2 in Ôsaka (Shôchikuza), 4 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza, Kabukiza, Tiara Kôtô), 1 in Chôfu (Chôfu City Green Hall), 1 tour (Shôchiku Special Kabuki Tour) and 1 in Matsumoto (Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre)!

Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Tokizô, Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Kataoka Takatarô, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Hayato & Bandô Yajûrô perform at the Shôchikuza!

Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Matsumoto Hakuô, Ichikawa Danjûrô, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Kaishun, Nakamura Jakuemon, Onoe Matsuya, Nakamura Kotarô, Bandô Minosuke, Onoe Ukon, Ichikawa Chûsha, Ichikawa Udanji & Bandô Hikosaburô perform at the Kabukiza!

Nakamura Shikan and young actors perform at the Tiara Kôtô and the Chôfu City Green Hall!

Nakamura Shidô is on tour!

Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke perform at the Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre!

Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Tokizô, Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Kataoka Takatarô, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Hayato, Bandô Yajûrô, Kamimura Kichiya, Nakamura Kashô, Nakamura Mantarô, Nakamura Jûjirô, Nakamura Baika, Kataoka Matsunosuke, Nakamura Baishi, Nakamura Tanetarô, Nakamura Hidenosuke

32nd edition of the Kansai Kabuki Lovers Society July Grand Kabuki in Ôsaka. Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Tokizô VI and Nakamura Baishi V celebrate their 3-generation shûmei/hatsubutai in July 2024 in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza.

Kosan Kingorô: this is a rare revival of a play about the actor Kanaya Kingorô from the early Edo period who became famous for his love affair with the courtesan Kosan. Their story inspired all sorts of plays. In this particular one, Kingorô (Nakamura Ganjirô) is a barber and Kosan (Kataoka Takatarô) is a courtesan. They do not know each other, but get involved in helping a loving couple to be united by struggling to get a precious tea caddy which has been pawned for fifty gold coins. When they are successful, they gradually learn that they encountered each other five years before on a boat, fell in love, but parted without knowing the other's identity. Kingorô and Kosan are happily united. Featuring also Nakamura Senjaku in the role of Otsuru.

Fuji Musume: the spirit of wisteria blossoms dances of love in the form of a beautiful young maiden. One of Kabuki's most famous and colorful dances, it will feature the dancing skills of Onoe Kikunosuke.

Niwaka Jishi: this lively dance evokes the atmosphere of an Edo period festival. The highlight of the piece is the lion dance performed by two of the handsome young men of the neighborhood. Featuring Nakamura Tokizô (the geisha) and Nakamura Hayato and Nakamura Manju as the firefighters.

Shigenoi Kowakare:
(Shigenoi's Parting from her Son)
This play was adapted from the Bunraku puppet theater and was written by its greatest playwright, Chikamatsu Monzaemon I. A young horse driver (Nakamura Baishi) is invited to help cheer up a little princess. But the boy happens to be the son of the princess's nurse, Shigenoi (Nakamura Manju). She was forced to abandon him since he was the result of a forbidden relationship. Now she must turn her back on him again to keep any shame from falling on the princess.

Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura: this is section of an epic originally written for the Bunraku puppet theatre. The full-length play shows the fate of various Heike generals in hiding after the victory of their enemy, the Genji.

Konomi/Kokingo Uchijini:
(The Chestnut Tree and The Death of Kokingo)
Wakaba-no-Naishi (Kataoka Takatarô), the wife of the Heike commander Koremochi travels with her young son and their retainer Kokingo (Nakamura Kashô), searching for her husband. While resting in a small mountain village, they are met by Gonta (Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon), a local bully who skillfully cons them out of their money. Later they are set upon by Genji forces, and in a spectacular fight scene, Kokingo sacrifices himself to save his mistress and her son. Featuring also Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Senjaku and Kamimura Kichiya.

Sushiya:
(The Sushi Shop)
Gonta's father Yazaemon (Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku) runs a sushi shop, but was formerly a retainer of Taira Koremochi. With his clan defeated, Koremochi (Nakamura Manju) now lives with Yazaemon's family disguised as a humble apprentice. Innocently, Yazaemon's daughter, Osato (Nakamura Kazutarô) is in love with him. But knowing of the bounty on Koremochi's head, her brother Gonta kills him and turns his wife and child over to the Genji commander. Furious at his son, Yazaemon stabs him, but before his death, Gonta reveals that he only pretended to kill Koremochi and sacrificed his own wife and son to save the real Koremochi and his family. Featuring also Bandô Yajûrô in the role of Kajiwara Heizô Kagetoki.

Shiokumi: in the classical Nô Theatre, there are few plays as evocative as Matsukaze, the story of a court noble exiled to the seacoast where he falls in love with two fisher women. The women make their living scooping up heavy buckets of sea water to make salt and this has become a famous dance. Starring Nakamura Senjaku as the shiokumi Matsukaze.

Yaegiri Kuruwa Banashi: Yamanba, or the mountain hag, has been celebrated for centuries in traditional Japanese dance and theater. In the Kabuki version, Yamanba becomes a beautiful woman, a courtesan who becomes the wife of the samurai Tokiyuki and retreats to the mountains to miraculously give birth to the powerful warrior Sakata Kintoki. This play was originally by the great Chikamatsu Monzaemon I and is a classic of Kansai style Kabuki. Nakamura Tokizô appears as the courtesan who tells the humorous story of a fight between courtesans over a handsome man and then mysteriously becomes pregnant by the spirit of her husband. Starring Onoe Kikunosuke and Nakamura Ganjirô in the roles of Yaegiri's husband Sakata Tokiyuki and the villain Ôta Jûrô.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Matsumoto Hakuô, Ichikawa Danjûrô, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Kaishun, Nakamura Jakuemon, Onoe Matsuya, Nakamura Kotarô, Bandô Minosuke, Onoe Ukon, Ichikawa Chûsha, Ichikawa Udanji, Bandô Hikosaburô, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Komazô, Kataoka Ichizô, Ichimura Kakitsu, Matsumoto Kingo, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ôtani Hirotarô, Ôtani Hiromatsu, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Kangyoku, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa Seiko, Ichikawa Kudanji, Ichikawa Otora

The usual July Grand Kabuki programs at the Kabukiza.

Narita Senbon Zakura: This is an adaptation of "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura", one of the greatest classics of Kabuki. Ichikawa Ebizô displays traditional acting techniques such as quick changes of role (hayagawari) and an aerial stunt (chûnori). During the war between the Genji and Heike clans, Minamoto no Yoshitsune receives a precious hand drum as a reward for subjugating the Heike. But there is a falling out between Yoshitsune and his elder half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, the leader of the Genji forces. As a result of this, Yoshitsune must now flee from the capital and leaves his lover Shizuka in the care of Sato Tadanobu. Yoshitsune books passage on a boat to Kyûshû, but the captain is actually the Heike general Taira no Tomomori in disguise. He uses this opportunity to try to get his revenge on Yoshitsune but is finally defeated again. The Heike commander Taira no Koremori now lives disguised as Yasuke, the humble apprentice of a sushi shop. Knowing of the bounty on Koremori's head, the ne'er-do-well Gonta hands over Koremori's head, as well as his wife and daughter, to the Genji commander. However, it turns out that he only pretended to kill Koremori. In fact, he sacrificed his own wife and son to save the real Koremori and his family. Tadanobu and Shizuka come to see Yoshitsune on Mount Yoshino. This Tadanobu is actually a fox which took on human form to be close to the precious drum which is made from the skins of his fox parents. Touched by this, Yoshitsune eventually gives him the drum. Starring Ichikawa Danjûrô in the roles of Fujiwara no Tomokata, Kyô-no-Kimi, Kawagoe Shigeyori, Musashibô Benkei, Tokaiya Ginpei (in reality Taira no Tomomori), Irie Tanzô, Shume no Kokingo, Igami no Gonta, Yazaemon (the owner of the sushiya), Yasuke (in reality Taira no Koremori), Satô Tadanobu, a magical fox disguised as Satô Tadanobu and Yokawa no Kakuhan (in reality Taira no Noritsune). Featuring also Nakamura Jakuemon (Shizuka Gozen), Ichikawa Udanji (Sagami Gorô), Nakamura Kotarô (Wakaba no Naishi, Kosen), Nakamura Kaishun (Oryû, in reality Suke no Tsubone), Ichikawa Omezô (Kajiwara Heizô Kagetoki) and Nakamura Baigyoku (Yoshitsune).

Ura Omote Taiheiki: this play is adapted from 'The Biography of Toyotomi Hideyoshi', interweaving the main story portraying the successful life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Matsumoto Kôshirô) with a subplot depicting the tragic life of his rival Akechi Mitsuhide (Onoe Matsuya). In the first act, during the Warring States period, Oda Nobunaga (Bandô Hikosaburô) hopes to take over the whole country, and destroys Matsunaga Danjô (Ichikawa Chûsha) who is suspected of turning against him. Danjô entrusts his hope of restoring his clan to his real son Mitsuhide and dies in the fire which he sets in his mansion. Nobunaga hopes to conquer the Chûgoku area and Hideyoshi leads the vanguard. Mitsuhide applies for the expedition, but Nobunaga abuses Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide carries out the last wish of his father Danjô and rebels against Nobunaga. Nobunaga's eldest son Nobutada (Bandô Minosuke) is infatuated with Mitsuhide's younger sister Otsû (Onoe Ukon), and she bears him the child Sanbôshi. As he enjoys seeing his ladies-in-waiting dance, he is beset by Mitsuhide's troops. He tells Otsû to flee with Sanbôshi to Hideyoshi, lest the Oda clan should die out. In the second act, thanks to Suzuki Kitanokami Shigenari (Matsumoto Kôshirô), the strategist of Takamatsu castle which is attacked by Hideyoshi, and Shigenari's son Magoichi (Ichikawa Somegorô), Hideyoshi is able to make peace with the lord of the castle and sets out for the capital to avenge the death of his lord Nobunaga. In Himeji, Otsû arrives at Hideyoshi's camp with Sanbôshi. As Hideyoshi's troops try to go further by ship, Ôwadatsumi (Matsumoto Hakuô), the god of the ocean, appears and through his divine power they arrive at the Great Sakamoto Falls on Lake Biwa, where they fight a decisive battle with Mitsuhide. In the third (and final) act, it is Son Gokû (Matsumoto Kôshirô) who rushes about wildly in the stable of heaven. Receiving a reward for getting the better of the Emperor and Empress of Heaven, he flies away on a Flying Nimbus … Toyotomi Hideyoshi wakes up from the dream which he had while he was taking a nap. Now at the height of his prosperity, he expresses his joy in a gorgeous dance with his lawful wife, Lady Yodo (Ichikawa Komazô) and his veteran warriors.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô, Shunpûtei Koasa

A special program at the Kabukiza starring Living National Treasure onnagata Bandô Tamasaburô with the rakugo storyteller Shunpûtei Koasa.

Nakamura Shikan, Nakamura Matsue, Bandô Shingo, Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Fukunosuke, Nakamura Utanosuke, Nakamura Kamenojô, Nakamura Tamatarô

Educational program at the Tiara Kôtô in Tôkyô called Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki Appreciation Class"). This is a very interesting formula for the beginners because there is lively presentation on stage (Kabuki no Mikata) of Kabuki or some aspects of the art like music, stage tricks or fighting scenes. It is followed by "Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata".

Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata: the epic "Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees" ("Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura") features many characters around the famous general Yoshitsune, but none more memorable than a magic fox that takes the guise of Tadanobu, one of Yoshitsune's most trusted retainers. The fox wants to get close to a precious drum that Yoshitsune has made from the skins of his fox parents. In this excerpt from the longer play, the fox reveals his true identity with a series of spectacular stage tricks and Yoshitsune is moved to grant him the drum. Starring Nakamura Shikan or Nakamura Hashinosuke as the fox Tadanobu. Also featuring Bandô Shingo and Nakamura Fukunosuke/Nakamura Utanosuke as Shizuka Gozen and Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Featuring also Nakamura Shikan/Nakamura Matsue (Kawatsura Hôgen) and Nakamura Kamenojô (Kawatsura Hôgen's wife Asuka).

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Shikan, Nakamura Matsue, Bandô Shingo, Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Fukunosuke, Nakamura Utanosuke, Nakamura Kamenojô, Nakamura Tamatarô

Educational program at the Chôfu City Green Hall in Chôfu called Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki Appreciation Class"). This is a very interesting formula for the beginners because there is lively presentation on stage (Kabuki no Mikata) of Kabuki or some aspects of the art like music, stage tricks or fighting scenes. It is followed by "Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata".

Nakamura Shidô, Nakamura Tanenosuke, Sawamura Kuniya, Nakamura Chôichi, Nakamura Chôshi, Nakamura Haruki

A Shôchiku Special Kabuki Summer Tour led by Nakamura Shidô.

HOW TO Kabuki: a talk on stage about Kabuki by Nakamura Shidô.

Sayaate: This famous act is set in the main avenue of the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Two men appear: Fuwa Banzaemon (Nakamura Chôshi) in a haori coat patterned with a design of lightning bolts, and Nagoya Sanza (Sawamura Kuniya), dressed in a short-sleeved kimono and a haori coat with a pattern of swallows in the rain. After their scabbards brush against each other as they pass, they begin arguing and draw their swords, but the proprietress of a teahouse (Nakamura Chôshi) mediates between them.

Tomo Yakko: a samurai footman rushes after his master in the pleasure quarters, but loses sight of him. He dances with pride in his master and enjoys his dance so much that he begins emphasizing it with vigorous foot stamping. Starring Nakamura Tanenosuke in the role of the yakko.

Hashi Benkei:
(Benkei on the Bridge)
There are many legends about Benkei, the warrior-priest who was the faithful companion of the general Yoshitsune. This dance shows the first meeting of Benkei and Yoshitsune. Benkei goes nightly to the bridge at the Fifth Avenue of Kyôto, defeating men night after night and taking their swords. Finally he encounters a delicate young man that he thinks will be an easy opponent, but is defeated himself instead. This young man was Yoshitsune, under his childhood name of Ushiwakamaru. Benkei is so impressed that he becomes Yoshitsune’s retainer, right there and then. Starring Nakamura Shidô as Benkei and his son Nakamura Haruki as Ushiwakamaru.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Nakamura Toranosuke, Nakamura Tsurumatsu, Nakamura Kantarô, Nakamura Chôzaburô

8th edition in the city of Matsumoto (first time in July 2008; second time in July 2010; third time in July 2012; fourth time in July 2014); fifth time in July 2016; sixth time in June 2018; seventh time in June 2021) of a Kabuki program, which is called Shinshû Matsumoto Ôkabuki (Shinshû is an old name for the province of Nagano, whose main city is Matsumoto). Same program as the 1st edition of the Kabukichô Grand Kabuki right in Tôkyô in May 2024:

Kusazuri:
(the Tug-of-War Over the Armor)
A short dance in the oldest style of Kabuki, leisurely and full of humor, combining the charm of an onnagata female role specialist with the larger-than-life heroism of the bombastic aragoto style of acting. Kobayashi no Asahina stops the powerful, but rash, warrior Soga no Gorô from rushing to a fight by pulling on the set of armor he is carrying. Starring Nakamura Tsurumatsu and Nakamura Toranosuke as Kobayashi Maizuru and Gorô.

Ryûsei:
(A Falling Star)
In myth, the heavenly shepherd boy and celestial weaver maid only can meet once a year. They no longer are united than a falling star, or ryûsei appears with an urgent report, which actually turns out to be the story of marital discord in the family of the thunder god living in a poor tenement in heaven. The highlight of this dance is this story with the dancer changing instantly from role to role playing the thunder god, his angry wife, his little son and the elderly thunder goddess from next door who tries to break up the fight. Starring Nakamura Kankurô as a falling star, Nakamura Kantarô as the heavenly shepherd boy and Nakamura Chôzaburô as the celestial weaver maid.

Fuku Kanau Kami no Koibana: the carpenter Tatsugorô (Nakamura Toranosuke) who lives in a rear tenement in Edo (the old name for Tôkyô) is always drinking and does not go to work. One day, as he is taking an afternoon nap, Obin (Nakamura Shichinosuke), the goddess of poverty appears at his bedside and tells him in a lecture to work harder. She says this because she absorbs the power of humans working hard throughout their lives, turning it into nourishment. Worried that he will not be able to pay for the rent, she begins a side job. The hard working goddess of poverty gets along well with residents of the tenement house. Sukanpin (Nakamura Kankurô), an elder god of poverty, advises her not to commit herself further to human life, but she turns a deaf ear to his advice...

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website