Hokaibo

（ ）

Hokaibo

May 1784, Osaka

The play is formally named Sumidagawa Gonichi no Omokage (“Latter-Day Memories of Sumida River”) but is commonly known as Hokaibo. The original title indicates that this is one of the many derivative pieces from the Noh classic Sumida River. The underlying story is the household succession dispute among the noble Yoshida family in Kyoto, which revolves around a treasured scroll. The “memories” in the original title implies that this is a sequel to the Sumida River stories. The main character Hokaibo first appeared in Futago Sumidagawa (“Twins at Sumida River”), a 1720 piece by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, where he was depicted as a good character. In 1775, Nakamura Nakazo played the role of an unruly monk named Dainichibo in Iro Moyo Aoyagi Soga in Edo. The final dance had been limited to female-role specialists, but Nakazo won great acclaim in his performance as an androgynous ghost playing both man and woman. Ichikawa Danzo IV, who played in that version, took the idea to Osaka and performed the role under the name Hokaibo, which became the premiere of this piece. Hokaibo is the ultimate villain, but comical interpretations by various actors have made it one of Kabuki’s most popular characters. Numerous actors have played this role in the modern era, including Onoe Kikugoro VI and Ichikawa Ennosuke II and III, but the most popular by far was Nakamura Kichiemon I for his unique take. His style was succeeded by Nakamura Kanzaburo XVII, Nakamura Kichiemon II and Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII. Several interpretations have established themselves depending on the performer.

●main graphic ［from left］Oshizu（Nakamura Matagoro）、Ghost Hokaibo・Ghost Princess Nowake（Nakamura Kichiemon）、Yosuke, in fact Yoshida Matsuwaka（Nakamura Kinnosuke）、Okumi（Nakamura Shibajaku）　September 2014　Kabukiza Theatre

●publication date　September 2016