Tsurumatsu Nakamura is a rising Kabuki actor and one of the performers in the iconic ‘New Year Asakusa Kabuki’, a hallmark of the New Year and a proving ground for young talent. As a local expert on the area, He shares his insights on the best ways to enjoy Asakusa.
A Rare Talent Discovered by Nakamura Kanzaburō
Tsurumatsu Nakamura is a heya-go (apprentice) of the late Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII and a key figure in the Nakamuraya family, alongside his mentor-like brothers, Nakamura Kankurō and Nakamura Shichinosuke. In Kabuki tradition, a heya-go is an actor who, from a young age, learns the art and discipline of Kabuki under the guidance of a seasoned actor.
Born into an ordinary household, Tsurumatsu’s journey into Kabuki began at age five, when he auditioned under his given name, Taiki Shimizu, and appeared as a child actor in Kabuki productions. His talent was soon discovered by Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII. In 2003, he performed in the Kabuki-za production of the Noda Version of Nezumi Kozo (Jack the Mouse) during the August Kabuki Festival, playing the grandson of Kanzaburō’s character. After one performance, when Tsurumatsu went to greet Kanzaburō in his dressing room, the legendary actor famously said, “Become my child.” This heartfelt request became a reality in May 2005, when Tsurumatsu officially became a heya-go of the Nakamuraya family.
Sadly, Kanzaburō passed away suddenly in 2012, but Tsurumatsu has continued to hone his craft and carve his path in Kabuki. In February 2024, during the Kabuki-za’s memorial performance commemorating the 13th anniversary of Kanzaburō’s passing, Tsurumatsu delivered a stunning portrayal of Omitsu, the lead role in Shinpan Utazaimon (A Newly-Published Ballad). His powerful performance showcased his exceptional talent and solidified his position as a rising star in the world of Kabuki.
Nezumi Kozo (Jack the Mouse) Noda Version (August 2003) © Shochiku
The Memory of the Sword Gifted as a Reward
To begin with, we asked Tsurumatsu to share some of his memories of Asakusa.
“Asakusa feels like a second hometown to me. I was six years old when I had the chance to perform in Heisei Nakamuraza (November 2001). In October 2003, I played the role of a blind boy named Shiga in Kagamiyama Gonichi no Iwafuji. It was a challenging role, as I had to play the koto on stage, but Kanzaburō-san praised me for it. He then took my hand, led me to a shop in Nakamise, and bought me a beautiful sword, saying it was a reward. It became a treasure to me, and I still cherish it to this day. I don’t think many people, other than Kabuki actors, could receive such a reward in the form of a sword (laughs).”
Having performed in the ‘New Year Asakusa Kabuki’ at the Asakusa Public Hall since he was a child actor, we wondered what Tsurumatsu thinks of the area and what it’s like for him to coming to Asakusa every day.
“Of course, I sometimes visit Senso-ji Temple to pray. As for omikuji (fortune slips), I don’t draw them much because I tend to worry if I get a bad one. After a performance, I sometimes go with my senior, Nakamura Shichinosuke, to a small place called ‘Shōjiki Beer Hall.’ It only has about five seats, but the atmosphere is very much in the spirit of Asakusa. It’s a great spot for a quick drink before heading home. During the Heisei Nakamuraza at Senso-ji Temple in 2018, we went to ‘Asakusa Hanayashiki’ with the performers, but I haven’t been back since, so I’d love to go again.”
“Heisei Nakamuraza wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the local community. We’ve managed to carry out these performances by helping one another. When people think of New Year’s in Asakusa, they often imagine large crowds, and while things changed due to the pandemic, it’s comforting to see Asakusa coming back to life with more foreign visitors now.”
Striving to Be a Gateway to Kabuki for Others
Next, Tsurumatsu will take on the challenge of the New Year Asakusa Kabuki in January 2025. This performance, which has been held for over 40 years, provides a rare opportunity for young actors to play significant roles. Tsurumatsu-san will perform two roles as Takechi Jūjirō and Ayatsuri in the classic Kabuki play Ehon Taikōki.
“There are so many great candidates for the role of Jūjirō in this production, so I never imagined I would be chosen. While the play centers around Takechi Mitsuhide, Jūjirō is also a very important character. It’s more of a piece for dedicated Kabuki fans, but depending on how I portray Jūjirō, I think it could still speak to newcomers as well. My senior, Shichinosuke, has been really supportive. When I was performing at the Kabuki-za in December, he’d ask me in the morning, ‘How’s it going?’ and then again after the show, ‘How’s it going?’ I know he’s concerned, but I couldn’t help but say, ‘It’s only been three hours, nothing’s changed, I got it!’ (laughs).”
With daily encouragement, guidance, and a little tough love, Tsurumatsu continues to approach his roles in search of the ‘right answer,’ and anticipation for his development only grows stronger.
Tsurumatsu Nakamura’s Top 3 Spots in Asakusa
Recently, Asakusa has seen a rise in international visitors, with many enjoying activities like riding rickshaws or strolling through the town in kimono. With so many renowned shops, we asked Tsurumatsu, a true Asakusa expert, to recommend three long-established spots to visit while attending the New Year Asakusa Kabuki performance.
“Kawamatsu’s eel is one of my absolute favorites as an eel lover. The owner, Matsuzawa-san, is always so supportive and even came to the Kabuki-za in December. It turns out, a classmate of mine from high school used to work part-time at Kawamatsu, which was a nice surprise. Fujiyaya has been a great help to me, especially since they’ve allowed me to use their tenugui (hand towels) as props in my dance performances. They have such beautiful designs, so I think they’d be perfect for souvenirs. Bunseindo’s fans are also very stylish, and I highly recommend the ones designed by Kanzaburō-san and Kankurō-san.”
Enjoy watching Kabuki in Asakusa, savoring delicious meals, and picking up unique souvenirs. As a local insider, Tsurumatsu vouches for nothing but the best, ensuring you make the most of the experience and truly enjoy the New Year season.
1st image: Posing with the proprietress in front of ‘Fujiyaya.’
2nd image: A photo of Nakamura Kanzaburō (center) displayed in the shop’s showcase.
3rd image: Original designs created by the shop owner, featuring a wide range of Kabuki-inspired designs.
Tenugui Fujiyaya
Address: 2-2-15 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Thursdays
Official website: https://tenugui-fujiya.jp
2nd image: A fan featuring Nakamuraya’s family crest, ‘Kaku-giri Ginnan’ (center), with carved wood, ¥10,500.
3rd image, left: A fan inspired by the Kabuki dance ‘Taka-buki,’ featuring the signature tap dance performed in geta. Black lacquered, ¥9,800.
3rd image, right: A fan depicting the character Uwabami Mitsuji from ‘Kaiden Chibusa Enoki (Ghost of Chibusa Enoki),’ portrayed by Nakamura Kankurō. Black lacquered, ¥9,800.
Bunsendo
Address: 1-20-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
The ‘Fuki’ set, ¥6,600, named after the previous owner. This recommended meal includes zakuzaku eel skin, eel roll, sashimi, a half-size Yanagawa stew, and eel rice.
Unagi Kawamatsu
Address: 1-4-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Kaminarimon Street)
Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:15 PM), 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (L.O. 7:15 PM)
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM (L.O. 7:15 PM)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed on Tuesday instead)
Official website: https://asakusa-kawamatsu.com
Ehon Taikōki: Amagasaki Kankyo no ba
(The Retreat in Amagasaki from The Picture Book of Taikō)
First Part: 11:00 AM Start
New Year’s Gift
Ehon Taikoki: Amagasaki Kankyo no Ba (The Retreat in Amagasaki from The Picture Book of Taikō)
Kanadehon Chūshingura: Michiyuki Tabi no Hanamuko, Ochiudo (The Lovers’ Journey’ from The Treasury of Loyal Retainers)
Second Part: 3:00 PM Start
New Year’s Gift
Haruno Shirabe Musume Nanakusa (The Soga Brothers and the Seven Spring Herbs)
Ehon Taikoki: Amagasaki Kankyo no Ba (The Retreat in Amagasaki from The Picture Book of Taikō)
Bō Shibari” (Battle of Ideas for Saké)
Tsurumatsu will perform the roles of Ayumi in Ehon Taikoki (First Part), Shizuka Gozen in Haruno Shirabe Musume Nanakusa (Second Part), and Takechi Jūjirō in Ehon Taikoki (Second Part).
Venue: Asakusa Public Hall
Address: 1-38-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Performance Dates: January 2–26, 2025
Inquiries: Ticket Hotline Shochiku, TEL: 0570-000-489
Ticket Website: https://www1.ticket-web-shochiku.com/t/
