Japan's top Kabuki star is the 13th man to bear the name Danjuro Ichikawa

Danjuro ‘flying’ on stage in his new show. He is the 13th actor to bear the name ‘Danjuro Ichikawa’, passed down between generations of Kabuki stars for over 300 years. — Photos: Shochiku/AP

On stage, Danjuro Ichikawa, one of the biggest stars of Japan’s Kabuki theatre, is a virtuoso in switching roles.

In his latest production, he plays 13 parts, including a princess, a sushi chef and a fox. He hobbles offstage as a feeble old man, then dashes back on moments later as a fierce warrior. He gets in a few sword fights, dies tragically more than once, and takes flight on wires.