Stage names:

Ôtani Tomoemon VIII
Ôtani Hirotarô II

Real name: Aoki Tomoyuki

Guild: Akashiya

Line number: HACHIDAIME (VIII)

Birthday: 23 February 1949

Connections:

Great-grandfather: Nakamura Sagisuke II

Grandfathers: Ôtani Tomoemon VI, Matsumoto Kôshirô VII

Father: Nakamura Jakuemon IV

Brother: Nakamura Shibajaku VII

Sons: Ôtani Hirotarô III, Ôtani Hiromatsu II

Career:

February 1959: he makes his first appearance on stage at the Kabukiza, receiving the name of Ôtani Hirotarô II and playing the role of the sword-holder Otowaka in the play "Kanjinchô".

September 1964: Ôtani Hirotarô II takes the name of Ôtani Tomoemon VIII at the Kabukiza by playing in the play "Hitoyo".

April 1976: revival in 5 acts and 9 scenes at the National Theater of Namiki Gohei I's drama "Kinmon Gosan no Kiri"; Tomoemon plays the role of Mashiba Hisaaki [casting].

January 1984: historic revival at the National Theater of the play "Sankai Nagoya"; Tomoemon plays the role of the page Sawanojô [casting].

January 1999: revival at the National Theater of Kawatake Mokuami's zangirimono "Irogoyomi Gen'yadana"; Tomoemon plays the role of Kômori no Yasuzô [casting].

Comments:

Ôtani Tomoemon VIII was trained as an onnagata at the beginning of his career, following his father path, then switched to tachiyaku roles. He is a good supporting actor.