Nakamura Kichiemon sadly passes away|News|KABUKI WEB

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December 01 ,2021

Nakamura Kichiemon sadly passes away

Kabuki actor and Living National Treasure Nakamura Kichiemon II sadly passed away on November 28 at a hospital in Tokyo. He was 77. May his soul rest in peace.

Kichiemon was one of the best and most representative 'tachiyaku' (actors of leading male roles) in the kabuki world, attracting many fans with his masterful delivery of dialogue on stage. Among his most famous roles were Kumagai Jirō Naozane from 'KUMAGAI JIN'YA', Ōboshi Yuranosuke from 'KANADEHON CHŪSHINGURA' and Matsuōmaru from 'SUGAWARA DENJU TENARAI KAGAMI', etc.

During the annual 'Shūzan-sai' (the Shūzan Festival) which started in September 2006 to honor the outstanding artistry and talent of Nakamura Kichiemon I, Kichiemon II ably rose to the challenge of playing his predecessor's starring roles, and also contributed greatly in the training of the next generation of actors.

His last performance was at the Kabukiza Theatre (2021) in the role of Ishikawa Goemon, in 'SANMON GOSAN NO KIRI'.