Two acclaimed young Kabuki actors, Ichikawa Somegoro VIII and Onoe Tatsunosuke III, said Monday (Jan. 30) they hope to ride the surge in popularity of the art form following the global success of the Japanese film Kokuho, as they gear up for their first international tour to the U.K. next year.
At a press conference in Tokyo, both young artists stressed the importance of introducing Kabuki to international audiences and expressed excitement about performing in Britain, a country with a rich theatrical tradition.
Ichikawa Somegoro VIII said the attention generated by Kokuho has made more people around the world aware of Kabuki, calling it an opportune moment to showcase this distinctive art form abroad. Meanwhile, Onoe Tatsunosuke III shared pride in being part of global efforts to promote traditional Japanese culture.
The tour, scheduled for 2024 in the U.K., marks a significant milestone in both actors' careers. They said they would strive to deliver high-quality performances while introducing the finest aspects of Kabuki to international audiences, contributing to cultural exchange between Japan and the world.
