Jakuemon NAKAMURA The Fourth (中村雀右衛門 (4代目))
Jakuemon NAKAMURA the Fourth (August 20, 1920 -) is an actor and Kabuki actor. His stage name is Kyoya. His Jomon (family crest) is Kyoya Musubi and his Kaemon (alternate personal crest) is Mukai Suzume. His real name is Kiyoharu AOKI.
As a youth, he appeared in many movies under the name of Tomoemon OTANI the Seventh and became quite popular.
He is an influential figure as an actor of female roles in today's Kabuki world. He is very popular for his youthful beauty, elegance and prestigious performance.
Both of his sons are also Kabuki actors. His older son, Tomoemon OTANI the Eighth, took over the trade name "Akashiya" and performs mainly as tachiyaku (a leading male-role actor). His younger son, Shibajaku NAKAMURA the Seventh, is the successor to Jakuemon's performance as an actor of female roles.
He is an only Kabuki actor appointed as a board member of Traditional Culture Broadcasting that manages 'Kabuki Channel' of CS broadcasting.
Chronological list of the main events
August 20, 1920:
He was born as the eldest son of Tomoemon OTANI the Sixth.
January 1927:
He made a debut under the name of Hirotaro OTANI, playing the role of Sakuramaru in "Osanamoji Kabuki no Kakizome" at the Ichimura-za Theater.
1940
He went to the front.
1946
He was discharged.
June 1947:
He came back to the stage as an actor of female roles, by playing the roles of Koman in "Genpei Nunobiki no Taki" and Oshu in "Gosho no Gorozo" at the Mitsukoshi Theater.
March 1948:
He succeeded to the name, Tomoemon OTANI (the Seventh) by playing the roles such as TAIRA no Atsumori in "Ogiya Kumagai " at the Tokyo Theatre.
1950
He made his film debut in "Kojiro SASAKI."
1955
He moved his center place for work, from Tokyo to Kansai area.
September 1964:
He succeeded to the name, Jakuemon NAKAMURA (the Fourth) by playing the roles such as Yukihime in "Kinkaku-ji Temple" at the Kabuki-za Theater.
1991
He was accredited as the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
1992
He became a member of the Japan Art Academy.
1997
He assumed the post of vice president at Japan Actor's Association.
1999
He assumed the post of president at the Organization for the Preservation of Kabuki.
2001
He became the president of Japan Actor's Association.
(until 2008)
2004
He was presented with the Order of Culture.
Record of winning awards
1980
He received the Award of the Japan Art Academy.
1984
- He received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon.
1986
He received the grand prize of Mayama Seika Award.
1990
He received Pola Grand Prize for Traditional Culture, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
1991
He was accredited as the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property.
1998
He received the grand prize of Matsuo Prize of Entertainment.
2000
He received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
2001
He was accredited as Bunkakorosha (Person of Cultural Merits).
2004
He received the Order of Culture.