The Flower of Elegance Blooming in the Meiji Era: Onoe Kikugoro VI on Stage (1885-1949)

The Flower of Elegance Blooming in the Meiji Era: Onoe Kikugoro VI on Stage (1885-1949)

Onoe Kikugoro VI was born under the skies of the Meiji era in 1885. He was the adopted son of Kikugoro V and, while inheriting the blood and artistry of his father, he also broke new ground in realism with his own sensibility.

His art went beyond the beauty of mere formality. He brought the emotions of people living on the streets of Edo to the stage in a stylish and soft manner. In his masterpieces "Benten Koso," "Yo Hanami Ukina Yokogushi," and "Naka Nagaya Ume Kagatobi," he captivated the audience by directly expressing the emotional tremors of the characters.

His stylish personality shone through even behind the scenes. He is famous for tickling Kichiemon while playing the role of an anointed masseur and finally making him laugh on stage. For Kichiemon VI, acting was not something that was bound by a set of rules, but rather a living creature that breathed freely.

He encouraged his pupils to "play more freely," but at the same time, he never let them lose the core of their art. Koshiro Matsumoto VII and Ebizo Ichikawa XI grew up with his teachings.

In 1949, Koshiro VI quietly left the stage. However, his spirit still lives on deep within the Kabuki-za Theater, along with the air of the Meiji era.