Following on from the story that my son, Yoshito, gave at Ukon Onoe's independent performance "Ken no Kai" last time, I would like to continue with some more memories from the summer.

On October 10th, popular kabuki actor Takanosuke Nakamura's independent performance ``Sho no Kai'' will be held at Asakusa Public Hall. One of the programs is a dance called ``Futariwankyu,'' and I am in charge of the choreography. Mr. Takanosuke's enthusiasm for "Futari Wankyu" this time is extraordinary. We started rehearsals in mid-May. Normally, we don't start rehearsals for a play scheduled for October five months in advance. The performance is about 5 minutes long, but we rehearsed it for two and a half hours the other day.

It's not just Takanosuke-san who is incredibly enthusiastic, but I am as well. Actually, ``Futariwankyu'' is a very memorable performance for me. It's a performance that has a lot to be careful of, things to be particular about, and things to convey to Takanosuke-san.

A masterpiece choreographed by Kikunojo Onoe I
Art and spirit conveyed with memories of Tomijuro Nakamura

“Futariwankyu” is a masterpiece by my grandfather, Kikunosuke Onoe I. It's something special to Onoue and to me as well. And after all, there's a reason why I'm so excited this time. It was Takanosuke who performed this role of ``Futari Wanhisa'' in Kabuki productions for many years and developed it into a masterpiece choreographed by the first Kikunojo, and who taught me the role of ``Wanhisa.'' His father was the now deceased fourth generation Tomijuro Nakamura.

I often had the opportunity to have someone teach me directly, saying, ``I learned this from your grandfather.'' By grandfather, I mean my grandfather, Kikunosuke Onoe I. His grandfather had danced this ``Futari Wankyu'' many times with Mr. Tomijuro's mother, Tokuho Azuma, and was Tomijuro's ``Wankyu'' teacher. ``This is how you look when you're crazy, this is how you look.'' ``This is how you use your body.'' ``My grandfather had bad legs, so he did this.'' ``This is what I tried to do.'' He actually demonstrated the movements in front of me and taught me in great detail. And he always said this to me. ``But find your own way of performing that suits you,'' he said. And now, just as Tomijuro-san taught me, I am also giving lessons to Takanosuke-san and Aiko-san, brother and sister. I would like to share with you both the words Tomijuro-san said to me that I will never forget.

As I practice, I sometimes suddenly see a resemblance of my late father, Tomijuro, in Takanosuke's appearance, and I am taken aback. From my grandfather, Kikunojo I, to Mr. Tomijuro, from Mr. Tomijuro to me, and to Mr. Takanosuke and Aiko. In this way, the arts and spirit that could not be passed on directly are passed on through those who received the lessons. In kabuki, Japanese dance, and classical performing arts, this is how art and spirit are passed on from seniors to juniors.

Actually, I've always been a big fan of Tomijuro Nakamura. Of all the Kabuki actors and dancers, he was the one I admired the most. When I was young and unsteady, I saw Tomijuro's performance of ``Funa Benkei'' and was so moved by its power and beauty that I thought, ``There's such a cool dance!'' That's what made me decide to pursue this path. did. Since then, Mr. Tomijuro has been a superstar that I admire.

The story I talked about last time about Mr. Ukon Onoue, who gave my son Yoshito his first opportunity to stand on the Kabuki stage, and the story about Mr. Takanosuke's "Futari Wankyu" this time, are exactly the same. A gift of gratitude. Rather than directly repaying the kindness received from our masters and seniors, we pass it on to the next generation. I feel extremely grateful to be able to exist in this long, long flow. It was very hot, but it was an unforgettable summer.

And the first challenge begins
Kikunojo joins Shinpa

Inspired by all the young Kabuki actors, I have renewed my determination to do my best, and I am currently in the middle of rehearsals for a new play called ``Shinhen Itozakura,'' which will be performed on October 10th and 12th. is. The lead role is played by Kuriko Nami. Co-stars include Yuga Yamato and other actors from the Shinpa Theater Company. Actually, this is the first time in my life that I have played straight.

I have been involved in various plays so far, but my position is choreographing and directing. But this time I will be performing as an actor.

The other day, I practiced standing for the first time. This... is so much fun. Although I'm nervous about my first experience, I feel like I've become younger again. I can't help but feel happy to be able to feel the real excitement of my co-stars, who can really feel their emotions moving through their acting.

The director, Masafumi Saito, explains in detail the background of the characters and even the parts that are not visible to the public. He gives me assignments little by little, so I'm working hard with the mindset of a first-year student. There are many actors and staff members that I have worked with before, but above all, as a new actor, I naturally feel humble and fresh, saying, "Please!"

One of the things that made me really happy about taking on this role as an actor was co-starring with Kuriko Nami. Kuriko-san has been someone I've been very close to since I was a child, calling out to her, ``Yoshiyuki-chan (her real name)!'', and of course I've seen her perform a lot. However, this time, the words (lines) were flying at me right in front of my eyes. You can feel the energy in your eyes, hands, and entire body that you cannot feel in the audience seats. You'll never understand this unless you play together. It's not limited to Kuriko. The energy of each of the other co-stars is amazing. I want to be able to produce something like that myself. And in order to deliver this to our customers, we are practicing hard every day.

Please bring it to Nihonbashi Public Hall. We would like to show you the new Kikunojo.

Onoue Kikunojo Onoue's prologue to his challenge - to the production of the new Kabuki "Touken Ranbu" (Part 1)

Onoue Kikunojo Onoue's prologue to his challenge - to the production of the new Kabuki "Touken Ranbu" (Part 2)

Kikunojo Onoe

Born in March 1976 as the eldest son of Kikunojo Onoe (currently Bokuyuki), the third generation head of Nihon Buyo Onoe and the second generation. He studied under his father from the age of 3, and made his stage debut in ``Pine Green'' at the National Theater in 1981 (at the age of 1990). In 14 (at the age of 2011) he was allowed the name Seikaede Onoe. In August 8 (age 34), he inherited the title of Onoue's fourth iemoto, and at the same time assumed the name Onoue Kikunojo, the third. In addition to presiding over the Onoe-kai and Kikuju-kai dance clubs, he also presides over the "Itsei-kai" (a two-person gathering with Kyogen master Ippei Shigeyama) and his own recitals, creating both classical and new works. He continues to put a lot of effort into releasing various works. He is also actively collaborating with artists of various genres, including Eitetsu Hayashi, one of Japan's leading Japanese drum players.

For inquiries about the online salon "K2 THEATER", which was launched with Kanjuro Fujima, the XNUMXth head master of the Fujima school of Japanese dance, or the "Kikunojo FAN CLUB", please contact:Onoue official website