A funanorikomi procession featuring popular kabuki actors. Chuo Ward, Osaka, July 1 (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo).
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A traditional funanorikomi boat procession featuring popular kabuki actors took place on July 1 in central Osaka. This ceremonial event, in which actors arrive by boat to mark the start of a kabuki performance run, drew large crowds. Amid a flurry of confetti, the appearance of Onoe Kikugoro VIII — who recently succeeded to one of kabuki's most prestigious stage names — drew loud cheers from spectators lining the riverbanks.
This cherished summer tradition in Osaka featured kabuki actors parading through the city by boat, including Kikugoro VIII (formerly Onoe Kikunosuke) and his son Kikunosuke VI (formerly Onoe Ushinosuke), both beaming as they waved to the crowd. Among them was Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, whose presence added to the excitement.
From both riverbanks, fans shouted out the actors' yago, traditional stage house names, like "Otokoya!" and "Matsushimaya!" as applause echoed across the water.
From Kansai to Edo and Back
This year's funanorikomi was held to promote the July Kabuki season at the Osaka Shochikuza Theater in Chuo Ward, running from July 5 to 24. The performances mark the official debut of Kikugoro VIII and Kikunosuke VI under their newly inherited stage names.
After disembarking, the actors took part in a ceremony held in front of the Shochikuza Theater. Addressing the crowd, Kikugoro VIII reflected on his family's historical ties to Osaka: "People often associate the name Kikugoro with an Edo actor, but the first and second generations were actually born in Kansai. They made their careers in Edo [modern-day Tokyo], and passed away here in Osaka."
He added, "I've chosen plays associated with the Otokoya tradition to honor our forebears. They're all colorful and festive productions, so I hope you'll come and enjoy them."
His son, Kikunosuke VI, added with a shy smile, "I'll do my best."
Following the speeches, Kataoka Nizaemon stood at the center of the group and led the crowd in the traditional Osaka-jime hand-clapping ritual to close the event. With a mischievous grin, Nizaemon quipped, "Please lend us your support so we can have full houses all the way through to the final performance. I'm doing my best, too!"
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- INTERVIEW | Ichikawa Somegoro VIII on His New Year Performances at the Kabukiza
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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