The Naritaya family's first-ever nationwide tour together, The Road to Tradition, opened today, Friday, August 21, at Kanazawa Kagekiza Theater, welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd.
13th Ichikawa Danjuro Hakuen, 4th Ichikawa Botan, and 8th Ichikawa Shinnosuke — this marks the first time all three have come together for a nationwide tour. What's more, every Japanese classical dance piece on the program is being performed for the very first time, making for a truly special lineup.
The program opens with Tsuru-Kame (Crane and Tortoise), a suodori — an elegant plain-dress dance performed by all three together — marking the dawn of a new era for the Naritaya family. It's followed by a greeting from the three of them, after which Botan performs Shuchaku Jishi, taking on the hair-whirling kefuri technique for the first time and dancing with both charm and passion. Shinnosuke also draws attention with a vivid quick change from the endearing onnagata role in Hane no Kamuro to the bold, spirited tachiyaku role in Tomoyakko, coloring the stage with nimble footwork and assured artistry. The breath of tradition handed down across generations meets the fresh vitality of a moment that can only be witnessed right now, filling the audience with deep emotion.
Starting with today's performance at Kanazawa Kagekiza Theater, the troupe will travel the country for a total of 11 performances at 6 venues, including Danjuro Geijutsu Gekijo Urara in Komatsu, Ishikawa; Sakura Hall at the Shibuya Cultural Center Owada in Tokyo; and Sky Theater MBS in Osaka.
The tour continues through August 30, bringing this special stage from the three of them to audiences across the country.
Message from Ichikawa Danjuro
I'm delighted that we were able to safely open the curtain on the first day together with my children.
This is the first nationwide tour that Botan, Shinnosuke, and I — the three of us in the Naritaya family — have taken on together. As a father, watching my children grow while standing on the same stage with them makes me truly happy.
Kabuki is an art form that passes down what has been inherited from those who came before to the next generation. Under the title The Road to Tradition, we hope to bring our own feelings to the stage.
For my children, too, this program includes pieces that are a new challenge. I hope that, with your warm support, they can grow by gaining experience one step at a time.
I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has come to see the performance, and to everyone supporting this tour.
I look forward to meeting audiences all across the country.
— Ichikawa Danjuro
Performance Overview
Ichikawa Danjuro, Botan, and Shinnosuke: Naritaya Family, The Road to Tradition
Program:
- Tsuru-Kame (Crane and Tortoise, suodori) — performed by Danjuro, Botan, and Shinnosuke
- Greeting — Danjuro, Botan, and Shinnosuke
- Shuchaku Jishi — performed by Botan
- Hane no Kamuro — performed by Shinnosuke, followed by Tomoyakko — performed by Shinnosuke and Danjuro
Cast: Ichikawa Danjuro, Ichikawa Botan, Ichikawa Shinnosuke
Performance dates: Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 30, 2026
Preschool-age children are not permitted to attend.
Program booklet included: Each attendee will receive one program booklet, handed out at the venue on the day of the performance.
Official website: https://zen-a.co.jp/naritayaoyakokai3/
Production: 3Top Co., Ltd.
Production cooperation: 全栄企画株式会社 / 株式会社ちあふる
Cooperation: Shochiku Co., Ltd.
