2 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza), 2 in Ôsaka (Shôchikuza), 1 in Nagoya (Misonoza), 1 in Fukuoka (Hakataza) and 2 tours (Kinshû Special Tour, Shôchiku Grand Kabuki)!

Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô, Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô, Living National Treasure Nakamura Tôzô, Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Shikan, Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Kaishun, Onoe Shôroku, Nakamura Shidô, Bandô Minosuke, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Matagorô & Bandô Yajûrô perform at the Kabukiza !

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Ichikawa Shinnosuke, Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Jakuemon, Kataoka Takatarô, Ichikawa Udanji, Nakamura Kotarô & Ichikawa Omezô perform at the Shôchikuza!

Young actors perform at the Misonoza !

Nakamura Kinnosuke, Ichikawa Chûsha, Nakamura Hayato, Ichikawa Danko, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Yonekichi, Ichikawa Monnosuke and the Omodakaya guild perform perform at the Hakataza!

Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke are on tour (Kinshû Special Tour)!

Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Hayato, Kamimura Kichiya & Ichikawa Emisaburô are on tour (Shôchiku Grand Kabuki)!

Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô, Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô, Living National Treasure Nakamura Tôzô, Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Shikan, Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Kaishun, Onoe Shôroku, Nakamura Shidô, Bandô Minosuke, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Matagorô, Bandô Yajûrô, Kamimura Kichiya, Nakamura Tokizô, Bandô Kamezô, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Mantarô, Kawarasaki Gonjûrô, Nakamura Matsue, Nakamura Kikaku, Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Kamenojô, Nakamura Kichinojô, Kataoka Matsunosuke, Ichimura Kitsutarô, Onoe Sakon, Onoe Maholo, Kamimura Kichitarô, Taguchi Mamoru

The October Grand Kabuki at the Kabukiza.

Shunkan: the priest Shunkan (Onoe Kikunosuke) has been exiled to Devil's Island for plotting against the dictator Kiyomori. A pardon is given to his fellow conspirators, but Shunkan is only saved by an additional pardon given by Kiyomori's compassionate son. Even so, he gives up his place on the boat to freedom so his companion's new wife can accompany her husband back to the capital. The boat leaves and Shunkan is left watching is disappear in the distance, knowing he will be left on the island forever. Featuring Nakamura Matagorô as the evil emissary Senoo and Living National Treasure Nakamura Karoku as the merciful envoy Tanzaemon. With Kamimura Kichitarô as the island girl Chidori, Nakamura Kichinojô as Taira no Yasuyori and Nakamura Mantarô as Fujiwara no Naritsune, Shunkan's fellow exile who has fallen in love with her.

Oto-ni Kiku Soga no Irodori: As Kudô Saemon Suketsune (Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô), the senior vassal of Minamoto no Yoritomo, is holding a feast in the pleasure quarters of Ôiso to celebrate his recent promotion, the Soga brothers Ichiman (Onoe Ukon) and Hako'ô (Onoe Maholo) who disguised themselves as manzai performers arrive to Face the man who is responsible for their father's death. Featuring also Nakamura Kaishun (Ôiso no Tora) and Nakamura Shikan (Oniô Shinzaemon).

Gonza to Sukejû: in this comedy by Okamoto Kidô, two palanquin bearers constantly argue and their wives, but when they witness a murder, it changes everything in the nagaya tenement where they live. This modern play takes one of the classic stories of the wise magistrage Ôoka Tadasuke and looks at it from the point of view of common townspeople. Starring Nakamura Shidô and Onoe Shôroku in the roles of Gonza and Sukejû. Featuring also Living National Treasures Nakamura Karoku and Nakamura Tôzô.

Onna Keizu:
(The Genealogy of Women)
The linguist Hayase Chikara (Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon) lives with the former geisha Otsuta (Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô), keeping it from his former teacher Sakai Shunzô (Bandô Yajûrô). Sakai claims to know that Chikara lives with Otsuta and urges him to choose either to abandon his former teacher or his lover. Feeling a debt of gratitude towards his former teacher who raised him from a boy pickpocket to a scholar, he answers that he will give up his lover. On a moonlit night he meets Otsuta at the Yushima Tenjin Shrine to talk to her about breaking up.

Rokujô Miyasudokoro no Maki: 'The Tale of Genji' has been favored in Japan for a 1000 years. Of the whole long story which amounts to 54 volumes, the section concerning the love between Prince Hikaru Genji (Ichikawa Somegorô), his wife Aoi-no-Ue (Nakamura Tokizô) and his lover Rokujô no Miyasudokoro (Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô) will be newly staged this month. Aoi-no-Ue, who is pregnant with Hikaru Genji's child, lies in bed with a mysterious illness. Hikaru Genji visits his lover Rokujô no Miyasudokoro. She is jealous of Aoi-no-Ue and her pregnancy, and reproaches him. As he cannot bear it, he leaves her mansion, and she abandons herself to grief and jealous fury.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Ichikawa Shinnosuke, Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Jakuemon, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Kataoka Takatarô, Ichikawa Udanji, Nakamura Kotarô, Ichikawa Omezô, Ichikawa Komazô, Kataoka Ichizô, Matsumoto Kingo, Ichikawa Kudanji, Ôtani Hiromatsu, Nakamura Toranosuke, Nakamura Kangyoku, Ichikawa Otora, Nakamura Tamatarô

The shûmei of Ichikawa Danjûrô XIII and the hatsubutai of Ichikawa Shinnosuke VIII in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza.

Narukami Fudô: in 1742, the actor Ichikawa Ebizô II (1688~1758) made a big gamble. His father Ichikawa Danjûrô I had created the bombastic aragoto style with exaggerated movements and red make-up to indicate strength but his career was cut short when he was murdered on stage. The big question was whether this vigorous style which was suited to the tastes of the brash new city of Edo would be acceptable to the more refined tastes of Ôsaka and Kyôto. He put together "Narukami Fudô Kitayama Zakura", a play showcasing the greatest hits of Ichikawa Danjûrô I and Ichikawa Ebizô II, including the plays "Narukami", "Kenuki" and "Fudô." "Narukami" is about a holy man who imprisons the rain god bringing a drought, who is then conquered by a beautiful woman sent to seduce him. When he finds that he has been betrayed, his anger transforms him into a thunder god. The play also includes a scene called "Kenuki" (The Whiskers Tweezers) about a powerful man who acts as a detective finding out why a princess's hair mysteriously stands on end. He finds the crucial clue when his fashionable whisker tweezers float in the air. Finally, Ichikawa Ebizô II appeared as the Buddhist deity Fudô Myôô, the god to whom he attributed his success. Originally all of these scenes were separate plays or routines that were inserted into other plays. The performance in Ôsaka was the first time that all of these scenes were combined with a story about conspirators trying to seize the imperial throne. Ichikawa Ebizô II's gamble paid off and he was not only a massive success in Kansai, he established his family's name as the top acting family in all of Japan. Starring Ichikawa Danjûrô in 5 roles: Kumedera Danjô, the wicked priest Narukami, Prince Hayagumo, Abe Kiyoyuki and the Deity Fudô Myôô. Featuring also Nakamura Jakuemon (Princess Taema), Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô & Ichikawa Udanji.

Torii Mae:
(In Front of the Fushimi Inari Shrine)
This is a short scene showing the troubles of Yoshitsune after his brother Yoritomo, the Shôgun, turns against him. Yoshitsune (Ôtani Hiromatsu) is forced to flee from the troops sent by his brother Yoritomo. The trip will be hard and he decides he must leave behind his lover Shizuka Gozen (Nakamura Kotarô), despite her passionate pleas to remain with him. As a reminder of himself, he presents her with a precious hand drum that he had received from the emperor. Yoshitsune's retainer Tadanobu (Ichikawa Udanji) rescues Shizuka from Yoritomo's troops and Yoshitsune decides to have Tadanobu protect her on the road, not knowing that this Tadanobu is actually a magical fox in disguise.

Okuden: the world is ruled by Taira no Kiyomori, the leader of the Heike clan. Tokiwa Gozen, the widow of the head of the defeated Genji clan and mother of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune, the future leaders of the clan, has become the mistress of the dictator Kiyomori, then the wife of Lord Ôkura, a seemingly simple-minded fool who spends all his time watching pretty women dance. Outraged members of the Genji clan sneak into Lord Ôkura's mansion only to discover that Tokiwa Gozen's immorality and Lord Ôkura's idiocy are a guise, the only way to survive in a world ruled by the enemy. This performance stars Matsumoto Kôshirô as Lord Ôkura, Nakamura Jakuemon as Tokiwa Gozen, Nakamura Ganjirô as Yoshioka Kijirô, Kataoka Takatarô as Yoshioka's wife Okyô and Nakamura Senjaku as Naruse.

Kôjô: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by these stage announcements, lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. In this case, all the stars of the cast assemble to celebrate the shûmei of Ichikawa Danjûrô XIII and the hatsubutai of Ichikawa Shinnosuke VIII.

Renjishi: 2 entertainers dance a tale of the legendary shishi or lion-like spirits that live at the foot of a holy Buddhist mountain. There is a comic interlude with 2 Buddhist pilgrims. Then, the shishi themselves appear and perform their dance with wild shaking of their long manes. The dance shows a parent shishi forcing his cub to undergo harsh training in order to grow up strong. This theme is often associated with the training a parent actor gives his son. This performance features Ichikawa Danjûrô in the role of the parent shishi and his son Ichikawa Shinnosuke in the role of the cub. Featuring also Nakamura Ganjirô and Matsumoto Kôshirô.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Bandô Hikosaburô, Nakamura Kashô, Bandô Shingo, Nakamura Tanenosuke

No classic October kaomise programs in Nagoya at the Misonoza this year but a special Kabuki program starring young actors.

Kabuki no Mikata: a lively presentation on stage of Kabuki or some aspects of the art.

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. The strong woman Maizuru 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 Bandô Shingo and Nakamura Kashô as Maizuru and Gorô.

Tachi Nusubito: the farces of the classical Kyôgen theater have universal appeal, showing the relationships of masters and servants and husbands and wives. In this particular dance play, a farmer named Manbê (Nakamura Tanenosuke) carries a precious sword, which is made of gold. The thief Kurobê (Bandô Hikosaburô) quietly removes the sword from Manbê in a crowd. When Manbê finds his sword missing and notices Kurobê wearing it, a loud dispute ensues. Manbê and Kurobê must both explain who owns the sword, first in words, then in dance to a magistrate, who must try to figure out who tells the truth.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Kinnosuke, Ichikawa Chûsha, Nakamura Hayato, Ichikawa Danko, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Yonekichi, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa Seiko, Nakamura Fukunosuke, Nakamura Utanosuke, Kashima Noritoshi

Revival of the famous Sûpâ Kabuki drama "Yamato Takeru", a classic of the Omodakaya guild, in Fukuoka at the Hakataza. In the absence of Ichikawa Ennosuke, the eponymous role of Yamato Takeru is played by either Ichikawa Ennosuke III's grandson Ichikawa Danko or Nakamura Hayato.

Yamato Takeru: One of twin brothers, Prince Ousu (Ichikawa Danko/Nakamura Hayato), attempts to admonish his brother, Prince Ôusu (Ichikawa Danko/Nakamura Hayato), who is plotting rebellion. However, in his attempt to restrain his brother, Prince Ousu accidentally takes his life. Unaware of the circumstances, their father, the Emperor (Ichikawa Chûsha), becomes enraged and orders Prince Ousu to embark on a campaign to subdue the Kumaso people who refuse to submit to Yamato. The wife of Prince Ôusu, Princess Etachibana (Nakamura Kazutarô/Nakamura Yonekichi), pursues Prince Ousu as her husband's avenger. However, as she discovers Osu’s pure and gentle heart, she begins to admire him and eventually develops feelings for him, despite their initial adversarial relationship. Having arrived in Kumaso, Prince Osu successfully defeats the Takeru brothers, the leaders of the Kumaso, and in recognition of his bravery, he is bestowed with the name "Yamato Takeru" by the Kumaso Takeru. Joyfully returning to Yamato, Takeru finds that the Emperor still has not forgiven him, and he is now tasked with a campaign to subdue the Ezo people. Accompanied by the Great Lord Takehiko (Nakamura Fukunosuke), the journey is fraught with difficulties. Takeru is commanded to defeat the mountain deity on Mount Ibuki. This his final expedition. Takeru is attacked by a giant white boar (the manifestation of the mountain deity). He kills the boar but is cursed by a female demon and falls ill. On his return trip, Takeru dies while lamenting his long separation from and his longing for his wife Princess Ototachibana (Nakamura Kazutarô/Nakamura Yonekichi).

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Nakamura Tsurumatsu, Nakamura Sanzaemon, Nakamura Ichô, Sawamura Kunihisa, Nakamura Nakasuke, Nakamura Nakashirô, Nakamura Nakaji, Nakamura Nakaya

The word kinshû means "Autumn Brocade". This Autumn tour in 11 cities stars Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke. The first item in the program, entitled Tôku Kônâ (literally 'Talk Corner') is a speech/presentation on stage about some aspects of Kabuki. This tour commemorates the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII.

Tôku Kônâ: Literally 'Talk Corner'. A speech on stage with Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke.

Wakazuru Irodori Kisô Sato Geshiki: a gorgeous and lively production directed by the Nakamuraya guild and based on "Niwaka Jishi". It evokes the atmosphere of an Edo period festival in Yoshiwara with stylish Edo people. Featuring Sawamura Kunihisa, Nakamura Nakasuke, Nakamura Nakashirô, Nakamura Nakaji & Nakamura Nakaya.

Bukaku Gojôbashi: this is a dance play originally written for the actor Nakamura Kanzaburô XVII. Hearing the rumor that Ushiwakamaru (Nakamura Tsurumatsu) is slaying many people every night at Gojô Bridge, his mother Tokiwa Gozen (Nakamura Shichinosuke) tells him to stop killing or she will disown him. However, she forgives him when he tells her that he is striving to excel at the military arts in order to restore of the Genji clan. One night, he encounters Benkei (Nakamura Kankurô) on Gojô Bridge, and Ushiwakamaru knocks him down with his sword. Impressed by his strength and skill, Benkei finally swears allegiance to Ushiwakamaru.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Hayato, Kamimura Kichiya, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Seiko, Kamimura Kichitarô, Kamimura Orinosuke

The Shôchiku Grand Kabuki Fall Tour in 20 cities.

Goaisatsu: a kôjô on stage made by Nakamura Hayato.

Hikimado: originally written for the puppet theater, this play shows a tragedy of commoners caught between their duty and their feelings toward their loved ones. A sumô wrestler named Nuregami Chôgorô (Nakamura Kinnosuke) has killed a man and takes refuge at the home of his mother. Unfortunately, her son (Nakamura Hayato) has been ordered to arrest him. All of these complicated conflicts are symbolized by the lightness and darkness created by the humble skylight (hikimado in Japanese) as a rope is pulled to move a wooden shutter. Featuring also Ichikawa Emisaburô in the role of Ohaya.

Migawari Zazen: a dance play adopted from a classical kyôgen farce. A man (Nakamura Hayato) wants nothing more than to visit his lover Hanako, but he has one important problem, his homely and overbearing wife (Nakamura Kinnosuke). He creates a scheme saying that he will be practicing Zen meditation all night and has his servant (Ichikawa Seiko) take his place while he visits Hanako. He returns, giddy from a night of pleasure and tells his story to his servant in dance, unaware that his wife has discovered his deception and has taken his servant's place.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website