Kataoka Ichizō is a kabuki stage name which originated in the Osaka theatre, but whose actors are now based in Tokyo. The name has been passed down from the early 19th-century to the present day through six generations. The family crest used to represent the line is the inverted ginkgo leaf design.[1]
was born in 1792, the son of a low-ranking kabuki actor who gave him his initial training. In 1810 he began an apprenticeship under respected actor, and took the name Kataoka Ichizō I.[2] He began his career by performing in minor Osaka area theatres and on stages erected within shrine grounds. In 1820, he became attached to Osaka's theatre. He also travelled throughout Japan, performing in Edo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Ise.[3] He took actors Kataoka Ichizō II and Kataoka Ichōmaru under his wing as disciples.[4] His large build and loud voice were well suited to the and villain roles in which he specialized. He was so admired for these performances that he earned the nickname : King of the Villains. He was, however, also credited with the ability to deliver subtle dramatic performances, particularly in elderly man roles.[5] Ichizō I held the name from 1810 to 1858 when he took the name .[6] From 1860 to the spring of 1862, Ichizō took a break from performing due to eye problems and encroaching senility.[7] In the 5th lunar month of 1862 he appeared on stage for the last time in the play "Ōmi Genji Senjin Yakata." He died in the 7th lunar month of 1862.[8]
Ichizō I was associated with a number of names throughout his life, as per kabuki convention:[9]
Kataoka Ichizō I appears in prints by the following artists:
Very little is known of Ichizō II's personal details, including the dates of his birth and death. He began his career with the Kataoka family as a disciple of Ichizō I, but went on to study with the Nakamura clan under Nakamura Utaemon IV. His speciality was supporting katakiyaku villain roles. After spending some time in the late 1850s performing in Edo to great acclaim, he returned to Osaka where he rejoined the Kataoka family. He took the name early in 1865, almost three years after the death of his predecessor. His name ceased appearing on kabuki playbills in the last years of the Edo period.[16]
Ichizō II was associated with the following names throughout his career:[17]
was born in 1851 in the Osaka-area town of .[18] His father was artist, and his two older brothers were kabuki actors and . His first professional appearance was on an Osaka stage in 1855. He was known for his wide-ranging skills, and particularly his portrayal of katakiyaku villains and fukeyaku elderly men. Following the sudden death of his brother, Inemaru, Ichizō III was forced to give up kabuki and begin an apprenticeship in the trades. He returned to the stage, however, becoming a disciple of Kataoka Nizaemon VIII in 1886. In 1887, he became Ichizō III, a title he held until his death in December, 1906.[19]
was born in the Shitaya district of Tokyo in 1880.[21] Later he was adopted by Ichizō III, who trained him until his debut at Tokyo's Nakamura-za theatre in 1887. He continued to perform until 1904 when the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War resulted in his being sent to the front. In 1906, he was discharged from the military. The general euphoria over Japan's military victory carried over to the theatre, where houses were frequently packed. In 1909, almost 3 full years after the death of his adoptive father, he succeeded to the Ichizō line. He went on to hold this title until his death in 1926, meaning that his career spanned the Meiji and Taishō periods.[22] Ichizō IV was noted for his loud voice and large personality, which made him well-suited to strong leading roles.[23] He was praised in particular for his female roles, as well as his and dance performances.[24]
Born in Tokyo on February 10, 1916, was the eldest son of Ichizō IV. He first appeared on the kabuki stage in January 1922 at Tokyo's [27] theatre in the role of a child. He became head of the Kataoka Ichizō line in October 1934. After the war, he joined the troupe of . After Matsumoto's death, he became a disciple of .[28] On June 30, 1991, aged 75, Ichizō fell from the platform at Tokyo's Yushima subway station and died.
Ichizō V was known for his performance of supporting roles. His two sons followed in his steps as kabuki actors, the eldest becoming, and the youngest becoming . His daughter married performer .
, born in Tokyo on December 12, 1958, is the oldest son of Ichizō V. He has held the rank of principal actor since 1985, and held the Ichizō VI title since May, 2003. He is a member of the . He has performed internationally, including appearing at the Paris Opera. He currently has as his disciple his younger brother, .[29]