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The history of Japanese theater dates back over three thousand

years. Kabuki was originally a theater form originated in 1557


CE with the actress O-Kuni. “Women’s” Kabuki lasted until 1629
when a riot ensued. The riot was spurred when a prostitute act-
ed in a Noh performance. At that time the government banned
women from the theater and men had to assume the female
roles. To this day women are still not allowed in Grand Kabuki.
The Ichimura Theater in Edo was built in 1634 and remained in
constant use for nearly three centuries. It was destroyed by fire
in 1932.
Even the art of the Tattoo of-
ten paid homage to the art of
the Kabuki
Three early photo portraits of Kabuki
actors from the 19th Century
Contemporary Kabuki actor Bando
Tamasaburo as Princess Sakura in
Sakura-Hime. Act I
Contemporary Kabuki actor Bando
Tamasaburo as Princess Sakura in
Sakura-Hime. Act V
Shortly after the beginning of
men’s kabuki, in 1660, began
the dynasty of actors known as
Danjuro

To the right is the current


Danjuro, number XII. He is of
direct lineage to the original
Danjuro I
Danjuro I
1660-1704

Here is the image of Danjuro I


as Kagemasa in Shibaraku one
of his most famous roles.

The print by Torii Kiyonubu


Danjuro II
1688-1758

Here Danjuro II is shown in


the role of Soga no Goro.

The print by Okumura Masanobu


Danjuro III
1721-1724

Here Danjuro III is shown


in one of the Soga brothers
themed plays

The print by Torii Kiyonobu


Danjuro IV
1711-1778

Kagekiyo, one of “Eighteen Fa-


vorite Plays” of the Ichikawa
family of actors

Print by Torii Kiyomitsu


DanjuroV
1741-1807

Here Danjuro V reprises the


role of Kagemasa in Shiraraku

Print by Utagawa Kunimasa


Danjuro VI
1778-1799

Print by Utagawa Kunimasa


Danjuro VII
1791-1859

This dramatic image is of Dan-


juro VII as Kan Shojo

Print by Utagawa Kunisada


Danjuro VIII
1823-1954

Here Danjuro VIII is shown in


the title role of Sukeroku.

Print by Utagawa Toyokuni


Danjuro IX
1838-1903

Danjuro IX was an innovator


of Kabuki, here in a new play
of the Meiji Period.
Danjuro X
1880-1956
Danjuro XI
1909-1965

The father of the new Danjuro


XII. Here shown as Yoemon in
Kasane.
Danjuro XII
1946-

The current Danjuro as Ka-


makura Gongoro no Kagemasa
An early 19th Century Kabuki print by Kunisada
A modern woodblock print of Kabuki
A modern woodblock print of Kabuki
Japanese Prints
Daily Life
A Kunisada print from
19th Century
A 19th Century print by Kunisada
A 19th Century print by Kunisada
A woodblock print of
Toyonobu
A woodblock print of Shigenaga

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