Kabuki actor Nakamura Hashinosuke performed the role of Hayano Kanpei for the first time on Friday in Tokyo [1].

The performance marks a significant milestone for the 30-year-old actor [2], who achieved a lifelong professional goal immediately following his own wedding reception [1].

The event took place at Sunpal Arakawa as part of the National Theatre's June Kabuki Appreciation Class for "Kanadehon Chushingura" [1]. This marks the third time the venue has hosted the event [5]. The production is scheduled to run from June 5 to June 20 [4].

Hashinosuke said that playing Kanpei had been a dream since childhood and that he had spent his youth imitating the character [1].

He received comprehensive guidance for the role from Nakamura Kankuro [1]. Hashinosuke's father, Nakamura Shibukan, who is 60 years old, also appeared in the production [2].

Shibukan said that Kankuro is currently at the peak of his craft and is teaching based on the instructions of Kankuro's elder brother, Kanzaburo [2]. He said that the role of Kanpei is something that must be passed down with care, which is why Kankuro handled all of Hashinosuke's instruction [2].

The National Theatre, which originally opened in 1967, closed in 2023 [5]. The current series of appreciation classes continues to bring the traditional art form to public audiences in alternative venues like Sunpal Arakawa [1].

“"Playing Kanpei had been a dream since childhood," said Nakamura Hashinosuke.”

The debut of Nakamura Hashinosuke in a pivotal role like Hayano Kanpei underscores the traditional apprentice-based transmission of Kabuki. By utilizing the guidance of Nakamura Kankuro and the support of his father, Hashinosuke is being integrated into the high-level lineage of the art. Furthermore, the use of Sunpal Arakawa highlights the ongoing effort to maintain the National Theatre's educational mission following the original facility's closure in 2023.