Culture & Art

Born in 1966. Studied under his late grandfather, Nomura Manzo VI, and his father, Nomura Mansaku, both of whom were designated as Living National Treasures of Japan. Graduated from the Department of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Presides over “Kyogen Gozaru-no-za”.
While performing in many productions of Kyogen and Noh theater in Japan and abroad, and contributing many efforts to proliferate those traditions, he also has expanded his activities to modern theater, film, and television dramas. His stage performances of “Atsushi – Sangetsuki, Meijinden” (The Moon Over the Mountain, and Other Stories / The Legend of a Master), “Kuninusubito” (The Usurper, based on Richard III), and “Shigosen no Matsuri” (The Meridian Rite) displayed his mastery of classic techniques adapted for the modern theater, and his broadening repertoire includes his participation in NHK’s “Nihongo de Asobo” (Let’s Play with Japanese). His unipue talents stretch across a wide variety of genres, allowing him to contribute significantly to a greater public awareness of Kyogen. As a modern Kyogen master, he probes and explores the existence of his craft through his broad spectrum of activities. In 1994, he traveled to Britain as part of the Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists, provided by the Agency of Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan. He has won such prestigious prizes such as the New Artist Award and the Award of Excellence at the National Arts Festival (Agency for Cultural Affairs), The Minister of Education New Artist Award for Fine Arts, the Asahi Performing Arts Award, the Kinokuniya Theater Award, the Mainichi Art Koreya Senda Award, and the Grand Prix at the Yomiuri Theater Awards. He serves as the Artistic Director of the Setagaya Public Theater. He’s also the Chief Executive Creative Director of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and will oversee the opening and closing ceremonies of both Games.

Born December 6, 1977. The eldest son of Ichikawa Danjuro XII. He appeared on stage for the first time in 1983 at the Kabukiza Theater in the role of Harumiya, in a performance of “Genji Monogatari” (The Tale of Genji). In 1985, he received the stage name “Ichikawa Shinnosuke VII” and made his full stage debut in the role of Kikanbo in a performance of “Uiro-uri”, also at the Kabukiza Theater. In May of 2005, he assumed the name “Ichikawa Ebizo XI” when he played the role of Kamakura Gongoro in the play “Shibaraku”, performed at the Kabukiza Theater, and for subsequent roles such as Togashi in the play “Kanjicho”.
In an effort to maintain the passing on of the traditional performing arts to succeeding generations, Ichikawa self-produced projects as “Invitation to the Classics” and “ABKAI”, and continues to release new work. His work is not limited to Japan, as he has been prolific overseas as well, with performances in February 2016 in the UAE, as well as an appearance in “GRAND JAPAN THEATER” at Carnegie Hall in New York City in March of that same year. His acting range extends beyond kabuki theater, having won the Best Actor award at the 37th Japan Academy Film Prize in 2014 for his starring role in “Ask This of Rikyu”.

Born January 29, 1993 (Tokyo) / Agency: ASOBISYSTEM
Kyary made her major debut in 2011 with the release of her mini album “Moshi Moshi Harajuku” (August 17) produced by Yasutaka Nakata. Her first full album “Pamyu Pamyu Revolution” was released in May 2012 and reached No. 1 on the Oricon Daily Chart as well as No. 1 on the iTunes charts in Japan and electro charts around the world. She subsequently embarked on her first nationwide tour, played the Nippon Budokan, and performed on the annual New Year’s Eve television special Kōhaku Uta Gassen. In 2013, she successfully completed her first world tour (13 cities across 8 countries/regions) and in June of the same year released her second album “Nanda Collection” which took the No. 1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Chart. Kyary set off on her second world tour (15 cities across 11 countries/regions) in 2014 which was held to huge success. In the same year, her third album “Pika Pika Fantajin” was released simultaneously across North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia in 15 countries, and once more acquired No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart. Kyary went on to perform her biggest arena tour to date, “Kyary Pamyu Pamyu No Colorful Panic Toy Box” (9 concerts), which ended on a very high note. In 2016, she dropped her first greatest hits album “KPP BEST,” went on her third world tour, and carried out various projects to celebrate five years since her debut. Her fourth album “Japamyu” was released in 2018 which was promoted with a fourth world tour. Her cute appearance, freewheeling attitude and original expression continues to captivate fans. She has grabbed the attention of people around the world as a Harajuku icon, combining her musical activities with fashion.