KABUKI's News

Kataoka Gatō sadly passes away

Kabuki actor Kataoka Gatō sadly passed away on May 11. He was 90. May his soul rest in peace.

Gatō was the first son of Kataoka Nizaemon XIII. He was known for his clear delivery of lines, his impressive stage presence and a performance style that reflected his sincere personality. He played a wide range of roles from Kamigata Kabuki to Edo Kabuki as a tachiyaku, a specialist in male roles.

Gatō was enthusiastic about the transmission of Kamigata kabuki and devoted himself to teaching young actors from the Kamigata region through the 'Kamigata Kabuki Kai'. For many years he also organized kabuki appreciation classes for students in the Kansai region, and has done much to broaden the base of kabuki audiences.

His last performance was in February 2020 at the Kabukiza Theatre, in a memorial kyōgen play for the 27th anniversary of the death of Kataoka Nizaemon XIII, titled Satō Masakiyo in 'Hachijin Shugo no Honjō' .