3 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza, National Theatre), 2 in Ôsaka (Shôchikuza), 1 in Nagoya (Misonoza), 1 in Fukuoka (Hakataza) and 1 tour (Kinshû Special Tour)!

??? perform at the Kabukiza !

??? perform at the Shôchikuza!

??? perform at the National Theatre !

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)!

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The October Grand Kabuki at the Kabukiza.

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Jakuemon, Kataoka Takatarô, Ichikawa Udanji, Nakamura Kotarô, Ichikawa Omezô

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

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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