 and 1992, and became Living National Treasure in 1993.

The Shôchiku Company has published the Kabuki line-up in Tôkyô up to April 2011 [in Japanese]:

The Heisei Nakamuraza will be in Ôsaka in October 2010 and November 2010. This is the second stay of Nakamura Kanzaburô's theater in Ôsaka and, for the first time, a 2-month long stay! The temporary koshibai look-alike theater will be built in the precincts of the Ôsaka Castle, in the heart of the Nishi no Maru Park [October/November].

As part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series, Kudô Kankurô's modern Kabuki drama "Ôedo Ribingu Deddo" ("Ôedo and the Living Dead" in English), which was shot live in December 2009 at the Kabukiza, will be released all over Japan from the 16th of October 2010. This is the 12th "Cinema Kabuki" [more details in Japanese]. By the way, there is a short trailer on youtube.com!

Namiki Gohei's long-forgotten drama "Keisei Kogane no Shachihoko", which was revived and expanded (and retitled "Asahi-ni Kagayaku Kin no Shachihoko") in January 2010 at the National Theatre, will be staged in October 2010 for the 46th kaomise at the Misonoza (Nagoya). This exceptional production will commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the establishment of the city of Nagoya [more details].

"Botantei", a new creation initiated by the star Bandô Tamasaburô and based on the famous Chinese Opera "The Peony Pavilion", will be staged for the first time in Tôkyô, in October 2010 at the Akasaka Act Theater. It was premiered March 2008 at the Minamiza and was also staged in May 2008 in Beijing (China). The lyrics were written by Yumemakura Baku, who worked in 1991 with Bandô Tamasaburô for the creation of "Yôkihi". Bandô Tamasaburô will share the stage with performers of Kunqu, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera which originated in the Suzhou region.

The Zenshinza troupe will tour in the USA in November 2010. There will be two different programs, the first one which is made up of the Kabuki dance "Chatsubo" and the Kabuki drama "Narukami" and the second one which is made up of the 2006 modern drama "Hônen and Shinran". Written by Tajima Ei, "Hônen and Shinran" is a moving historical drama depicting the upheaval of 13th-century Japan, and two priests, Hônen and Shinran, who opened a path to freedom through affirming the essence of life and human existence in a time of civil war and moral collapse. Because of their break from monastic traditions and their founding of a lay ministry, they are often compared with Calvin and Luther. The troupe will perform in Los Angeles (Aratani Japan America Theatre) from the 5th to the 7th of November, in San Francisco (Zellerbach Hall at the University of California) from the 12th to the 14th of November and in Honolulu (Hawaii Theatre) from the 20th to the 21st of November.

The great onnagata actor Sawamura Tôjûrô, who fell seriously ill in 1998, was back on stage at the Shôchikuza the 3rd of July 2010, to take part in the speech done in "Dôtombori Shibai-mae".

Quite an unusual event these days in the Kabuki world: two actors will change their yagô soon without changing their name: Nakamura Karoku and Nakamura Kashô, who are currently part of the Yorozuya guild, will join the Harimaya guild in September 2010 at the Shimbashi Embujô. A special program will be staged there to commemorate the great actor Nakamura Kichiemon I, whose's yagô was Harimaya.

The National Theatre has published the programs for October 2010, November 2010, December 2010 and January 2011:

Kataoka Nizaemon is part of the cast of Sugita Shigemichi's movie "Saigo no Chûshingura". He plays the role of Ôishi Kuranosuke, along with the stars Yakusho Kôji and Sakuraba Nanami. This movie is based on Ikemiya Shôichirô's eponymous novel. The movie will be released all over Japan the 18th of December 2010. Its international title is "The Last Chûshingura" [more details in English/official website].

Kataoka Nizaemon will receive the 13th award commemorating Tsubouchi Shôyô (1859~1935), Japan's earliest translator of Shakespearean plays, from the city of Mino-Kamo in the Prefecture of Gifu where the novelist-playwright-critic was born. The ceremony will be held the 31st of July 2010 in Mino-Kamo.

Bandô Tamasaburô and Ichikawa Ebizô will stage in Kyôto at the Minamiza in September 2010 (from the 2nd to the 27th) a tôshi kyôgen production of "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura". The matinée program will be made up of "Torii Mae", "Tokaiya/Daimotsu no Ura" and "Yoshinoyama". The evening program will be made up of "Ko-no-Mi", "Sushiya" and "Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata/Zaodô". There will be a special program (replacing the classic matinée and evening programs), nicknamed Tadanobu edition and staged 7 specific days (the 3rd, the 7th, the 10th, the 14th, 17th, 21st and 24th). This program will be made up of the scenes featuring Tadanobu (and the fox which looks like Tadanobu): "Torii Mae", "Yoshinoyama" and "Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata/Zaôdô".

Nakamura Tokizô has received the Purple Ribbon Medal (Shiju Hôshô in Japanese), one of the six japanese medals of honor awarded by the Japanese Government to deserving citizens.

Today is a sad day for all Kabuki lovers; this last day of April is the day of the closing ceremony of the Kabukiza, an one-time special program which is staged with a lot of Kabuki stars on stage [more details].

The Ôsaka Shinkabukiza will be relocated from Namba (Chûô Ward in Ôsaka) to a mixed-use building in Uehonmachi. The kokera otoshi will occur in September 2010, with the troupe of young Kabuki actors from the Omodakaya guild.

The troupe led by Ichikawa Ebizô, which will perform 3 acts of "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura" in London in June 2010, will extend the tour in Italy, in Roma at the Teatro di Roma-Argentina, the 21st and 22nd of June 2010.

The Nagauta musician Mochizuki Chôsaku VII took the name of Mochizuki Bokusei V in April 2010^* at the Kabukiza.

A new collection of plays was created by Ichikawa Ennosuke III in March 2010; it is titled Ennosuke Shijûhassen (the Best 48 of Ennosuke) and it is subdivided into several sections:

(*) it was initially reported in 2008 that the shûmei would occur in Summer 2009!

As part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series, the dance-dramas "Kumo no Hyôshimai" and "Migawari Zazen", which were shot live in October 2009 and December 2009 at the Kabukiza, will be released in Tôkyô the 1st of May 2010. This is the 11th "Cinema Kabuki" and it will be screened at the Tôgeki in Tôkyô [more details in Japanese]. It will be released all over Japan from the 15th of May 2010.

The troupe led by Ichikawa Ebizô, which will perform 3 acts of "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura" in London in June 2010, will extend the tour in Japan, in August 2010 at the Shimbashi Embujô and in September 2010 at the Minamiza.

A website in Japanese and in dedicated to the Kabuki tour in London in June 2010 was built by the Shôchiku Company:

----> http://www.shochiku.co.jp/kabuki_london2010/

Ichimura Yoshigorô II died the 17th of February 2010.

Nakamura Karoku is the prize-winner of the Excellence Prize (yûshô shô) of the 31st Matsuo Artistic Prizes (Matsuo Geinô Shô). He will receive his prize the 29th of March 2010 at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Tôkyô.

The rarely-staged mizuiri scene of "Sukeroku" will be produced in May 2010 at the Shimbashi Embujô with Ichikawa Ebizô playing the role of Sukeroku.

The last programs to be staged at the Kabukiza, in April 2010, before its destruction and rebuilding have been published. All-times favourites staged with a great casting [more details].

The Kabukiza, the Temple of Kabuki in Japan, will be destroyed in a few weeks. The architect in charge of designing the future theater is Kuma Kengo. He once has said that his goal was to recover the tradition of Japanese buildings and to reinterpret it for the 21st century. So far, one of his most famous creations is the Suntory Museum of Art.

Do you want a souvenir of the Kabukiza? If yes, you might be interested in the coming expensive Kawara Tokei (literally the "Tile Clock"). The tiles of the Temple of Kabuki will be recycled into clocks this summer, to be sold by the Shôchiku Company to Kabuki fans [more details in Japanese].

The supporting actor Sawamura Kuniya (a disciple of Sawamura Tôjûrô) celebrates his success at the nadai exam in February 2010 at the Kabukiza.

As the Kabukiza will be closed in May 2010, the traditional May dankikusai will be held for the very first time in Kabuki history outside Tôkyô ... in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza.

Bandô Tamasaburô will perform for the very first time the prestigious and difficult role of Kakuju in the drama "Dômyôji", which will be staged at the Kabukiza in March 2010 [more details]. This staging will commemorate the 16th anniversary (17th memorial service) of the death of Kataoka Nizaemon XIII and the 35th anniversary (36th memorial service) of the death of Morita Kan'ya XIV.

The 1st of January 2010, the giant countdown machine, which was installed in front of the Kabukiza to display the number of remaining days, hours and minutes before the final closing of this theater, displayed 120 days. There was a spectacular matsuri, with an omikoshi which was brought in front of the theater to bring good luck and good fortune to the future 5th generation Kabukiza (picture)!

Nakamura Kazutarô, son of Nakamura Kanjaku and grandson of Sakata Tôjûrô, will play for the first time the prestigious role of the courtesan Tenmaya Ohatsu in Chikamatsu Monzaemon I's masterpiece "Sonezaki Shinjû", which will be staged in March 2010 at the Minamiza [more details]; the role of Hiranoya Tokubei will be performed by Nakamura Kanjaku. The 3-generation actors went to the Tsuyu Tenjinsha shrine, which is commonly called Ohatsu Tenjin, to pray for the success of the performance and to get some protection from the Deity enshrined there.

Reminder: the Kabukiza, the Temple of Kabuki in Japan, will be definitively closed (and destroyed afterwards - to be rebuilt in the coming years) at the end of April 2010. Only 4 months of Kabukiza Sayonara Kôen (farewell performances) in 2010. If you have the chance to be in Tôkyô between January 2010 and April 2010, do not miss the opportunity to visit this important monument in Kabuki (and Japan) history!

Namiki Gohei's spectacular drama "Kinmon Gosan no Kiri" will be revived at the National Theatre in March 2010; the role of the larger-than-life villain Ishikawa Goemon will be performed by Nakamura Hashinosuke [more details].

Kawatake Shinshichi III's drama "Somemoyô Chûgi no Goshuin", which was revived in October 2006 at the Shôchikuza, will be staged in March 2010 at the Nissay Theatre [more details].

The Kabukiza will commemorate the 22nd anniversary (23rd memorial service) of late Nakamura Kanzaburô XVII in February 2010. The stars of this program will be Nakamura Kanzaburô XVII's son Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII, Bandô Tamasaburô, Kataoka Nizaemon and all the members of the Matsushimaya guild, Bandô Mitsugorô, Living National Treasure Nakamura Shikan and his two sons, Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Kaishun, Nakamura Kanjaku and Nakamura Senjaku [more details].

Opening of the official website of Onoe Kikugorô and Onoe Kikunosuke, the stars of the Otowaya guild: otowaya.ne.jp.

Ichikawa Danjûrô is giving a talk (in Japanese) at the Westin Miyako in Kyôto on Thursday 17th December 2009, from 6:30pm to 9pm, with a dinner with Kyôto special seasonal ingredients [more details].

Matsumoto Kôshirô will soon join the prestigious Japan Art Academy (Nihon Geijutsuin). It is going to be announced formally by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology the 15th of December 2009.

Bandô Tamasaburô receives the 57th Kikuchi Kan Award in recompense for his performance in July 2009 at the Kabukiza, where he played in Izumi Kyôka's dramas "Kaijin Bessô" and "Tenshu Monogatari".

The Nagauta musician Mochizuki Tasanosuke III (1934~2009) died the 3rd of December 2009.

The young star Ichikawa Ebizô will tour in the UK in June 2010, performing at the Sadler's Wells Theatre the great roles of Tadanobu and the fox Genkurô in a selection of scenes from the classic "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura" [more details].
Big thanks to Trevor for the piece of information!

The Living National Treasure Sakata Tôjûrô received the Order of Culture (bunka kunshô in Japanese). This order has one class only, and may be awarded to men and women for contributions to Japan's art, literature or culture; recipients of the order also receive an annuity for life. The order was conferred to Sakata Tôjûrô by the Emperor of Japan in person on Culture Day (the 3rd of November).

The star Nakamura Kanzaburô has worked with the modern playwright Kudô Kankurô to produce a new drama, which is titled "Ôedo Ribingu Deddo" (Ôedo and the Living Dead) and will be staged at the Kabukiza in December 2009 [more details].

The Zenshinza actor Arashi Hironari will take the name of Arashi Yoshisaburô VII in May 2010 at the National Theatre. he will play the role of Yosaburô in the drama "Kirare Otomi".

As part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series, the drama "Sumidagawa Gonichi no Omokage", which was shot live in November 2008 at the Heisei Nakamuraza, will be released in Tôkyô the 26th of December 2009. This is the 10th "Cinema Kabuki" and it will be screened at the Tôgeki in Tôkyô [more details in Japanese].

The rarely-staged "Amakawaya Gihei Uchi" act will be part of the tôshi kyôgen staging of the classic "Kanadehon Chûshingura" in Ôsaka in January 2010 at the Shôchikuza [more details]. The casting will be full of Kamigata (real or related) stars like Sakata Tôjûrô, Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Senjaku, Kataoka Gatô, Kataoka Hidetarô, Kataoka Takatarô or Bandô Takesaburô.

Ichikawa Ebizô will perform for the very first time the prestigious ten roles of "Date no Jûyaku", in January 2010 at the Shimbashi Embujô [more details]. These roles were the privilege of the star Ichikawa Ennosuke, who revived them for the first time in April 1979 and performed them in 9 productions from 1979 to 1999.

Revival in January 2010 at the National Theatre of Namiki Gohei I's long-forgotten drama "Keisei Kogane no Shachihoko", which is titled "Asahi-ni Kagayaku Kin no Shachihoko" in this new version. It is staged to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the establishment of the city of Nagoya. The creation of the town of Nagoya began in 1610, with the beginning of the construction of Nagoya Castle, and the transfer of the entire town of Kiyosu. "Keisei Kogane no Shachihoko" was premiered in December 1782 in Ôsaka at the Kado no Shibai and successfully produced up to the middle of March 1783 [more details].

The 9 movies of the Shinema Kabuki series ("Cinema Kabuki") will be screened one more time in several movie theaters in October, November and December. The very good news is that some of these movies will have English subtitles [more details]. The full program in Japanese is also available (PDF file).

Bandô Tamasaburô and Kataoka Nizaemon, the most successful goruden kombi of nowadays Kabuki, will be the stars of the December 2009 kaomise at the Minamiza. They will play the roles of the lovers Sukeroku and Agemaki in "Sukeroku Kuruwa no Hatsuzakura". They will also play two supporting roles in "Fûin Giri": the helpful Izutsuya Oen (Bandô Tamasaburô) and the treacherous Tambaya Hachiemon (Kataoka Nizaemon) [more details].

A special 1-day program called "Nô and Kabuki" will be staged the 26th of October 2009 at the Kabukiza. It will be made up of one Nô play and one Kabuki dance [more details].

October is the month of kodomo shibai in the heart of the lively Asakusa district of Tôkyô. This event is called "Asakusa Okuyama Kodomo Kabuki" [more details in Japanese].

We celebrate today the 10th anniversary of the www.kabuki21.com project! I would like to thank all the people who kindly helped me over the years to build this website: the Antiquarian Print Gallery, Paul Binnie, Jeff Blair, Ashley Buerkett, Frank Castle, Anne Dick, Ehon Kabukizzu, Yuriko Fujiki, David "Bassman" Gardahaut, Paul Griffith, Marion Hudson, Richard Illing, Ted Jagoda, James King, Curtis Knapp, Theo de Kreijger, MacDougall Auctions, Lynn Matsuoka, Katarzyna Paczuska, Guy Pepermans, ROMAN, Sekidobashi "Abby" Sakura, Trevor Skingle, Hiroko Sonoyama, STUDIO-S, the Sydney Society of Literature and Aesthetics, Jerry "V" Vegder, Stefan Verstappen, Jan Pieter Volkers, Jean Wilson, Junko Yamada and Akiko Yamauchi.

Nakamura Kanzaburô's son Nakamura Kantarô will take the name of Nakamura Kankurô VI^* in Spring 2012. His shûmei has been officially announced by the Shôchiku Company.

(*) This shûmei is not a surprise but I was also expecting Nakamura Kantarô's younger brother Nakamura Shichinosuke to take the name of Nakamura Shichisaburô VI at the same time .... In my dream, a third actor (a tachiyaku) would have also taken the name of Nakamura Nakazô VI. I was wrong!

The Nagauta shamisen player Kineya Seijirô will become the new iemoto of the Kineya school of music and take the name of Kineya Katsusaburô VIII. His shûmei will be celebrated at the National Theatre in September 2010. His father, Kineya Katsusaburô VII, is now named Kineya Kassaku^*. Kassaku was the haimyô of Kineya Katsusaburô II.

(*) We are not sure about the reading of this name [勝作]. Is it Kassaku or Shôsaku?

Great Kabuki in October 2009 at the Misonoza, with the tôshi kyôgen production of the classic "Kanadehon Chûshingura". The stars will be Ichikawa Danjûrô, the Matsushimaya guild led by Kataoka Nizaemon and the two heirs of the Narikomaya guild [more details].

If you are interested to go to Monaco for the Kabuki in September 2009, there is an English website which can help you purchasing some tickets. You'll be charged in JPY but you will be able to print your ticket by yourself (a big thanks to Trevor for the piece of information!):
http://www.e-tix.jp/monaco_kabuki_en/monaco_kabuki_en.html.

After the Shimbashi Embujô in January 2008 and the Misonoza in April 2009, the young star Ichikawa Ebizô will play for the third times 5 roles in the epic drama "Narukami Fudô Kitayama Zakura", which will be staged in October 2009 at the Hakataza (Fukuoka) [more details]. This year is special for the Hakataza, which celebrates its 10th anniversary!

For the second time in Kabuki history, the world of Edogawa Rampo will be adapted to Kabuki, in October 2009 at the National Theatre with Matsumoto Kôshirô and Ichikawa Somegorô in the leading roles [more details].

There will be a short Kabuki tour in Europa in September 2009, in Monaco (the fiscal paradise located near Nice in France) from the 16th to the 19th. Ichikawa Ebizô will perform the leading role of "Shunkyô Kagami Jishi". Ichikawa Danjûrô and Nakamura Tokizô will star in the great drama "Narukami". The venue will be the Salle Garnier of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

The Chikamatsuza, the troupe led by Living National Treasure Sakata Tôjûrô, will tour in the Western provinces in September 2009 [more details].

The Heisei Nakamuraza will be in Nagoya in September 2009. The temporary koshibai look-alike theater will be built in the precincts of the Nagoya Castle [more details].

The number of swine flu cases in Kansai is responsible for a program change in the June 2009 show at the Shôchikuza. The young star Ichikawa Ebizô will perform a traditional nirami no mie in a kôjô added between two dances. It is said that if you can catch the actor eyes, you won't be infected with the new H1N1 virus!

Kataoka Nizaemon will do his isse ichidai performance for the role of Yohei in the drama "Abura no Jigoku", which will be staged in June 2009 at the Kabukiza.

The goruden kombi Bandô Tamasaburô/Ichikawa Ebizô will be the stars of the July 2009 program at the Kabukiza. They will play together in Izumi Kyôka's masterpieces "Kaijin Bessô" and "Tenshu Monogatari".

A giant countdown machine was inaugurated in front of the Kabukiza the 1st of May 2009, to display the number of remaining days, hours and minutes before the final closing of this theater [more details in Japanese]. The stage giants Ichikawa Danjûrô, Onoe Kikugorô, Sakata Tôjûrô, Nakamura Tomijûrô and Nakamura Shikan took part in the ceremony and speeches.

Nakamura Hashinosuke is part of the cast of Kiriya Kazuaki's big-budget CG-assisted heavy blow-out-the-eyeballs spectacular epic movie "Goemon", which was released all over Japan the 1st of May 2009. The Kabuki actor plays the role of the warlord Oda Nobunaga.

Onoe Kikunosuke is part of the cast of Hayashi Kaizô and Kaneko Isao movie "Za Kôdo/ Angô", which was released all over Japan the 9th of May 2009.

Bandô Mitsugorô has received the Purple Ribbon Medal (Shiju Hôshô in Japanese), one of the six Japanese medals of honor awarded by the Japanese Government to deserving citizens.

Ichikawa Masuju, a supporting onnagata actor of the Naritaya guild, died the 24th of April 2009, victim of a lungs cancer.

Sakata Tôjûrô played for the 1300th times the role of the courtesan Tenmaya Ohatsu in Chikamatsu Monzaemon I's masterpiece "Sonezaki Shinjû", the 24th of April 2009 in Tôkyô at the Kabukiza. The 1000th times was previously reached in January 1995 at the Nakaza; the role of Hiranoya Tokubei was played by Sakata Tôjûrô's son Nakamura Kanjaku.

The Minister of Education has designated the 1899 film "Momijigari", one of Japan’s earliest existing films recording the Kabuki actors Ichikawa Danjûrô IX and Onoe Kikugorô V acting in the eponymous play, an Important Cultural Property (Jûyô Bunkazai). The film photographed by Shibata Tsunekichi is the first motion picture ever to be given that designation.
Source: Aaron Gerow's Japanese Film Page

Matsumoto Kôshirô's grandson and Ichikawa Somegorô's son will make his first stage appearance (hatsubutai) at the Kabukiza in June 2009. He will receive the name of Matsumoto Kintarô IV and will perform with his father and grandfather in a special version of "Renjishi", which also features Nakamura Kichiemon, Nakamura Shibajaku, Onoe Shôroku and Ôtani Tomoemon.

Ichikawa Danjûrô has written under the pen-name of Mimasuya Hakuji a short drama, which is titled "Kurodani" and will be staged the 27th of June 2009 in Nagoya at the Nagoya Nôgakudô. This staging is part of the second edition of a special program of the association Ichikawa Ôka no Kai, which stars the female Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ôka, head of a female troupe in Nagoya (Nagoya Musume Kabuki). Ichikawa Danjûrô will perform in his drama.

The actor Bandô Takesaburô will celebrate in Summer 2009 his 77th birthday. This is an important age and it is a custom to celebrate it with a kiju kinen performance. It will be staged in June 2009 at the Shôchikuza.

The dance master Fujima Murasaki died in Tôkyô the 27th of March 2009. She was the wife of the star Ichikawa Ennosuke.

Bandô Mitsugorô and Ichikawa Danshirô are prize-winners of the 30th Matsuo Artistic Prizes (Matsuo Geinô Shô). They received the 30th of March 2009 at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Tôkyô the Grand Prize (Bandô Mitsugorô) and the Matsuo Kunizô Prize (Ichikawa Danshirô).

Nakamura Kichiemon and Nakamura Kantarô received the 26th of February 2009 a prize from the 16th Yomiuri Engeki Taishô (the Yomiuri Theatrical Prizes), awarded by the famous paper Yomiuri Shimbun. Nakamura Kichiemon received the Special Prize from the Selection Committee and Nakamura Kantarô received the Sugimura Haruko Prize.

The actor Nakamura Matagorô II died in Tôkyô the 21st of February 2009. We've received a mail from David, who had the chance to meet and work with this great actor and teacher:

"I had the great good fortune (as did several of us) to spend a year training with Matagorô sensei in what is still one of the best years of my theatrical life.
What I remember most clearly was the day, after class, when Russell and Elizabeth had questions about their scene together as Heiemon and Okaru^* and the emotions involved as Heiemon tells Okaru about Kampei's death.
There were several of us there, sitting next to Matagorô in the dance studio, as he started to explain the scene. Then he said, "Here, let me show you". and without a moment's hesitation he launched into the scene, acting both parts with full emotional intensity. It was an incredible performance, unlike any I had ever seen before or since. Here was a true artist working at the very height of his powers and his talents. It was pure acting without relying on props, or costumes or stage setting to carry the scene but doing so entirely with his acting. And when the scene was finished, he smiled and asked, in a calm matter-of-fact tone, "Do you understand now?". I have seen many great performances (granted, mostly on film) by some of the world's greatest actors, but nothing has ever equaled the sheer skill and artistry I saw that morning.
Kabuki has lost a great artist, and we from out side the Kabuki world of Japan have lost a true friend who supported our quest to better understand this art form not just as scholars but more importantly as fellow artists.
The march of time was bound to bring this day, but the reality of it still hits hard."

(*) this scene is in the seventh act of "Kanadehon Chûshingura".

If you are interested in the design of the future Kabukiza, you can click on this link, which will redirect you on a page in Japanese containing a drawing of the project.

The Shôchiku Company has created a Special Logo for the Kabukiza Sayonara Kôen, the Kabukiza Farewell Performances, which will be held from January 2009 to April 2010.

As part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series, Hasegawa Shin's drama "Irezumi Chôhan", which was shot live in April 2008 at the Kabukiza, will be released in Tôkyô the 28th of February 2009. This is the 8th "Cinema Kabuki" and it will be screened at the Tôgeki in Tôkyô. Afterwards, it will be screened in Fukuoka and Kyôto.

Mayama's Shinkabuki masterpiece "Genroku Chûshingura" will be staged in March 2009 at the Kabukiza as a tôshi kyôgen but not in its integrity. The 6 most important parts are staged with the leading role of Ôishi Kuranosuke performed by the stars Matsumoto Kôshirô, Kataoka Nizaemon and Ichikawa Danjûrô.

Three links to articles about the rebuilding of the Kabukiza and the Kabukiza Sayonara Kôen (Kabukiza Farewell Performances), which will be held from January 2009 to April 2010:

BBC
("Tôkyô's demolition drama")

The Japan Times
("Kabuki mecca's days numbered")

Kyôdô News
("Tôkyô's Kabuki theater due to undergo remodeling ")

Kataoka Ainosuke became the 4th iemoto of the Umemoto school of Kamigata-mai. As a dance master, he took the name of Umemoto Senshô III. He will celebrate this shûmei in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza in March 2009.

Nakamura Tomijûrô will celebrate in 2009 his 80th birthday. This is an important age and it is a custom to celebrate it with a sanju kinen performance, which will staged at the Kabukiza in May 2009, not within a regular Kabuki program, but as a short dance program of the association Yaguruma no Kai (yaguruma is the mon of Nakamura Tomijûrô). He is expected to perform the role of Musashibô Benkei in the spectacular dance-drama "Kanjinchô". He will also perform with his son Nakamura Takanosuke in the dance "Renjishi".

The supporting actor Arashi Kanjûrô VI (1926~2008) died the 22nd of December 2008.

The Shôchiku Company has asked the Kabuki aficionados to select the 20 best Kabuki plays. More that 15,000 people took part, 72.6% of female voters and 27.4% of male voters. Here are the results:

Nakamura Utae was commended in November 2008 by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The commendation ceremony happened the 6th of November.

Very important news: The Kabukiza, the main theater in Japan for Kabuki, will be torn down and rebuilt from May 2010. the new theater complex will be built on the current site, in the Eastern part of the Ginza of Tôkyô. The rebuilding is expected to take at least three years. To celebrate the closing of this prestigious theater, a series of performances titled Kabukiza Sayonara Kôen (Kabukiza Farewell Performances) will be held from January 2009 to April 2010. The Shôchiku Company said that from May 2010 until the new theater's scheduled reopening in 2013, Kabuki performances will be held at the Shimbashi Embujô.

"Zôhiki", a bombastic play in the aragoto style which belongs to the Kabuki Jûhachiban, will be revived in January 2009 at the National Theatre, starring the star Ichikawa Danjûrô in thje leading role.

Nakamura Kanzaburô has received the Purple Ribbon Medal (Shiju Hôshô in Japanese), one of the six japanese medals of honor awarded by the Japanese Government to deserving citizens.

Nakamura Tomijûrô was put by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the list of Japanese personalities who have made outstanding culture contributions in Japan in 2008 (bunka kôrôsha).

The supporting actor Kataoka Matsusaburô (a disciple of Kataoka Nizaemon) has celebrated his success at the nadai exam in November 2008 at the Kabukiza. It was also the occasion for this actor to take the name of Kataoka Nisaburô.

The supporting actor Sawamura Kiyoshi (a disciple of late Sawamura Sôjûrô IX and Sawamura Tanosuke) celebrates his success at the nadai exam in October 2008 at the Kabukiza. It is also the occasion for this actor to take the name of Sawamura Ujûrô V.

"Ninagawa Jûniya", a Kabuki adaptation of Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" will be staged in London next year, from the 24th to the 28th of March 2009 at the Barbican Theater. It will also be staged in June 2009 in Tôkyô at the Shimbashi Embujô and in July 2009 in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza.

As part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series, the dance-drama "Renjishi", which was shot live by the famous movie director Yamada Yôji in October 2007 at the Shimbashi Embujô, will be released in Tôkyô the 27th of December 2008. This is the 7th "Cinema Kabuki" and it will be screened at the Tôgeki in Tôkyô.

Revival in December 2008 at the National Theatre of Takeshiba Kisui's masterpiece "Tôyama Zakura Tenpô Nikki", which was premiered in November 1893 at the Meijiza with Ichikawa Sadanji I playing the roles of the hero Tôyama Kinshirô and the villain Ikuta Kakudayû. For this new production, the two roles will be played by Onoe Kikugorô. The character of Tôyama Kinshirô is based on a famous magistrate of the Tenpô era, who was named Tôyama Saemon and was renowned for his cherry blossoms tattoos.

2008 is definitively an extremely good year for the Heisei Nakamuraza, the successful travelling theater led by the dynamic star Nakamura Kanzaburô. After the tour in Europe in May/June 2008, the long stay in Matsumoto in July 2008 and the massive staging of "Kanadehon Chûshingura" in October 2008 in Tôkyô in Asakusa, the troupe will perform in November 2008 its classic "Hôkaibô" in the same temporary theater, which will be built in the precincts of the Sensôji Temple for the October 2008 event. "Hôkaibô" was staged for the first edition of the Heisei Nakamuraza in November 2000.

Kabuki21.com celebrates its 9th Anniversary.

For the very first time in Kabuki history, a novel of Edogawa Rampo will be adapted to Kabuki, in November 2008 at the National Theatre with Matsumoto Kôshirô and Ichikawa Somegorô in the leading roles [info].

As you already know, Matsumoto Kôshirô will play for the 1000th times the role of Musashibô Benkei in the dance-drama "Kanjinchô". It will happen the 15th of October in the city of Nara (check the 18 June 2008 news for more details). It is part of a short tour for the Kôraiya guild, visiting Tôkyô, Niigata, Yachiyo, Nagoya, Shizuoka and Nara [info].

2008 is indeed the year of the Heisei Nakamuraza, the travelling troupe led by the star Nakamura Kanzaburô. After the tour in Europe in May/June 2008 and the long stay in Matsumoto in July 2008, the 3rd edition will happen in October 2008 in Tôkyô in the precincts of the Sensôji Temple, the heart of the popular district of Asakusa. They will stage for the first time the classic "Kanadehon Chûshingura", in four different programs. The Heisei Nakamuraza will star for the very first time the stage giant Kataoka Nizaemon.

The star Nakamura Kanzaburô and Noda Hideki, one of Japan's most famous contemporary directors, will work together for the third times^*, producing at the Kabukiza in August 2008 Verdi's opera "Aida" as a Kabuki drama [more details].

(*) the first and second times were the dramas "Togitatsu no Utare" and "Nezumi Kozô" in August 2001 and August 2003.

Nakamura Kinnosuke will celebrate his shûmei in Nagoya, at the Misonoza, in October 2008; He will play the roles of Konoshita Tôkichi, Minamoto no Yoriie and Lord Matsue in "Kinkakuji", "Shuzenji Monogatari" and "Kôchiyama".

As part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series, the drama "Bunshichi Mottoi", which was shot live by the famous movie director Yamada Yôji in October 2007 at the Shimbashi Embujô, will be released in Tôkyô the 18th of October 2008. This is the 6th "Cinema Kabuki" and it will be screened at the Tôgeki in Tôkyô.

The Zenshinza will revive Tsuruya Namboku IV's masterpiece "Gedatsu no Kinu Momiji Kasane", in September 2008 (Chûkyô Daigaku Bunka Shimin Kaikan) and in October 2008 (Zenshinza Gekijô, Asakusa Kôkaidô).

There will be a kokera otoshi at the Eirakukan, to celebrate the completion of the renovation of a traditional theater, which was built in the city of Toyooka in the prefecture of Hyôgo [more details].

Matsumoto Kôshirô will play for the 1000th times the role of Musashibô Benkei in the dance-drama "Kanjinchô". This event will be held the 15th of October 2008 in Nara on a special stage built within the precincts of the Tôdaiji temple. It will be a pre-event for the 1300th Anniversary of the Relocation of the Capital of Japan in Nara and the beginning of the Nara Period (710~794).

The Shinpa, a dramatic genre that developed in opposition to Kabuki during the Meiji era, will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year. The Shôchiku will produce in June 2008 at the Shimbashi Embujô, the Temple of Shinpa in Tôkyô, two of the most famous dramas of this genre, Izumi Kyôka's "Onna Keizu" and Mishima Yukio's "Rokumeikan". Kataoka Nizaemon and the actress Namino Kuriko will star in "Onna Keizu". Ichikawa Danjûrô and the actress Mizutani Yaeko will star in "Rokumeikan".

Nakamura Kichiemon will receive the 12th award commemorating Tsubouchi Shôyô (1859~1935), Japan's earliest translator of Shakespearean plays, from the city of Mino-Kamo in the Prefecture of Gifu where the novelist-playwright-critic was born. The ceremony will be held the 8th of July 2008 in Mino-Kamo.

Sakata Tôjûrô received the 10th of April 2008 the Baiyulan Prize of the City of Shanghai.

The Nagauta musician Mochizuki Chôsaku VII will take the name of Mochizuki Bokusei V in Summer 2009.

Nakamura Kinnosuke will celebrate his shûmei in the Central provinces in July 2008, playing the role of Rokusuke in the drama "Keya-Mura".

Nakamura Tomijûrô received in April 2008 an honorary degree from the Traditional Opera Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Arts in Beijing (China).

Nakamura Kaishun will receive the Purple Ribbon Medal (Shiju Hôshô in Japanese), one of the six japanese medals of honor awarded by the Japanese Government to deserving citizens.

The supporting actors Ichikawa Shinshichi (a disciple of Ichikawa Danjûrô) celebrates his success at the nadai exam in May 2008 at the Kabukiza. It is also the occasion for this actor to take the name of Ichikawa Shinjûrô IV.

The Heisei Nakamuraza troupe, led by the star Nakamura Kanzaburô, will perform for the first time in the city of Matsumoto, in July 2008. They will stage the spectacular Kamigata drama "Natsu Matsuri".

There will be a large scale exhibition of Japanese prints at the Hastings Museum & Art Gallery from the 22nd of June to the 5th of October 2008. Rare Kabuki prints made by Kunisada, Kuniyoshi, Yoshitsuya and Sadahide will be displayed (more details).

Bandô Tamasaburô will perform the 30th of April 2008 within the Castle of Kumamoto. This dance program is part of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Building of the Kumamoto Castle (built in 1607), which started the 31st of December 2006 and will end in Spring 2008. So far, the only known item in this program is the beautiful dance "Fuji Musume".

The supporting actors Nakamura Nakajirô (a disciple of Nakamura Kanzaburô) celebrated his success at the nadai exam in April 2008 at the Kabukiza. It was also be the occasion for this actor to take the name of Nakamura Kosaburô.

Nakamura Tokizô and Nakamura Shibajaku are the prize-winners of the 64th Japan Art Academy Prize (nihon geijutsuin shô).

Nakamura Kanzaburô will be on tour in Europe in Spring 2008! He will build his "family" theater, the Heisei Nakamuraza, in Berlin at the The House of World Cultures (Germany) from the 14th to the 21st of May 2008 and in Sibiu (Rumania) from the 29th of May to the 1st of June 2008 for the International Theatre Festival. "Natsu Matsuri" will be produced for the first time in Europe thanks to Nakamura Kanzaburô!

The Heisei Nakamuraza will be built in Nagoya in 2009 and the troupe led by Nakamura Kanzaburô will perform there 30 times during the month of September 2009. This great event was publicly announced by Mr. Asano, the chairman of the network Tôkai TV, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

After the premiere of "Botantei" in March 2008 at the Minamiza, Bandô Tamasaburô will perform this new creation in Beijing (China) from the 6th to the 15th of May 2008. He will share the stage with Kunqu performers from the Suzhou region, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera. The dance "Yôkihi" will also be part of this program.

Nakamura Shibajaku is prize-winner of the 29th Matsuo Artistic Prizes (Matsuo Geinô Shô). He will receive the 27th of March 2008 at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Tôkyô the Excellence Prize (yûshô shô).

Ichikawa Nobuo will take the name of Ichikawa Enzaburô II in March 2008 at the Shimbashi Embujô. He is the son of Arashi Kanjûrô VI and a disciple of the star Ichikawa Ennosuke.

Nakamura Shibajaku will perform at the end of March 2008 at the Uchisaiwai Hall in Tôkyô a Kabuki hitori shibai (one man Kabuki show), which is titled "Ningyo no Koi" ("The Love of a Mermaid") and is about the legend of Yaobikuni, the octo-centenarian nun (more details).

Bandô Mitsugorô and Nakamura Umenosuke are part of the cast of Yamada Yôji's movie "Kaabee". The film was released all over Japan the 26th of January 2008.

The spectacular aragoto masterpiece "Shibaraku" will be staged for the first time at the Kanamaruza in April 2008 as part of the 24th edition of the Spring Kabuki performance Kompira Kabuki Ôshibai, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Great Seto Bridge. The role of Kamakura Gongorô Kagemasa will be played by the young star Ichikawa Ebizô.

The actor Sakata Tôjûrô, who is the new prize-winner of the 7th Asahi Stage Arts Prize (asahi butai geijutsu shô in japanese), will celebrate in 2008 his 77th birthday. This is an important age and it is a custom to celebrate it with a kiju kinen performance, which will be the leading role of the great dance "Kyôganoko Musume Dôjôji", staged in March 2008 at the Kabukiza. This production will end with the famous oshimodoshi finale, with Ichikawa Danjûrô in the role of the demon-queller.

Bandô Tamasaburô will be at the Minamiza in March 2008 to star in "Botantei" and "Yôkihi". The former dance-drama is a brand-new creation based on the famous Chinese Opera "The Peony Pavilion". The latter dance-drama was created for Bandô Tamasaburô in 1991. Bandô Tamasaburô will share the stage with performers of Kunqu, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, who belong to a famous troupe of the Suzhou region.

The Kabuki expert Hattori Yukio (1932~2007) dies the 28th of December 2007.

The Kabuki Expert Matsui Toshiaki (1929~2007) dies.

The supporting actor Bandô Tachibana dies the 19th of December 2007. He was a disciple of Ichikawa Danjûrô XI and Ichimura Uzaemon XVII. His real name was Okano Fumio and his yagô was Tachibanaya.

The supporting actors Ichikawa Takiyuki (a disciple of Ichikawa Monnosuke) and Nakamura Chôshi (a disciple of Nakamura Shidô) will celebrate their success at the nadai exam in December 2007 at the Kabukiza. It will also be the occasion for Ichikawa Takiyuki to take the name of Ichikawa Monshô.

Revival of the "Nanzenji Gate" scene (commonly called "Onna Goemon") of the drama "Keisei Hama no Masago" at the Kabukiza in January 2008. The roles of Ishikawaya Masagoji and Taikô Hisayoshi will be played by the stage giants Nakamura Jakuemon and Nakamura Kichiemon!

Nakamura Baigyoku received in November 2007 the Purple Ribbon Medal (Shiju Hôshô in Japanese), one of the six japanese medals of honor awarded by the Japanese Government to deserving citizens.

Revival in January 2008 at the National Theatre of "Komachi-Mura Shibai no Shôgatsu", a kaomise drama which has not been staged since its premiere 219 years ago!

The stage props master Kanai Shun'ichirô dies the 22nd of October 2007. He was the head of the Kanai Ôdôgû Company.

The Nagauta shamisen player Matsushima Jusaburô V dies the 19th of October 2007. He took this stage name in 1964 and received in June 1998 the prestigious title of Living National Treasure (ningen kokuhô in Japanese). His real name was Shiraishi Hiroshi.

Nakamura Kinnosuke will celebrate his shûmei at the Minamiza in Kyôto in December 2007, playing the roles of Togashi Saemon and Soga Gorô in "Kanjinchô" and "Kotobuki Soga no Taimen".

Ichikawa Danjûrô receives the 55th Kikuchi Kan Award in recompense for the tour in Paris in March 2007 [more details].

Nakamura Gangorô, a supporting actor serving Sakata Tôjûrô, dies the 8th of October 2007 at the age of 60. His real name was Ioi Isao.

The Nagauta musician Mochizuki Bokusei IV died the 20th of September 2007. He held the name of Mochizuki Tazaemon XI from 1988 to 1993 and became Living National Treasure in 1998. He performed at the Kabukiza up to the 17th of September.

The famous movie director Yamada Yôji will shoot two items of Nakamura Kanzaburô's special program in October 2007 at the Shimbashi Embujô: "Renjishi" and "Bunshichi Mottoi". The film will be released in Japan in Fall 2008, as part as the Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") series.

The supporting actors Bandô Tamayuki and Bandô Kôichi (two disciples of Bandô Tamasaburô) will celebrate their success at the nadai exam in October 2007 at the Kabukiza.

8th anniversary of www.kabuki21.com!

The actor Nakamura Kanzaburô is part of the cast of Hirayama Hideyuki's movie "Yajikita Dôchû Teresuko". He plays one of the three major roles, along with the stars Emoto Akira and Koizumi Kyôko. This movie is based on Jippensha Ikku's picaresque comic novel "Tôkaidôchû Hizakurige". The roles of Yajirobei and Kitahachi are played by Nakamura Kanzaburô and Emoto Akira. The movie will be released all over Japan the 3rd of November 2007. Its international title is "Three for the Road" [more details].

We've just found on the web a great site full of Kabuki videos (performed by amateur troupes). You have to install an Add-in (Office Animation Runtime) in order to be able to watch the videos. Lots of classics and a few rare items!

Opening of a new website created by the National Theatre and dedicated to the promotion of the art of Kabuki. There is a Japanese version and an English version.

The drama "Sesshû Gappô-ga-Tsuji" (whose most famous act is "Gappô Anshitsu") will be revived in November 2007 at the National Theatre as a tôshi kyôgen production, which will star Sakata Tôjûrô in the prestigious role of Tamate Gozen.

The Chikamatsuza troupe will tour in China in Septembre 2007. The program will be made up of the play "Domo Mata" and the dance "Hanabusa Shûjaku no Shishi". Sakata Tôjûrô will play the roles of Otoku and the spirit of the lion in these items. His son Nakamura Kanjaku will play the role of Matahei in "Domo Mata". Here is the schedule:

The actor Onoe Kikunosuke is part of the cast of Nakata Hideo's movie "Kaidan", playing the role of Shinkichi. This is an adaptation of a famous ghost story, "Shinkei Kasane-ga-Fuchi", which was created by San'yûtei Enchô. The movie will be released all over Japan the 4th of August 2007.

Revival at the Kabukiza of "Ninagawa Jûniya", a Kabuki adaptation of Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" [more details].

We forgot one date for the Heisei Nakamuraza tour in the U.S.A.: the troupe will perform the 26th of July in Washington at the Warner Theatre the dance-dramas "Kanjinchô" and "Migawari Zazen" [more details].

The Zenshinza leader Nakamura Umenosuke is part of the cast of the omnibus movie "Yume Jûya" (10 directors, one for each of the 10 nights). This is an adaptation of Natsume Sôseki's famous eponymous novel. The movie will be released all over Japan in Spring 2007.

The actor Onoe Karoku, a supporting actor of the Otowaya guild, died the 3rd of May 2007.

The actor Nakamura Shirogorô died the 22nd of April 2007.

Nakamura Kanzaburô and his two sons, Nakamura Kantarô and Nakamura Shichinosuke, will be on tour in New York in July 2007! They will build their "family" theater, the Heisei Nakamuraza, in New York for the second time (the first time was in July 2004), at the Lincoln Center in the Avery Fisher Hall. They will stage "Renjishi" the 16th of July and "Sumidagawa Gonichi no Omokage" (commonly called "Hôkaibô") from the 17th to the 22nd of July.

The Kabukiza will celebrate in May 2007 the 120th anniversary of the first Kabuki performance given for the Emperor (the 21st of April 1887) with the dance-drama "Kanjinchô" and the 6th anniversary (7th memorial service) of the death of Ichimura Uzaemon XVII with the drama "Onna Shibaraku".

The actor Ichikawa Sadanji is part of the cast of Ninagawa Mika's movie "Sakuran", playing the role of a retired man. This is an adaptation of Anno Moyoco's eponymous Manga. The movie was released the 24th of February 2007.

The Kabuki photographer Yoshida Chiaki died the 30th of January 2007.

Nakamura Kichiemon receives the Special Award of the 6th Asahi Performing Arts Awards (2006).

Ichikawa Kamejirô receives the Terayama Shûji Award of the 6th Asahi Performing Arts Awards (2006).

The choreographer Hanayagi Juraku died the 7th of January 2007.

Nakamura Kichiemon receives the 48th Mainichi Performing Arts Awards (2006).

Nakamura Shinjirô will take the name of Nakamura Kinnosuke II in April 2007 at the Kabukiza, playing the roles of Chôkichi/Yogorô and Torazô/Ushiwakamaru in "Sumôba" and "Kikubatake".

The musician Tanaka Dembei V died the 20th of December 2006.

The actor Ichikawa Seiko died the 17th of December 2006.

The young Kabuki rising star Onoe Kikunosuke is part of the cast of Ichikawa Kon's latest movie "Inugamike no Ichizoku", playing the role of Inugami Sukekiyo. This is an adaptation of Yokomizo Seishi's famous eponymous whodunnit. The movie was released all over Japan the 16th of December 2006. The international title of this movie is "The Inugamis".

Nagayama Takeomi, the head of the powerful Shôchiku Company, dies in Tôkyô the 13th of December 2006.

Kataoka Nizaemon becomes member of the Japan Art Academy the 15th of December 2006.

The star Matsumoto Kôshirô performed the 23rd of November 2006 for the 900th times the prestigious role of Musashibô Benkei in the dance-drama "Kanjinchô". He was on tour with his guild and the venue was the Kôrakukan, a famous old wooden theater in Akita.

The Kabuki star Bandô Mitsugorô is part of the cast of Yamada Shôji's latest movie "Bushi no Ichibun", playing the role of the villain Shimada Tôya. The movie will be released all over Japan tomorrow, the 1st of December 2006.

the 4th edition of Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki"), a Kabuki play which was staged at the Kabukiza becomes a movie, will be released the 13th of January 2007. The play is "Kyôganoko Musume Ninin Dôjôji", which was staged in February 2006 and starred Bandô Tamasaburô and Onoe Kikunosuke.

Nakamura Genzaemon II died the 20th of October 2006.

Nakamura Kanzaburô will celebrate his shûmei at the Minamiza in Kyôto in December 2006, playing the roles of Tadanobu and the shirabyôshi Hanako in the drama "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura" and the dance "Musume Dôjôji".

Seventh anniversary for our little website!

The National Theatre will stage the 1st of October 2006 an unusual program dedicated to the monk warrior Benkei. The first item will be the famous Nô drama "Ataka" and the second one will be "Kanjinchô", the Kabuki adaptation of this Nô drama, most likely the most famous dance-drama in the current Kabuki repertoire. The role of Benkei will be performed by Kondô Kennosuke of the Hôshô school in "Ataka" and by Nakamura Kichiemon in "Kanjinchô".

Nakamura Kantarô will not take part in the Kabuki Tour in the Eastern Provinces in September 2006. He will be replaced by Nakamura Shinobu for the role of Nureginu in "Jusshukô" and by his brother Nakamura Shichinosuke for the role of Kokingo in "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura".

Sakata Tôjûrô will celebrate his shûmei in Nagoya at the Misonoza from the 1st to the 25th of October 2006, playing the roles of Sasaki Moritsuna and the keisei Yayoi (in reality the spirit of a shishi) in the drama "Ômi Genji Senjin Yakata" and the dance "Makura Jishi".

The talented onnagata Nakamura Kaishun will perform for the first time in his career the prestigious role of Kuzu-no-Ha (and the fox Kuzu-no-Ha) in the eponymous drama, which will be staged at the Kabukiza in October 2006.

Mayama Seika's Shinkabuki masterpiece "Genroku Chûshingura" will be staged in its integrity at the National Theatre over 3 months in 3 different productions with 3 different stars in the leading role of Ôishi Kuranosuke: Nakamura Kichiemon in October 2006, Sakata Tôjûrô in November 2006 and Matsumoto Kôshirô in December 2006. This event is staged to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the National Theatre.

A new dance is staged at the Kabukiza in August 2006. Titled "Tanokyû", it is based on a folk story and choreographed by Bandô Mitsugorô, the zagashira of the August troupe.

The Kabukiza will commemorate in September 2006 the 120th anniversary of the birth of the great actor Nakamura Kichiemon I, whose's haimyô was Shûzan. This special program will be called "Shûzan Matsuri" (the festival of Shûzan), starring Nakamura Kichiemon I's descendants Nakamura Kichiemon II and Matsumoto Kôshirô.

Nakamura Kantarô will not take part in the Kabuki Tour in the Eastern Provinces in July 2006. He will be replaced by Nakamura Shinobu for the role of Nureginu in "Jusshukô" and by his brother Nakamura Shichinosuke for the role of Kokingo in "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura".

Bandô Kokichi, the grandson of late Bandô Kichiya II, will make his first official stage appearance at the Kabukiza in August 2006.

Nakamura Kanzaburô will celebrate his shûmei in the Eastern provinces in July 2006 and in the Western Provinces in September 2006, playing the roles of Ukyô and Gonta in "Migawari Zazen" and "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura". Many performances will be staged in small wooden traditional theaters, the kind of venues deeply loved by the star: the Azumaza (Gifu prefecture), the Kôrakukan (Akita prefecture), the Uchikoza (Ehime prefecture), the Kanamaruza (Kagawa prefecture), the Meijiza (Gifu prefecture) or the Kaho Gekijô (Fukuoka prefecture). As part of this tour, the performances in Nagoya from the 24th to the 27th of September, will be called Heisei Nakamuraza.

Sakata Tôjûrô will celebrate his shûmei in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza from the 2nd to the 26th of July 2006, playing the roles of Danshichi Kurobei and the shirabyôshi Hanako in the drama "Natsu Matsuri" and the dance "Musume Dôjôji".

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Ichikawa Ebizô and Ichikawa Kamejirô will be on tour in Paris in March 2007. They will play at the famous Opera Garnier in the dance-dramas "Kanjinchô" and "Momijigari" from the 23rd to the 30th of March 2007. There will be a kôjô, which will talk about the kabuki Jûhachiban and the Shin Kabuki Jûhachiban.

There will be a Kabuki tour in Western Europe at the end of this month and the beginning of June 2006, in London at the Sadler's Wells (31 May~11 June) and in Amsterdam at the Stadsschouwburg (15~18 June) [more details].

Nakamura Kanzaburô will celebrate his shûmei in Fukuoka at the Hakataza in June 2006, playing the roles of the spirit of the Lion, Chôbei and Benten Kozô in the dramas "Renjishi", "Bunshichi Mottoi" and "Benten Musume".

Bandô Tamasaburô is the prize-winner of the 62nd Japan Art Academy Prize (nihon geijutsuin shô).

Nakamura Umemaru becomes Nakamura Baigyoku's heyago and celebrates this month his shûmei at the Kabukiza.

Nakamura Baigyoku's disciple Nakamura Umezô and Nakamura Kaishun's disciple Nakamura Shunka celebrate this month their success at the nadai exam at the Kabukiza.

The Zenshinza troupe will celebrate its 75th anniversary in May 2006 at the National Theatre, producing Tsuruya Namboku IV's "Nazo no Obi Chotto Tokubei" and Kawatake Mokuami's "Sakanaya Sôgorô". Arashi Keishi, Nakamura Baijaku and Kawarazaki Kunitarô plays the roles of Ôshima Danshichi, Azumaya Tokubei and Okaji/Otatsu in the former drama. Nakamura Umenosuke and Segawa Kikunojô plays the roles of Sôgorô and Ohama in the latter drama.

Kataoka Ainosuke and Onoe Kikujûrô are prize-winners of the 27th Matsuo Artistic Prizes (Matsuo Geinô Shô).

Ichiyama Nasorô (1921~2006), the master of the Ichiyama school of Traditional dance, died the 17th of February.

Ichikawa Danjûrô, who was sent to hospital in August 2005 because of a leukemia, leaves the hostipal the 22nd of February.

The Kabukiza will commemorate in March 2006 the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the death of Kataoka Nizaemon XIII with his three sons performing some of his atariyaku: Kataoka Nizaemon and Kataoka Gatô will play the roles of Kan Shôjô and Yojirô in "Dômyôji" and "Horikawa".

The Kabukiza will commemorate in April 2006 the 5th anniversary (6th memorial service) of the death of Nakamura Utaemon VI. This event will also celebrate the shûmei of Nakamura Matsue VI and the first stage appearance of his son, who will receive the name of Nakamura Tamatarô V.

The playwright Tobe Ginsaku (1920~2006) died the 7th of January.

Sakata Tôjûrô will celebrate his shûmei in Fukuoka at the Hakataza from the 2nd to the 26th of February 2006, playing the role of Masaoka in the drama "Meiboku Sendai Hagi" and the 5 roles of the hengemono "Ôtsue Dôjôji".