New Course: The Lineage of Kabuki Names (Instructor: Kimura Ryo, In-Person, 3 sessions)

The Toyo Bunko Academia is now accepting applications for the following course. Please apply as soon as possible.

Title: The Lineage of Kabuki Names
Language: English
Instructor: KIMURA Ryo (Gifu Women’s University/Toyo Bunko)
Dates: November 12,  19,  and 26, 2026 (on Thursdays) 10:30–12:00 AM
*Single-session enrollment is also available.
Format: In-Person
Venue: Toyo Bunko (7th Floor) Conference Room
Course Details and Application:
https://toyo-bunko-academia-20261112.peatix.com/

Overview:
Kabuki, Japan’s premier traditional performing art, is fundamentally defined by its myōseki—the prestigious stage names seamlessly inherited across centuries. Conducted entirely in English, this lecture series vividly unravels the succession of these names and the transmission of kata (artistic styles) refined by generations of legendary actors. Through English-medium instruction, the course offers an intellectually stimulating opportunity to rediscover the history woven by Kabuki’s acting houses from a truly global perspective.

To promote academic rigor and foster global dissemination, all lectures in this course will be conducted entirely in English. At the same time, we deeply value meaningful dialogue with our participants; therefore, questions and comments in both English and Japanese are warmly welcomed during the Q&A sessions. The instructor will provide bilingual summaries and clarifications as needed, thereby enhancing dynamic and intellectual communication.

Contents:
#01. Thursday, November 12, 2026. 10:30–12:00 AM.
The Versatile Art of Otowaya—The Lineage of Onoe Kikugorō

#02. Thursday, November 19, 2026. 10:30–12:00 AM.
The Metamorphosis of a Great Name—The Lineage of Nakamura Utaemon and the Narikomaya

#03. Thursday, November 26, 2026. 10:30–12:00 AM.
Embracing Modern Theatre—The Trajectory of Matsumoto Kōshirō and the Kōraiya