[English]
Hello everyone, I am Ichikawa Danjuro.
[Applause]
Currently performing at Hakata-za in Fukuoka City is the special Ichikawa Danjuro show.
The first day of the shows—both matinee and evening—was fully booked.
The final performance is on the 6th, but all tickets for general seating sold out on the very first day they went on sale.
Mr. Nonaka Masatoshi from Hakata-za recalls, “They sold faster than expected.”
Hakota-za’s Sales Director, Mr. Nonaka Masatoshi, says, “They sold out in no time, even more quickly than we imagined.”
Looking at how fast they sold, I think many of the buyers were young people or those who bought tickets for Kabuki for the first time.”
“I definitely felt a real buzz this time.”
There was even a line at the ticket booth for same-day standing room tickets.
They said, “I want to see the national treasure up close.”
“It’s such a famous treasure that I was really excited, so I saw it twice.”
The movie ‘Kokuhō,’ inspired by the world of Kabuki, has grossed over 15 billion yen so far, making it the second highest-grossing Japanese live-action film ever—becoming a social phenomenon.
As expected, Mr. Nonaka notes a shift in the audience demographic.
これまでに興行収入が150億円を超え、
邦画実写として歴代2位を記録するなど
社会現象を巻き起こしています
野中さんは予想していた通り
客層に変化が生じているといいます
“People ask things like, ‘How should I prepare my lunch?’ or ‘Are there restrooms upstairs?’ So I can tell they’re new visitors.”
“I can tell from their faces that many are first-timers—it feels like a fresh crowd is coming in.”
“I recognize some faces of people who’ve come multiple times.”
Thinking of these new fans visiting Hakata-za, Danjuro and his team prepared various tricks for the performances.
Ichikawa Danjuro says, “Tonight’s theme is ‘Invitation to Kabuki,’ so we structured the show to introduce Kabuki.”
“You’ll experience parts of the theater and things you usually don’t get to see or try.”
A lively dance performed by two women in gorgeous costumes.
It’s called “Futatsu Fuji Musume” (Two Wisteria Ladies).
The “Wisteria Spirits” dance depicts their romantic feelings for men who aren’t going their way—dancing gracefully and seductively.
The night show opened with a piece that also appears in the “Kokuhō” play.
After that, audience members could try on costumes on stage, and Danjuro even interacted closely with fans.
“How does this sword feel?”
“It’s much heavier than I expected.”
“It’s so heavy, it’s hard to convey the feeling of presence, but yes, it’s really heavy.”
There’s an area outside the theater where you can experience how heavy the costumes are.
RKB’s reporter, Katsuaki Komatsu, says, “The costume Ichikawa Danjuro is wearing weighs nearly 60 kilograms, and we thought we’d try carrying something similar.”
“It’s not moving at all.”
「全然動かないです」
“Now, I’ll do your makeup. Historically, they put on a kimono over the undergarment, but even the way you put it on can get you scolded if you’re not careful.”
襦袢で浴衣を入れるんですけど入れ方もね、
出していると怒られちゃうんですよ」
We have a set designed to look like a backstage dressing room.
Danjuro himself is applying his makeup.
“It looks simple, but it’s not. I’m a professional after all.”
“There are a bunch of rules, and I follow everything step by step.”
He entertains the audience with stories as he finishes the white face paint with red and black lines, completing the kumadori.
Next, Danjuro starts adding layers of costumes.
Including wig and sword—weighing about 60 kilograms—but he barely moves.
かつらや太刀などもあわせて重さは
60キロほどになりますが、微動だにしません
He performs one of Kabuki’s most iconic roles from “Shizuka,” the hero Kamakura Gonnojo.
The show features popular pieces and behind-the-scenes moments you usually don’t see.
It was an audience favorite, filled with applause.
“It was amazing! Watching the makeup and costumes was so cool.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing the matinee the day after tomorrow, too.”
“It’s my first time. I saw the movie ‘Kokuhō,’ and I thought I’d come see it in person.”
“Wearing a 60-kilogram kimono and acting—normal people can’t imagine doing that.”
“Compared to the movie, the real thing is even more beautiful.”
As interest in Kabuki reaches new heights, more people are paying attention than ever before.
Mr. Nonaka talks about how it’s not just a passing fad—ongoing efforts are needed.
“It was really interesting to me, too, so I’m sure first-time viewers are totally captivated. It’s probably sparking genuine curiosity.”
“Since Kabuki will continue long into the future, not just next year, we’re working steadily to spread the word little by little, and I hope everyone will keep supporting us.”
来年だけでなくずっと続いていくので少しずつですけど
コツコツみなさまのお声を広げていけるように
私たちも努めていけたらと思っております」
