TOKYO - Acclaimed young Kabuki actors Ichikawa Somegoro VIII and Onoe Tatsunosuke III said Monday they hope to take advantage of the art form's surge in popularity following the global success of the Japanese film "Kokuho" when they make their first international tour to Britain next year.
"We must not let this end as just a fad, but instead pass it on to the next generation," said Onoe, 20, known for his acting skills and performances in classical as well as newly written Kabuki plays, during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.
"That is why we want many people to come and see us at the Sadler's Wells Theatre," he said following the announcement that the two would perform at the London venue in January 2027.
Onoe will perform in "Fuji Musume" (wisteria maiden) and Ichikawa in "Yuki no Shakkyo" (stone bridge in snow) while the two will appear together in "Meoto Dojoji" (man and woman at Dojoji temple). All three works are classics.
"You do not need any prior knowledge and can appreciate these pieces purely for their beauty or music," said Ichikawa, the 21-year-old son of celebrated Kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro X and grandson of Matsumoto Hakuo II.
"We chose these pieces that are very typical for those who have not seen Kabuki," he said.
"Thanks to things such as the success of Kokuho, a number of new Kabuki plays and online streaming, Kabuki is booming both domestically and overseas," Onoe said.
The 2025 Japanese film "Kokuho" about the world of Kabuki achieved international success and was nominated for the Academy Award for best makeup and hairstyling, though it failed to win.
Ichikawa has also been active in promoting Kabuki online to wider and younger audiences. "I use social media as a gateway to the Kabuki experience." he said.
"But Kabuki is something that should be seen live," he said. "It does not matter how much we promote if people do not come and see it performed in theaters."
