Popular kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo, 41, will assume the stage name of Ichikawa Danjuro Hakuen in May 2020, it was announced on Monday at a press conference at the Kabukiza Theatre in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
Ebizo will be the 13th person to be named Ichikawa Danjuro. His 5-year-old son Kangen Horikoshi will assume the name Ichikawa Shinnosuke simultaneously to debut as a kabuki actor under that stage name.
Ichikawa Danjuro is a representative stage name of Edo kabuki. The name will make a comeback for the first time in seven years since Ebizo's father, Ichikawa Danjuro XII, died in February 2013.
"[Ichikawa Danjuro is] a prestigious and paramount stage name in kabuki. I now vow I will make all-out efforts for kabuki diligently as long as my life goes on," Ebizo said at the press conference.
Kangen said: "I will succeed to the stage name of Ichikawa Shinnosuke as the eighth person. My father had performed under that name, too. I beg your kindness and support."
According to Shochiku Co., which produces kabuki performances, shows announcing their new stage names will be held from May through July in 2020 at the Kabukiza Theatre, and also tour across the nation afterward.
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