Ichikawa Danjuro

Ichikawa Danjuro is a name that has been passed down for generations as a stage name for the leader of Kabuki, a Japanese classical dance drama which is loved, to this day, by many people. This stage name has been bestowed on 12 people, all of whom are part of the Naritaya family (Naritaya is the acting house name). Their emblem is the Mimasu (three square sake measures stacked inside each other). All were great actors, with the exception of the third Danjuro and the sixth Danjuro, who both died young. Ichikawa Danjuro was the pride of the people during the Edo era.

Due to his father's good connections, the first Danjuro entered the theatrical world when he was 14 years old. His debut was at the Nakamura-za Theater in 1685. At the Ichimura-za Theater, he made a wonderful impact on the audience in the role of Sakata no Kinpira during the tachimawari (a battle scene) in the play, Kinpira Rokujyo Gayoi (Kinpira’s Visits to the Pleasure Quarters). In that play, he wore kumadori (the red and black stage makeup worn by Kabuki actors). This marks the beginning of the Aragoto style and the tradition of kumadori make-up as we know it today. Aragoto was a Kabuki acting style, which became the foundation for Edo Kabuki, representing brave, yet childish and lively characterization.

The first Danjuro played many great roles. He was also part of the stage directing team under a pen name of Mimasuya Hyogo. Unfortunately, in 1704, he was stabbed on stage, dying tragically. His talent was passed on to his son, who later became the second Danjuro. His father had taught him much about Aragoto. As a result, he made many adjustments to Aragoto to suit the era he was in. The Danjuro name has been thus passed along to the 12th Danjuro, and, in May 2020, will continue to the 13th Danjuro.