Eno Ichikawa, kabuki theater actor and innovator, dies at 83

TOKYO, Sep 17 (Japan Today) - Eno Ichikawa, who revived the spectacular in Japanese kabuki theater to woo younger and global audiences, has died. He was 83.

Ichikawa died after suffering heart problems on Wednesday in Tokyo, the entertainment company Shochiku Co, a major kabuki producer, said Saturday.

Ichikawa, or Masahiko Kinoshi, became known for “Super Kabuki,” incorporating modern music and storytelling as well as the circus-like elements of the tradition — such as “flying” supported by ropes — that had been discarded over the years. He focused on what he called the three S’s: “Speed, story and spectacle.”

Kabuki, which features live music and dance on a revolving stage, originated in the 17th century Edo era and is traditionally performed only by men. So, Ichikawa played beautiful damsels, as well as witches, samurai and even animals throughout his career.

He is best known for bringing back the stunt chunori, which translates as “lifted into space,” portraying a joyous fox that receives from a princess a small drum made from the hide of its slaughtered parents.

Ichikawa was listed in the Guinness World Records in 2000 for having “flown across the stage and audience for 5,000 performances since April 1968.” ...continue reading