Stage names:

Ichikawa Shinzô V
Nakamura Shibanosuke II

Real name: Okamoto Rokutarô

Guild: Naritaya

Line number: GODAIME (V)

Poetry name: Shinshô

Existence: 12 February 1861 ~ 9 July 1897

Connections:

Masters: Ichikawa Danjûrô IX, Nakamura Shikan IV

Career:

1861 ~ 1874: born in Edo. His father Okumura Kanjirô is an official working for the Tayasu clan. His mother dies a few days after his birth and he is quicly adopted by a man named Moriuchi Yatarô. Some years later, his adopted father takes the name of Moriuchi Tôbei when he becomes the main clerk of the actor Kawarazaki Gonnosuke VII. He starts his career at an unknown date, as a disciple of Nakamura Shikan IV, who gives him the name of Nakamura Shibanosuke II. Later on, with the help of Moriuchi Tôbei, he becomes disciple of Ichikawa Danjûrô IX.

1874: Nakamura Shibanosuke II takes the name of Ichikawa Shinzô V.

May 1883: premiere at the Ichimuraza of Kawatake Mokuami's drama "Shinsarayashiki Tsuki no Amagasa"; Shinzô plays the role of Sankichi [casting].

1885: Moriuchi Tôbei dies; Shinzô is adopted by the owner of a steamboat inn named Okamoto Mitsu and based in Yokohama.

February 1885: Shinzô takes part in the opening ceremony of the Chitoseza [more details].

1889: Shinzô becomes nadai at the Kabukiza. A few months later, he unfortunately falls ill and loses one eye.

May 1893: Shinzô achieves a great success at the Kabukiza by playing the roles of Ninomiya Tarô, Soga Danzaburô and Kamei Rokurô in the drama "Jûnitoki Kaikei Soga".

November 1893: Shinzô takes part in the opening ceremony of the Meijiza [more details].

May 1896: Shinzô appears on stage for the last time, at the Kabukiza, playing in the drama "Fûkigusa Heike Monogatari". He suddenly falls ill after 2 days on stage, can't recover and dies the following year.

Comments:

Ichikawa Shinzô V was a talented disciple of the star Ichikawa Danjûrô IX, who took an active part in the katsureki experience led by his master. He was good at dance, traditional music, painting and literature (he wrote a novel). He suffered many physical hardships in his life but always did his best to be on stage. It was said that Ichikawa Danjûrô IX saw him as a potential heir but he died too young.

Ichikawa Shinzô V playing the role of Kimura Shigenari in the drama "Ôsakajin Shôke no Kakizome", which was staged in November 1895 at the Kabukiza (print made by Toyohara Kunichika)