Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII

1.1. Birth and Family Lineage

Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII was born Horikoshi Takatoshi (堀越 孝俊) on December 6, 1977, in Tokyo, Japan. He is the eldest son of the renowned Ichikawa Danjūrō XII and Kimiko, the daughter of Takao Shōji, representative director and president of Tatsumi Kogyo Co., Ltd.. His paternal grandfather was the respected Ichikawa Danjūrō XI, affectionately known as "Ebiso-sama." He belongs to the prestigious Naritaya acting guild, a lineage tracing back to the 17th century with its founder, Ichikawa Danjūrō I. As is customary for Kabuki actors, his stage names are inherited, signifying his place within this distinguished family tradition. His family crest is the

, and his alternate crest is the

.

1.2. Education and Early Training

From a very young age, Danjūrō XIII embarked on a demanding training regimen essential for a Kabuki actor. This included intensive voice training to master the unique vocalizations characteristic of Kabuki, as well as rigorous physical training to prepare for the stylized movements and poses demanded on stage. He attended Aoyama Gakuin from kindergarten through high school, later transferring to Horikoshi High School, from which he graduated in March 1997. His early training was a blend of formal education and immersive artistic discipline, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of his inherited theatrical legacy.

1.3. Succession of Stage Names

Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII's career is marked by the succession of several significant stage names, each representing a new phase in his artistic journey.

• In May 1983, at the age of five, he made his initial appearance on stage at the Kabuki-za Theater as Harumiya in *The Tale of Genji* (Genji Monogatari).
• In March 1985, at the age of seven, he received the stage name **Ichikawa Shinnosuke VII** (七代目 市川 新之助_{Nanadaime Ichikawa Shinnosuke}^Japanese) at his father's Ichikawa Danjūrō XII succession performance at the Kabuki-za, making his full stage debut in *Uiro-uri* as Kiikanbo. He held this name until 2004.
• In May 2004, he succeeded to the name **Ichikawa Ebizō XI** (十一代目 市川 海老蔵_{Jūichidaime Ichikawa Ebizō}^Japanese). This succession was marked by special commemorative performances, including an "Oneri" procession and dedication at Narita-san Shinshō-ji temple on April 4, and special train services named "Ebizo-go" on the Keisei Main Line and Keihan Main Line.
• On January 14, 2019, he announced his intention to succeed to the name **Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII** (十三代目 市川 團十郎_{Jūsandaime Ichikawa Danjūrō}^Japanese) in May 2020, also taking the haimyō (poetic name) Hakuen (栢筵_Hakuen^Japanese), Rai (雷_Rai^Japanese), and Jukai (寿海_Jukai^Japanese) to signify his ongoing dedication and growth, as he felt he had not yet reached the stature of his grandfather or father. However, the succession was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• He officially assumed the title of Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII Hakuen on October 31, 2022, with commemorative performances held at the Kabuki-za in October and November. Concurrently, his eldest son, Kangen Horikoshi, made his Kabuki debut and succeeded to the name Ichikawa Shinnosuke VIII (八代目 市川 新之助_{Hachidaime Ichikawa Shinnosuke}^Japanese), the first stage name his father used.

2.1. Early Stage and Television Career

His professional journey began at a young age, starting with his initial stage appearance in May 1983 as Harumiya in *The Tale of Genji* at the Kabuki-za Theater. This was followed by his formal stage debut as Ichikawa Shinnosuke VII in *Uiro-uri* in March 1985. His talent quickly gained recognition. In 1994, he made his television debut in the NHK Taiga drama *Hana no Ran*, where he appeared alongside his father, Ichikawa Danjūrō XII, playing the young Ashikaga Yoshimasa. His breakthrough came in 2000, when his performance as Hikaru Genji in *Genji Monogatari* at the Kabuki-za led to sold-out shows. This success established him, along with Onoe Kikunosuke V and Onoe Tatsunosuke II, as one of the "Heisei Sansuke" (Three Sansuke of the Heisei era), sparking a new Kabuki boom. In 2003, he took on a leading role as Miyamoto Musashi in the NHK Taiga drama *Musashi*.

2.2. Major Kabuki Performances

Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII is renowned for his significant contributions to traditional Kabuki, particularly his specialization in aragoto roles, a bold and exaggerated style passed down through his family lineage. He has actively engaged in reviving and performing classic plays from the Naritaya house's repertoire, known as the "Kabuki Jūhachiban" (Eighteen Kabuki Plays). His notable roles include:

• Hanagawado Sukeroku in *Sukeroku Yukari Edozakura* (he frequently performs Gorō in other Soga plays as well).
• Kume no Hanjō in *Kenuki*.
• Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa in *Shibaraku*.
• The Uirō-uri in *Uirō-uri*.
• Narukami Shōnin in *Narukami*.
• Benkei and Togashi Saemon in *Kanjinchō*.
• Hikaru Genji in *The Tale of Genji*.
• Gorōzō in *Otokodate Hanakuruwa*.
• Banzuiin Chōbei in *Gokusaishiki Banzui Chōbei*.
• The Spirit of the Parent Lion in *Renjishi*.
• Ishikawa Goemon in *Ishikawa Goemon*.
• Hamamatsuchō Tatsugorō in *Shinmei Ehigō Torikumi*.
• Akushichibyōe Kagekiyo in *Kotobuki Mitsu Masu Kagekiyo*.
• Oda Kazusanokami Nobunaga in *Wakaki Hi no Nobunaga*.
• Danshichi Kurobei in *Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami*.
• Nakakuni in *Setsugekka San Kagami*.
• Saitō Sanemori in *Genpei Nunobiki no Taki*.

He frequently performs at major theaters across Japan, including the Kabuki-za Theater, Osaka Shochikuza Theater, and Minami-za Theater.

2.3. Film and Television Appearances

Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII has established a strong presence in film and television, taking on diverse roles. His filmography includes:

• Sea Without Exit* (2006) as Koji Namiki.
• Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai* (2011) as Tsukumo Hanshiro, which premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
• Ask This of Rikyu* (2013) as Sen no Rikyū, a role for which he won Best Actor at the 37th Japan Academy Film Prize.
• Over Your Dead Body* (2014) as Kousuke Hasegawa/Tamiya Iemon.
• Blade of the Immortal* (2017) as Eiku Shizuma, also premiering at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

His television appearances include:

• NHK Taiga drama roles:
  • Young Ashikaga Yoshimasa in *Hana no Ran* (1994).
  • Lead role as Miyamoto Musashi in *Musashi* (2003).
  • Oda Nobunaga in *Naotora: The Lady Warlord* (2017).
  • Narrator for *Awaiting Kirin* (2020-21).
• Other television dramas:
  • Kipposhi in *Toyotomi Hideyoshi* (TV Tokyo, 1995).
  • Ichijuro Ooka in *Ooka Echizen no Kami* (TV Tokyo, 1997).
  • Nakazo Nakamura in *Chushingura Nakazokyoran* (TV Asahi, 2000).
  • Kohei Takei in *Mr. Brain* (TBS, 2009).
  • Kinya Otsuka in *Matsumoto Seicho Drama Special Kiri no Hata* (Nippon TV, 2010).
  • Ichikawa Ebizō IX in *Story of Machiko Hasegawa* (Fuji TV, 2013).
  • Kentarō Yachida in *Yowakutemo Katemasu* (NTV, 2014).
  • Lead role as Ishikawa Goemon in *Ishikawa Goemon* (TV Tokyo, 2016).
  • Hitoshi Sawada in *SUITS* (Fuji TV, 2018).
  • Himself (special appearance) in *BG~身辺警護人~ Season 2* (TV Asahi, 2020).
  • Lead role as Oda Nobunaga in *Okehazama OKEHAZAMA* (Fuji TV, 2021).

  He has also lent his voice to animated productions and dubbing:

  • Himself in *Case Closed* (名探偵コナン コナンと海老蔵 歌舞伎十八番ミステリー_{Meitantei Konan Konan to Ebizō Kabuki Jūhachiban Misuterī}^Japanese, the 804th and 805th episodes, 2016).
  • Our Man (Robert Redford) in the Japanese dub of *All Is Lost* (2014).
  • A Stormtrooper in the Japanese dub of *Solo: A Star Wars Story* (2018).

2.4. International Performances

Danjūrō XIII has significantly contributed to promoting Kabuki globally through extensive international tours and cultural exchange activities.

• In October 2004, he held the "Ichikawa Shinnosuke, now Ichikawa Ebizō XI, Succession Commemorative French Performance" at the Théâtre national de Chaillot in Paris. This highly anticipated event drew top French politicians and business figures, with *Le Monde* newspaper dedicating its front page to his performance, praising him as a "star at 26" from a distinguished Kabuki family, known for his youth, good looks, and "fatal gaze" (睨み_nirami^Japanese).
• In May and June 2006, he performed in London at the Sadler's Wells Theatre and in Amsterdam at the Stadsschouwburg Theatre during the "Visit to Europe Kabuki Performance." His work on the London stage earned him a nomination for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award.
• In March 2007, he made history by performing Kabuki at the Palais Garnier of the Paris Opéra alongside his father. His performance as Benkei in *Kanjinchō*, followed by a dramatic "Tobi Roppō" exit down the central aisle, received widespread acclaim.
• In appreciation of his work, France awarded him the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2007, making him a Chevalier (Knight).
• In 2009, he and his father, Ichikawa Danjūrō XII, were appointed as France goodwill ambassadors.
• Further international engagements include:
  • Monaco Opera (Salle Garnier) in September 2009.
  • London and Rome in June 2010.
  • Singapore (Marina Bay Sands MasterCard Theatre and Grand Theatre) in November 2014 and October 2015 for his "Invitation to the Classics" series.
  • Fujairah, UAE (Miramar Al Aqqa Beach Resort) in February 2016 for the "GRAND JAPAN THEATER."
  • Carnegie Hall in New York City in February 2016, collaborating with Noh and Kyōgen performances.

2.5. Innovative Projects and Special Appearances

Beyond traditional performances, Danjūrō XIII has actively pursued innovative projects to make Kabuki more accessible and engage wider audiences.

• Since 2012, he has produced the performance series "Invitation to the Classics" (古典への誘い_{Koten e no Izanai}^Japanese), aimed at bringing Kabuki to smaller cities in rural Japan.
• He also self-produced the "ABKAI" (ABKAI_ABKAI^Japanese) project in 2013, 2015, and 2017, which introduced original contemporary Kabuki works.
• On November 28, 2019, Danjūrō XIII starred as Kairennosuke (魁煉之介_Kairennosuke^Japanese), a character inspired by Kylo Ren, in the stage production *Star Wars Kabuki: Kairennosuke and the Three Shining Swords* (スター・ウォーズ歌舞伎~煉之介光刃三本~_{Sutā Uōzu Kabuki ~Rennosuke Kōjin San-pon~}^Japanese). His son, Kangen Horikoshi, portrayed a younger version of Kairennosuke in the play's third act.
• During the 2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies in Tokyo, he performed Kabuki moves in traditional dress, accompanied by jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, showcasing Japanese culture to a global audience.
• On May 22, 2022, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Tokyo Skytree, Danjūrō XIII performed a special Kabuki act, including his characteristic "nirami" glare, atop the tower's roof.

3.1. Marriage and Family

On November 19, 2009, he announced his engagement to news presenter Mao Kobayashi, with a formal press conference held on January 29, 2010. The couple officially registered their marriage on March 3, 2010, and held their wedding ceremony and reception at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo on July 29, 2010, which was televised by Nippon TV.

The couple had two children:

• Their first child, a daughter named Reika (麗禾_Reika^Japanese), was born on July 25, 2011. She later succeeded to the name Ichikawa Botan IV.
• Their second child, a son named Kangen (勸玄_Kangen^Japanese), was born on March 22, 2013. He is his successor and now known as Ichikawa Shinnosuke VIII.

In June 2016, Danjūrō XIII publicly announced that his wife, Mao Kobayashi, was battling breast cancer. She tragically passed away on June 22, 2017, at their home, with her family by her side. Danjūrō XIII held an emergency press conference the following day, tearfully expressing his gratitude for her love and how she had changed him.

3.2. Lifestyle and Interests

Danjūrō XIII is known for his unique lifestyle and diverse interests. His height is 69 in ^{(176 cm)} and his weight is 176 lb ^{(80 kg)}. He has AB blood type. He engages in rigorous physical training, including extensive muscle training and yoga, and has appeared on the covers of health magazines like *Tarzan*. In the past, he had an unhealthy lifestyle, consuming sushi up to 50 times a month, smoking four packs of cigarettes a day, and drinking heavily. However, he ceased smoking at his Ebizō XI succession in 2004, driven by a desire to "purify his mind and body" for his Kabuki performances, which he considers an offering to the gods. Around November 2008, he also stopped consuming irregular meals, alcohol, meat, and fish. After his marriage to Mao Kobayashi, he resumed consuming alcohol, meat, and fish.

He is an avid fan of manga and anime, frequently discussing his favorite works such as *Case Closed* and *One Piece* on his blog. He also expressed his long-standing admiration for *Lupin the 3rd* after the passing of its creator, Monkey Punch. A passionate admirer of Studio Ghibli films, he was deeply moved to receive a non-commercial *Ponyo* figurine and pencils used by director Hayao Miyazaki. He was particularly thrilled to discover a shared health practice with Miyazaki, both of them using a scrubbing brush for body care. His personal blog, launched on April 9, 2013, is highly active, with over ten updates daily, and has received accolades such as the inaugural Ameba MVB (Most Valuable Blog) Award in 2014 and the BLOG of the year 2018 Grand Prize in February 2019. He uses a Doraemon pouch, humorously referring to it as his "lion heart," and keeps herbal medicine in it. He is also a big fan of Kumamon, the Kumamoto Prefecture mascot, and even managed to arrange a joint performance with Kumamon for his daughter Reika's debut.

3.3. Religious Activities

In 2016, Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII was ordained as a Shingon Buddhist monk at Narita-san Shinshō-ji temple, a significant spiritual step in his life. This ordination reflects his deep connection to the temple, which is historically associated with his family's Naritaya guild.

4.1. Approach to Art and Performance

In his teenage years, as Shinnosuke VII, he struggled with the immense pressure of his family's legacy and the rigorous training, often rebelling against the demands. His perspective shifted dramatically after he serendipitously watched a film of his grandfather, Ichikawa Danjūrō XI, performing Benkei in *Kanjinchō*. He was deeply moved by the beauty and valiant spirit of his grandfather's artistry, which became his guiding inspiration. Despite achieving significant success, he continues to strive for an unattainable ideal, often feeling tormented by the pursuit of perfection.

He once found performing on stage painful, but as he became more deeply committed to Kabuki, he found his private life to be the source of greater discomfort. When he confided this unusual sentiment to Bandō Tamasaburō V, he was reassured by Tamasaburō's response, "Oh, that's normal," and felt relieved to find a shared understanding with such a respected figure. He believes his dedication to Kabuki is akin to an offering to the gods, emphasizing the importance of a pure mind and body for his art. He actively revives lesser-performed plays from the "Kabuki Jūhachiban," the traditional repertoire of the Naritaya family.

4.2. Contributions to Culture and Society

Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII's impact extends beyond the stage, encompassing significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Japanese traditional culture. He is a driving force in reintroducing the richness of traditional Japanese art to contemporary audiences. His "Invitation to the Classics" series makes Kabuki accessible to smaller cities in rural Japan, broadening its reach beyond major urban centers. Through the "ABKAI" project, he has pioneered contemporary Kabuki performances, fostering innovation within the traditional art form.

He also serves as a goodwill ambassador, having been appointed the "Official Guide" for Narita City in Chiba Prefecture in July 2015, working to promote both the city and Kabuki to a global audience. In September 2020, he became a group ambassador for Seiko Group, further leveraging his public profile to represent Japanese heritage and craftsmanship. His cultural contributions were recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2021 for his long-standing career as a Kabuki actor, his international performances, and his appearance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, all of which significantly contributed to the dissemination of Japanese traditional culture.

6.1. Positive Assessment

Danjūrō XIII is widely celebrated for his artistic prowess and his dedication to the Kabuki tradition. He is particularly praised for his powerful portrayals in aragoto roles, a signature style of his family. His innovative approaches, such as the "Invitation to the Classics" and "ABKAI" series, have been highly acclaimed for making Kabuki more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences, demonstrating his commitment to both preservation and evolution of the art form. His extensive international performances have significantly raised the global profile of Kabuki, earning him prestigious international honors and further cementing his reputation as a leading figure in Japanese traditional arts. Critics and audiences alike often commend his rigorous training, his pursuit of artistic perfection, and his ability to draw new generations to Kabuki.

6.2. Criticisms and Controversies

While highly esteemed in the Kabuki world, Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII has faced criticisms and public controversies throughout his career.

In February 2003, it was revealed that he had a non-marital daughter, then one year old, with Akiko Hioki, a singer. He acknowledged the child and stated that he was paying child support.

7.1. Kabuki and Other Stage Performances

• Ten'i Magau Ueno no Hatsuhana "Yukuyoru Iriya no Azemichi"* (Sanchiyou and Naosamurai) as Kataoka Naosamurai.
• Narukami* as Narukami Shōnin.
• The Tale of Genji* as Hikaru Genji.
• Sukeroku Yukari Edozakura* as Hanagawado Sukeroku, truly Soga Gorō Tokimune (frequently performs Gorō in other Soga plays).
• Kagami Jishi* as Koshō Yayoi, later Shishi no Sei.
• Kanjinchō* as Benkei and Togashi Saemon.
• Star Wars Kabuki* as Kairennosuke (a character inspired by Kylo Ren).
• Lyle* (1990) as Josh.
• Stand by Me* (1991) as Chris (lead role).
• Tenshu Monogatari* (1999, 2006) as Zushonosuke.
• Hayate no Gotoku* (2002) as Suzuki Ippei.
• Miyamoto Musashi* (2003) as Miyamoto Musashi (lead role).
• Nobunaga* (2006) as Oda Nobunaga (lead role).
• Kaishin Bessō* (2006, 2009) as Kōshi.
• Dracul* (2007) as Rei (lead role).
• Oedipus* (2019) as Oedipus.

7.2. Film and Television

7.3. Commercials and Other Media

• Ito En "Oi Ocha" (2000-present)
• Yamaki (2000-2010)
• Meiji Seika "Chocolat Cool" (1995)
• Mitsui Life Insurance (1998)
• NEC "Express Workstation" (1998)
• Mizuno "Superstar" (2003)
• Nomura Real Estate "Proud" (2004)
• Seiko Watch "BRIGHTZ PHOENIX" (2008)
• TSUTAYA DISCAS (2009-present) - TV shopping show host
• Lotteria "Ebi Burger" (2010)
• Pip "Pip Elekiban Z" (2009-2010)
• CyberAgent "Ameba Blog" (2014)
• Iida Group Holdings (2014-present)
• SoftBank Mobile (2015)
• Lion "Zeitaku Care" (2015)
• JTEKT (2016)
• DR.C Pharmaceutical
  • "Kafun o Mizu ni Kaeru Mask" (2018-present)
  • "Hydro AgTiO₂ Mask" (2020-present) - Appeared with his daughter Botan and son Kangen.
• Uniqlo "AIRism Inner" (2019)
• Tiger Corporation "Tiger Earthenware Rice Cooker" (2020-present)