[Tokyo/ the Kabukiza Theatre] One man plays 13 different roles! See the gorgeous costumes in action♪

What is the July matinee performance "Hoshiai Jusandan"?

"Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms" is one of the three great masterpieces of classical Kabuki and was first performed in 1747.
This is a grand historical fantasy based on the Genpei War (a power struggle between two samurai groups, the Genji and the Heike), which broke out between 1180 and 1185. You can see impressive aerial acrobatics and quick costume changes (a technique in which one actor plays all 13 main roles)!

The interview session🎤👀

Ichikawa Danjuro plays the lead role in "Hoshiai Sejusandan"

Five years have passed since the play premiered at the Kabukiza Theatre in July 2019, and Danjūrō ​​reveals that even during that time he "had a strong desire to perform."
He expressed his enthusiasm for the revival, saying, "I want to keep in mind that the performance will be easy to understand, even down to the lines," so that even audience members who have never seen Kabuki before can enjoy the performance.

When the topic turned to the costumes on display at the press conference,
"The costumes that represent the 13 roles I play are displayed here, but there are other costumes as well as these, and there are also multiple copies of the same costume prepared for quick changes. Backstage when there are quick changes, it's like an F1 pit stop. I think this is only possible because the staff are truly professionals. I hope you can sense that as well," she said with a smile.

"Hoshiai Sejusandan" flyer front

"Hoshiai Jusandan" flyer back

Regarding the fact that the flyers for performances are also written in English, he said, "We've had a lot of overseas customers recently, so I think this kind of support is needed not just for Kabuki. We're also discussing the possibility of including English in the opening lines," revealing that he is considering a new challenge. Finally, he passionately added, "I would like even those who have never seen Kabuki to feel free to come. Kabuki may seem intimidating in modern times, but originally it was not something that was difficult to approach. I want people to feel free to enjoy Japanese culture."

13 costume roles that show off professional skills✨

▲ "Sato Tadanobu" is a retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (leader of the Minamoto clan). But his true identity is...!

▲The true identity of Sato Tadanobu, the "Genkuro Fox", is a baby fox who lost his parents...

All of the white threads on the lower body are sewn on by hand by craftsmen...!

▲ "Musashibo Benkei" - A retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune

The red patterns on the hands and feet are an exaggerated representation of blood vessels and muscles, symbolizing the strength of this role. The three-story peony on the chest is the symbol of the Narita-ya (the group to which Danjuro belongs).

▲ "Kawagoe Taro" The father of Yoshitsune Minamoto's wife, Kyo no Kimi. A vassal of Yoshitsune's brother, Yoritomo, who was an enemy of Yoshitsune Minamoto.

▲ The wife of "Lord's Lady" Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Her own father is the enemy of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, so she is caught between two opposing forces and suffers.

The kimono is decorated with various seasonal flowers🌸

▲ "Tokai-ya Ginpei, actually the new Chunagon Tomomori" A samurai of the Heike clan who was hostile to the Genji

He wears armor under his kimono.

▲"Irie Tanzo" is a subordinate of Taira Tomomori and usually disguises himself as a fisherman.

The skirt-like part is decorated with Ainu patterns.

▲ "Yasuke is actually Third Rank Middle Captain Koremori" After losing the battle with the Genji, he is sheltered by Yazaemon, a sushi chef.

▲"Koganego" - A retainer of Taira no Koremori

▲ "Sushiya Yazaemon" The owner of a sushi restaurant. He is indebted to Taira no Koremori's father and is hiding Taira no Koremori.

The white part of the crest is the mark of townspeople or farmers.

▲ "Igami no Gonta" Yazaemon's son. He is always gambling and stealing...

▲ "Yokokawa Kakuhan is actually Noto no Kami Noritsune" a monk. He is actually a Taira warrior who is targeting Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

The pattern on the tabi socks is a dragonfly. Since dragonflies only move forward, they were popular among military commanders as they were seen as "victory insects."

▲ "Left Minister Fujiwara no Asakata" Aide to Emperor Goshirakawa. A villain who tries to drive a wedge between Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his brother, Yoritomo.

A message from Danjuro to everyone overseas 💌

Lastly, here is a message from Danjuro to everyone overseas. Please take a look!

July Grand Kabuki Performance Information

Date: July 1st (Mon) to July 24th (Wed), 2024

Daytime: 11:00am - 3:30pm Nighttime: 4:30pm - 8:30pm

*The daytime and evening performances are different. There will be two breaks between each performance.

[No performances] Wednesday 10th, Tuesday 16th

Location: the Kabukiza Theatre(4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061)

Toei Asakusa Line/Hibiya Line Higashi-Ginza Station Exit 3

English support: Subtitled guide, flyer

Performance information (Japanese)

Performance information (English)