1. Overview
Nakamura Shichinosuke II, born Takayuki Namino on May 18, 1983, is a distinguished Japanese Kabuki, theatre, TV, and film actor. As the second son of the renowned Kabuki performer Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII, he hails from a prominent lineage in the Kabuki world. Shichinosuke is celebrated for his remarkable versatility, capable of performing both male (tachiyaku) and female (onnagata) roles, a trait that sets him apart from many Kabuki actors who specialize in a single role type. His career spans traditional Kabuki stages, including international tours with the Heisei Nakamura-za, and extends into modern film and television, where he has taken on significant roles in both Japanese and international productions. Despite a notable incident in 2005, he has continued to be a highly regarded figure in Japanese performing arts, earning numerous awards and cultural recognitions for his contributions.
2. Name and Lineage
2.1. Stage Name and Family Name
Nakamura Shichinosuke II, often referred to as "Shichinosuke Nakamura" in the context of his international film career, bears a stage name, or yagō, which is customary for Kabuki actors. His birth name is Takayuki Namino 波野 隆行Namino TakayukiJapanese. He is a member of the prestigious Kabuki guild Nakamura-ya 中村屋Nakamura-yaJapanese, a name that signifies his family's long-standing tradition in the art form. The Nakamura-ya guild uses the family crests of Sumikiri Ichō (角切銀杏) and the alternate crest Maru ni Mai-zuru (丸に舞鶴).
2.2. Family Background
Nakamura Shichinosuke II is deeply rooted in the world of Kabuki through his illustrious family. He is the second son of the celebrated Kabuki performer Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII, who was known as Nakamura Kankuro V at the time of Shichinosuke's birth. His elder brother is Nakamura Kankurō VI, and his sister-in-law is the actress Ai Maeda. His mother is Yoshie Namino, the daughter of Nakamura Shikan VII.
His extensive family lineage within the Kabuki world can be traced back at least seven generations. His paternal great-grandfathers include Nakamura Karoku III and Onoe Kikugorō VI, while his maternal great-grandfather was Nakamura Fukusuke V. His paternal grandfather was Nakamura Kanzaburō XVII, and his maternal grandfather was Nakamura Shikan VII. Other notable relatives include his aunt, actress Kuriko Namino. His paternal great-uncles were Onoe Baiko VII, Onoe Kurouemon II, and Okawa Hashizo II. His father's cousins include Onoe Kikugorō VII, Kiyomoto Enjudayu VII, and Sadahito Niwa. His second cousins on his father's maternal side include Shinobu Terajima, Onoe Kikunosuke V, and Onoe Ukon II. His maternal uncle is Nakamura Shikan VIII, and his cousin is Nakamura Kotaro VI.
3. Early Life and Education
3.1. Birth and Childhood
Nakamura Shichinosuke II was born Takayuki Namino on May 18, 1983, in Tokyo, Japan. From a very young age, he was immersed in the world of Kabuki, a natural consequence of being born into one of Japan's most prominent Kabuki families. His childhood was often documented in television programs, highlighting the unique upbringing of the Kabuki lineage.
3.2. Education
Nakamura Shichinosuke II attended Bunkyo Ward Fifth Junior High School and later graduated from Horikoshi High School in March 2002. His education provided a foundation for his career, complementing his intensive training in traditional Kabuki arts.
4. Kabuki Career
Nakamura Shichinosuke II has established a distinguished career in Kabuki, marked by an early debut, a unique versatility in roles, and a commitment to both traditional and innovative performances.
4.1. Debut and Early Activities
Nakamura Shichinosuke II made his first stage appearance in September 1986, performing as the "Festival Child" in the play Ori at the Kabuki-za. The following year, in January 1987, he officially took the stage name Nakamura Shichinosuke II and made his formal debut in Kadode Futari Momotaro (The Two Momotaros' First Stage Appearance) at the Kabuki-za. In this debut, he played the younger Momotarō, while his older brother, then known as Kantaro (now Kankuro VI), played the older Momotaro. Their grandfathers, Nakamura Kanzaburō XVII and Nakamura Shikan VII, also participated in the performance, playing the old man and old woman, respectively.
Leading up to his debut, several promotional events were held in 1986:
- On April 23, a press conference was held for the debut of Nakamura Kantaro and Nakamura Shichinosuke.
- On September 27, a prayer for stage success and a Narukama ritual were conducted at Kibitsu Shrine in Okayama Prefecture.
- On September 28, he visited Megijima (also known as Onigashima, "Demon Island") in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, to see the cave believed to be inhabited by demons, and also met with the mayor at Takamatsu City Hall.
- On October 21, a promotional photoshoot was done with him in costume for Kadode Futari Momotaro.
- On October 24, an Oneri (parade) was held in Asakusa Nakamise as part of the Saruwaka Festival, where he walked with his grandfathers (Nakamura Kanzaburo XVII and Nakamura Shikan VII), his father (Nakamura Kankuro V at the time), and his uncle Sawamura Tojuro II.
- On December 3, he made debut greetings on Fuji TV.
- On December 8, he greeted the public at the Kabuki-za theater entrance on the first day of ticket sales for the Saruwaka Festival's New Year Grand Kabuki.
Within a few years of his debut, he was recognized as "one of the 21st Century's most promising young Kabuki Actors." He has performed Kabuki in numerous international theaters, often alongside his father and brother, as part of the Heisei Nakamura-za troupe, which aims to bring Kabuki to global audiences. He also performs annually in Asakusa Kabuki at the Asakusa Kōkaidō, a production specifically designed to attract and cultivate interest in Kabuki among younger generations.
4.2. Versatility in Roles
A distinguishing characteristic of Nakamura Shichinosuke II's Kabuki acting is his exceptional versatility. Unlike many Kabuki actors who specialize exclusively in either male (tachiyaku) or female (onnagata) roles, Shichinosuke skillfully performs both. His slender physique and a somewhat melancholic yet beautiful demeanor make him particularly captivating in onnagata roles, where he embodies female characters with grace and depth.
4.3. Notable Kabuki Performances
Throughout his career, Nakamura Shichinosuke II has taken on numerous significant Kabuki roles, solidifying his reputation as a captivating performer. His early appearances and consistent dedication have contributed to his public image as a talented young actor.
5. Film and Television Career
Nakamura Shichinosuke II has expanded his acting career beyond the traditional Kabuki stage, establishing a notable presence in both film and television.
5.1. Filmography
His film career began in the early 2000s, including appearances in both Japanese and international productions.
5.1.1. Major Film Roles
Nakamura Shichinosuke II made his film debut in 2003, playing Emperor Meiji in Edward Zwick's American epic historical drama film The Last Samurai. This role brought him international recognition. In 2004, he appeared in the film adaptation of Risa Wataya's novel Install, portraying the character Kouichi. In 2005, he starred as Kitahachi, an Edo period recovering drug addict, in the surreal and comical film Mayonaka no Yaji-san Kita-san, which was based on a popular comic book. He also lent his voice to the character of Mikado in the 2013 animated film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Other film appearances include Shinema Kabuki: Renjishi (2008).
5.2. Television Appearances
Nakamura Shichinosuke II has a substantial television career, participating in various dramas and other broadcast programs, particularly NHK's Taiga drama series.
5.2.1. Notable TV Roles
His early television work includes Barairo no Jinsei (1987) and Takeda Shingen (1988), an NHK Taiga drama where he played the young Takeda Yoshinobu. In 1999, he appeared in another NHK Taiga drama, Genroku Ryoran, playing Oishi Chikara, while his father portrayed Oishi Kuranosuke. He also appeared in Toyotomi Hideyoshi Tenka wo Toru! (1995) as young Takechiyo (later Tokugawa Ieyasu).
More recently, he has taken on significant roles such as Sanyūtei Enshō VI in the 2019 Taiga drama Idaten, and as Ishida Mitsunari in the 2023 Taiga drama What Will You Do, Ieyasu?. Other television appearances include Tabi wa Michizure Yo wa Nasakenee! (1992-1994), Kawai Tsuginosuke: Kakenuketa Souryu (2005) as Kotaro Suzuki, the final episode of Unubore Keiji (2010) as Ichitaro Sakura, Reiwa Gan-nenban Kaidan Botan Doro (2019) as Shinzaburo Hagiwara, and the New Year's historical drama Rising Jakuchu Tensai Kaku Kakusei Seri (2021), where he co-starred as Jakuchu Ito and Genzaemon Masuya. He also played Segawa Kinji, later Ichikawa Somegoro I, in Chushingura Kyoshikyoku No.5 Nakamura Nakazo Shusse Kaidan (2021), and Keiji Sada in Taiga Drama ga Umareta Hi (2023).
Beyond dramas, he has appeared in variety shows like Sanma no SUPER Karakuri TV and documentaries such as Antenna 22 and Bokura no Jidai. From 2015 to 2017, he served as a traveler and narrator for the BS-TBS documentary series Utsukushii Nihon ni Deau Tabi (Journey to Encounter Beautiful Japan). He also co-hosted the radio program Sky presents Nakamura Shichinosuke no Rajinosuke starting in April 2021. In his childhood, he appeared in TV commercials for Lotte's Choco Pie and Crepe Ice with his brother. As an adult, he appeared in commercials for Brother Industries' PRIVIO (2014) and Leave 21 (2016), both alongside his brother.
6. Personal Life and Activities
Nakamura Shichinosuke II maintains a diverse range of personal interests and social connections outside of his demanding acting career.
6.1. Hobbies and Interests
His hobbies include video games, karaoke, and collecting sneakers. He is particularly fond of karaoke, and his singing can be heard in his film Mayonaka no Yaji-san Kita-san.
6.2. Social Life and Influences
During his time at Horikoshi High School, he was classmates with actors Jun Matsumoto and Ryuhei Matsuda, with whom he reportedly maintains contact. He is also close friends with fellow Kabuki actor Onoe Matsuya II, who was one year his junior at Horikoshi High School, and they are frequent karaoke companions. He has shared anecdotes about his family, including stories related to his uncle Nakamura Fukusuke IX and how his father, Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII, would humorously implore him to perform well in modern plays, emphasizing the family's reputation. Shichinosuke describes himself as generally calm, noting that he fully immerses himself in a role on stage but can easily return to his own self once off-stage, contrasting this with his brother Kankuro, who tends to remain in character longer. He greatly admires and looks up to Bandō Tamasaburō V.
6.3. Sports Fandom
Nakamura Shichinosuke II is a well-known and outspoken fan of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team. His passion for the team led him to serve as a guest commentator for an ABC Radio's baseball broadcast of a Hanshin Tigers vs. DeNA BayStars game on June 19, 2022, alongside announcer Ayumi Hirodo.
6.4. Other Stage Work
Beyond his extensive Kabuki performances, Nakamura Shichinosuke II has also participated in other theatrical productions. Notably, he performed in the modern play "Sukapan" in 1994. In 2016, he took on the role of Koharu in the stage production ETERNAL CHIKAMATSU.
7. Controversies and Incidents
7.1. Arrest and Public Reaction
In January 2005, Nakamura Shichinosuke II was arrested in Tokyo's Bunkyō-ku on charges of obstruction of public duty. The incident occurred after a taxi driver reported that Nakamura had not paid his fare while intoxicated. When police officers arrived, Nakamura allegedly punched one of them. This incident was significant as it marked one of the first arrests of a Kabuki actor since Ichikawa Gonjūrō was arrested on a murder charge in 1871. The controversy surrounding his arrest led to immediate repercussions for his career and public image. He was barred from participating in the celebration of his father's shūmei (naming ceremony) for the succession to the name Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII, which was scheduled for March 2005. He subsequently received a three-month suspension from performing. Despite the setback, he resumed his activities after the suspension period.
8. Awards and Recognition
Nakamura Shichinosuke II has received numerous accolades and cultural recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his significant contributions to the performing arts.
8.1. Professional Awards
His professional awards include:
- The Haruko Sugimura Award at the 20th Yomiuri Theater Award.
- The Newcomer Award at the 36th Matsuo Performing Arts Award in 2015.
- The 1st Mitsuko Mori Encouragement Award in 2015, which he received alongside his brother, Nakamura Kankuro VI.
- The Encouragement Award at the 38th Asakusa Entertainment Award in 2021.
8.2. Cultural Recognition
In 2009, Nakamura Shichinosuke II was recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property under a comprehensive recognition, and he became a member of the Traditional Kabuki Preservation Society. This recognition underscores his status as a vital inheritor and perpetuator of Japan's traditional performing arts.