It's Oct. 27 and the setting sun fades to darkness. A long line of people begins to form around Tsukiji Honganji Temple next to the world-famous fish market in central Tokyo. The scene recalls what happened there last year on Dec. 27, the funeral of Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII who passed away in the city exactly one year ago now, on Dec. 5, 2012.
At this memorial event held on an outdoor stage, luminaries from every genre came together to reminisce fondly about their departed friend, while excerpts from a film titled "Eiga Nakamura Kanzaburo" ("A Film About Nakamura Kanzaburo") were shown ahead of its release last month to small shibai goya (theaters built in the old style, mainly to host kabuki).
Kanzaburo's two sons, Kankuro and Shichinosuke, together with his beloved 2 year-old grandson, Naoya Namino, the son of Kankuro, also performed a traditional dance. "Even if it is in just a small way, we hope this may help to fill the gaping hole left in your hearts," Shichinosuke said, addressing the disconsolate mood of the some 3,300 people gathered there.