Osaka heralds Kabuki season with traditional boat parade

June 30, 2012

By CHIHIRO OZAKI/ Staff Writer

OSAKA--A legend of Kabuki and other stars of the theater were on hand June 29 to greet fans in a traditional ceremony to herald the start of summer here.

The event is called "funanorikomi" and involves a boat parade to mark the July 3 opening of the Grand Kabuki at Osaka Shochikuza theater in the city's famed Dotonbori district.

Kabuki actors from the Harimaya family, including Living National Treasure Nakamura Kichiemon II, greeted Kabuki fans from decorated boats floating down the Dotonbori canal.

Also on board were third-generation Nakamura Matagoro and fourth-generation Nakamura Kasho. The father and son will announce their official succession of predecessors' names during a July performance.

The boats, hoisting banners with Kabuki actors' names, left Hachikenyahama beach in Tenmabashi shortly after 4 p.m. and arrived at Ebisubashi, near the Shochikuza theater, around 4:40 p.m.

The Kabuki season runs through July 27.

By CHIHIRO OZAKI/ Staff Writer
  • 1
submit to reddit
Mail Print
Kabuki actors greet fans during the “funanorikomi” boat parade, the opening ceremony of the July Kabuki season in Osaka, on June 29. (Ryo Ikeda)

Kabuki actors greet fans during the “funanorikomi” boat parade, the opening ceremony of the July Kabuki season in Osaka, on June 29. (Ryo Ikeda)

Toggle
  • Kabuki actors greet fans during the “funanorikomi” boat parade, the opening ceremony of the July Kabuki season in Osaka, on June 29. (Ryo Ikeda)