To start off the year of the dragon, two major kabuki programs are being presented in Tokyo, at the Kabukiza and the Shinbashi Enbujo.
The Kabukiza's program focuses on Kankuro Nakamura, who takes lead roles in two plays and one dance number opposite the star onnagata (female role) actor Tamasaburo Bando. Also on the bill are Uzaemon Ichimura and Kichiemon, Matagoro, Tomijuro and Tokizo Nakamura.
The Enbujo's typical New Year program features young-er kabuki actors in important roles (under the direction of their proud fathers), beginning in the afternoon with "Taimen" from the Soga Brothers saga, with Ta-tsunosuke Onoe, 24, as Goro and Kikunosuke Onoe, 22, as Juro. Kikunosuke, son of Kikugoro, also plays Benten Kozo in "Five Shiranami," while Danjuro's son Shinnosuke, 22, takes the title role in "Sukeroku." Danjuro and Kikugoro themselves appear in "Kanjincho."