Official
Experience the charm of the fox Tadanobu - Kabukiza Theater in October
What are the highlights of the performance through "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura"
This time "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" decorates the last of Toshi Kyogen.
It's been about six years since I started attending Kabuki-za Theater. Sometimes I go out with my wife, but I often try to lie side by side to the slow progress of the long lines of Kabuki and the story. It was the scene of a fox in this "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" that my wife was watching with her eyes shining.
"Tadanobu Sato, actually Genkuro fox" played in Part 4 "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura Kawatsura Hogenkan" in November 2020. The fox was played by Shido Nakamura. Shido, who was accustomed to the appearance of a brave warlord, was surprised by the gap dressed as an adorable fox and the high physical ability to run around the stage vertically and horizontally with the gesture of a fox.
Major project for the 130th anniversary of Shochiku's founding
At Kabukiza in October, "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" will be performed.
In commemoration of the 130th anniversary of Shochiku's founding, it is customary that the three major masterpieces of Gidayu Kyogen (dramatic work transferred from puppet ballad drama to Kabuki) are performed only in popular stages, but this time it is a special project to perform from beginning to end.
This performance marks the end of the performance, following the "Kanademoto Chushingura" in March and the "Sugawara Denju Handbook" in September.
Correlation of Major Characters
Summary of each stage and highlights
"Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" consists of three parts, but it is characterized by the fact that the protagonist and the stage change for each stage instead of chasing through one line.
At first glance, this work is developed on two axes: (1) loyalty and conspiracy surrounding Yoshitsune, and (2) survival of the Heike clan hidden in various places.
There are a wide range of scenes from the tragedy of warlords, the home drama of townspeople, and the fantastic fox dance, and the key to connecting the story is "Hatsune no Tsuzumi". A tragic comedy of human patterns and history is woven around the drum, and finally a big story.
While "Sugawara Denju Tensho Kan" in September was a drama that followed a single line, "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" is like a short story collection. It is also attractive that you can enjoy different flavors in each stage.
Part 1
Highlights: Tokaiya Gimpei Minoru is Tomomori Tairano
The highlight is the moment when it is revealed that the owner of the Tokaiya, Gimpei, is actually Tomomori Tairano. The moment of a common expression that acts kindly to the Yoshitsune and his spirit as a warlord gives a strong impression on the audience.
In addition, the stage is impressive with the production of blue Kumatori, bloody costumes, and rough things.
At the end, Tomomori, who carries an anchor and enters the sea, condensed the pride and sorrow of the Heike, and the acting power of the actor shines.
This time, Hayato Nakamura will work in Program A and Minosuke Bando will work in Program B. In the A program, Minosuke's eldest son, Oto-kun, will appear for the first time in the role of Emperor Antoku.
Part 2
Highlights - Gonda of Igami
The highlight is the scene where it becomes clear that Gonda, a misunderstood, sacrificed his wife and children for filial piety.
His father Yazaemon was once rewarded by Shigemori Tairano, and sheltered his child, Koremori, and tried to help him.
In Kabuki, a dramatic turn in which a person who seems to be such a bad person is finally revealed to be a good person is called a "modori".
Gonda's actions seem unnatural at first glance, but in the drama critic Masao Miyatsuji's "Nizaemon Hanamisho" (published in May 2025), "In addition to calling it" Oyasan, Oyasan "at the time of the death, I wanted to be praised by my parents, especially my father, "and I can understand the childhood and thoughts behind Gonda's actions.
Gonda of Igami is the protagonist of Nizaemon Kataoka. This time, we will be performing in Program B (Part 2 from October 12 to 21).
Part 3
Highlights: Satoh-Chu Nobuzane is a Genkuro fox
"Hatsune's drum" was made in the past at the expense of a millennium fox couple because of the rain that saves the drought.
The true identity of the fox was a fox (Genkuro fox) who appeared in admiring the parent fox who became the skin of the drum. The fox served Shizuka Gozen with a drum, and Yoshitsune gave this drum to the fox because of his contribution to protecting Shizuka Gozen. There is no joy on this either.
The depth of the fox's emotions is depicted more than humans, and a fantastic stage with change and dance develops.
It is said that the Genkuro fox has an acrobatic type with a sense of speed that emphasizes the movement of the Enno Ichikawa system, and a type that expresses the emotions of the Kikugoro Onoe system and delicately expresses the sadness and feelings of the fox.
This time, Danko Ichikawa, who plays this role for the first time, is a blood line with Saruo as his grandfather. He is a 21-year-old who will be working many times. Expectations are growing for the youthful Genkuro fox.
Family tree (mainly performers this time)
Suitable for the finale of three masterpieces
Yoshitsune Senbonzakura, which celebrates the 130th anniversary of Shochiku's founding, is a masterpiece that combines the depth of historical drama, the personality of townspeople, and fantastic dance.
Tomomori's proud end, Gonda's parent and child drama, and the fantasy beauty of Tadanobu Fox, all reflect the universal emotions of humans. This work has an easy-to-understand impression, and it is recommended for beginners.
Why don't you experience the charm of the live stage of Kabuki, where actors who inherit tradition perform enthusiastically?
[Source of Ukiyo-e]
Name of work: "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura"
Name of actor: "Shin Chunagon Chimori Danjuro Ichikawa", "Goro Sagami Kikugoro Onoe", "Nishi no Tsubone Fukusuke Nakamura"
Author: Kunichika Toyohara (year of production: 1888)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Library
Name of work: "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura", "Gontazaka" and "Igami"
Author: Kunisada Utagawa (year of production: 1852)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Library
Name of work: 'Yoshitsune Senbonzakura Genkuro fox'
Name of role: Shizuka Gozen (4th) Kikugoro Onoe, Genkuro fox (1st) Fukusuke Nakamura
Author: Kunisada Utagawa (1st) (year of publication: 1859)
Request: M142-22-1/East M142-022-001 Code 4300630699
Producer Tokyo Metropolitan Library