Tanaka Denjiro VII - A Kabuki Music Perfomance
Tanaka Denjiro VII was born as the youngest of three brothers in 1977 into a family with strong musical traditions. He made his stage debut at the age of three in the Noh play Tamura and assumed his current stage name in 1994. He has performed on various prominent kabuki stages across Japan as well as overseas in London, Paris, New York, Singapore, and Rome. Apart from performing in staged productions, he actively engages in composing music for new and revival kabuki repertoires.

His late father, Kamei Tadao, a drummer of the Kadono School of Noh Hayashi Musicians was a ‘Living National Treasure’ and their mother, Tanaka Sataro IX, serves as the head of the Tanaka School of Kabuki Hayashi Musicians. Together with their elder brothers Kamei Hirotada and Tanaka Denzaemon VIII, Denjirō produces and performs as Sankyōkai. They are recognised as General Holders of Important Cultural Property.

What is Kabuki, Kabuki Music and Hayashikata?

Kabuki theatre, added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008, originated in the Edo period (1603-1868) from songs and dance performed by female artist troupes. Over time these initially somewhat frivolous shows crystallized into an art offering a visually stunning spectacle with excessively decorative costumes, flamboyant gestures and bold makeup, with all roles performed by male actors.

While kabuki theatre is renowned worldwide for its visual splendour, music and sound are essential components in the artistic expression of this spectacular performing art. In fact, the role of music in kabuki theatre cannot be overestimated. The sound of wooden clappers called ki announces the beginning of the performance and marks its end, prompting the curtain to fall. The rhythm produced by percussion instruments such as ko-tsuzumi (small hand drum) and taiko drums builds up the tension and serves as a stringed musical instrument) and singing accompanies actors in the dance scenes and functions as a reflective intermission in some plays. Whether present on stage or hidden from spectators’ eyes while performing in the kuromisu (the musicians’ enclosure), hayashikata musicians are indispensable in kabuki performance.

Our session offers guest an opportunity to enjoy a selection of classic compositions masterly performed by acclaimed artists from the Tanaka School of Kabuki Music. It also provides an expert introduction to genres of kabuki music and its instruments.

Audience members will also have an opportunity to ask question.
Date: 1 November 2024, 17:00 (Friday, 3rd week, Michaelmas 2024)
Venue: Nissan Institute Lecture Theatre
Speaker: Tanaka Denjiro
Organising department: Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies
Organiser: Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies
Organiser contact email address: administrator@nissan.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Nissan Institute Seminar in Japanese Studies
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editor: Jane Baker