Ehon Taikoki: Takechi Jujiro played by Tsurumatsu Nakamura ©Shochiku
The New Year Asakusa Kabuki, known as a stepping stone for young kabuki actors, opened on January 2, 2025, with a new cast. Among them is Tsurumatsu Nakamura, a member of the Nakamuraya troupe led by Kankuro Nakamura and Shichinosuke Nakamura, and a pupil of the late Kanzaburo Nakamura. Following are three reasons why this performance is highly recommended, even for those who have never seen kabuki before.
Check out our interview with Tsurumasa Nakamura for inside tips on how to enjoy Asakusa
Reason 1: The Perfect Chance to Discover Your Favorite Kabuki Actor
The 2025 New Year Asakusa Kabuki features seven talented actors: Hashinosuke Nakamura, Takanosuke Nakamura, Kangyoku Nakamura, Tamataro Nakamura, Somegoro Ichikawa, Sakon Onoe, and Tsurumatsu Nakamura. These rising stars of the Kabuki world, mostly in their teens and twenties, represent the next generation of talent.
When they appear on stage in full makeup and costumes, it might be hard to tell them apart. It’s recommended to use the English captioning service and keep a flyer handy to follow along during the performance. Pay attention to their voices, movements, and expressions, and if one catches your eye, check the flyer to see which actor and role match what you noticed. Distinguishing each actor and their style of performance could be your first step into the captivating world of Kabuki.
An interesting detail is that each actor has a different yagō (guild name). Originally inspired by merchant names during the Edo period, yagō are now used as honorifics and symbols of star status. Hashinosuke’s yagō is Narikoma-ya, Takanosuke’s is Tennōji-ya, Kangyoku’s is Takasago-ya, Tamataro’s is Kaga-ya, Somegoro’s is Kōrai-ya, Sakon’s is Otowa-ya, and Tsurumatsu’s is Nakamura-ya.
During a performance, when the actors make precise movements or breathe in a certain way, you’ll hear the audience shout out the actors’ yagō names, adding excitement to the atmosphere. It’s a skill to know when to shout without disrupting the performance, but if you spot your favorite actor, it might be fun to cheer them on by calling out their yagō. It’s an opportunity to directly show your support for the passionate actors on stage putting on an incredible performance.
Ehon Taikoki: Takechi Jujiro played by Tsurumatsu Nakamura ©Shochiku
Reason 2: A Rare Chance to Witness a Debut Performance
A ‘debut performance’ refers to when a Kabuki actor performs a role for the first time. In ZEROMILE’s interview with Tsurumatsu Nakamura, he guided us through Asakusa, the stage for the New Year Asakusa Kabuki. He had debut roles in the first act of Ehon Taikoki (The Picture Book of Taiko) as Misao, in the second act of Haru No Shirabe Musume Nanakusa (The Soga Brothers and the Seven Spring Herbs) as Shizuka Gozen, and again in the second act of Ehon Taikoki as Takechi Jujiro.
When performing a debut role, actors often receive guidance from senior Kabuki performers who have experience in the role. The goal is to embody each lesson exactly as taught. As Tsurumatsu mentioned, “For both Jujiro and Misao, I want to be conscious of the meaning behind each movement,” and you can see his dedication in every expression, hand gesture, and step. This passing down of form and spirit is what keeps Kabuki thriving today.
The excitement of witnessing a fresh debut performance can be experienced in the current New Year Asakusa Kabuki. What’s more, the same Ehon Taikoki is being performed in a double-cast format in both the first and second acts, so you can enjoy the same role in two different interpretations. The emotions you feel while watching are sure to stay with you, especially when the actor you’ve discovered reprises the role in the future.
Ehon Taikoki: Takechi Jujiro played by Tsurumatsu Nakamura ©Shochiku
Reason 3: Enjoy Exploring Asakusa Alongside Your Theater Experience
Nakamura introduced us to some beloved local shops, is also a well-known sightseeing destination. You can pass through Kaminarimon Gate, stroll along Nakamise Street, and visit Senso-ji Temple to experience the charm of Tokyo’s old-town atmosphere.
In this production of Haru no Shirabe Musume Nanakusa, Tsurumatsu’s character, Shizuka Gozen, dances with a tenugui cloth from the shop Fujiya (introduced in our previous article) placed over her bangs. Be sure to keep an eye out for this lovely detail during the performance.
Haru no Shirabe Musume Nanakusa: Shizuka Gozen played by Nakamura Tsurumatsu ©Shochiku
Ehon Taikoki: Takechi Jujiro played by Nakamura Tsurumatsu ©Shochiku
Website
https://www.kabukiweb.net/theatres/other/asakusa/asakusa_january_2025/
