Ichikawa Danjuro is set to grace the small screen on the popular Japanese television program, Oshiyare Clip, on December 15, 2023, at 10 PM on NTV. Viewers will witness not only his artistic insights following two years of rigorous naming ceremonies and performances but also the softer side of this distinguished performer as he opens up about his family life.
Having recently concluded his long-anticipated series of performances after adopting the Danjuro name—a move he has prepared for nearly ten years—Ichikawa Danjuro reflects on his dual roles as both performer and father. He shares the stage with his son Kangen who has taken on the name Ichikawa Shinnosuke, and his daughter Reika, known for her work as Ichikawa Botan, showcasing the family as the heart of his narrative.
During the show, viewers can expect to see the heartwarming aspects of parenting when Ichikawa Danjuro’s children reveal their evaluations of him via the segment titled “Papa’s Report Card.” This playful yet insightful assessment touches on various aspects of his daily life, from fashion sensibilities to culinary preferences, providing fans with glimpses of Ichikawa Danjuro beyond the Kabuki persona.
The lighthearted competition doesn’t stop there. A Christmas special game segment features the Ichikawa Danjuro family pitted against the show's MCs, leading to thrilling moments filled with laughter and friendly rivalry. Ichikawa Danjuro, also referred to as the ultimate ‘dad,’ finds himself under playful scrutiny by his kids as they navigate through hilarious challenges, creating both joy and humility for the esteemed actor.
Adding to the family-centric atmosphere of Oshiyare Clip, lifelong friend and fellow Kabuki actor Onoe Kikunosuke makes an appearance, sharing childhood memories. “He was the rascal of the class,” Kikunosuke recalls, shedding light on the playful side of Ichikawa Danjuro, engaging with audiences not just as the serious artist he is known to be but also as the relatable family man.
Throughout this episode, emotions ebb and flow as Ichikawa Danjuro also remembers his late wife, Mao. “I can see my mother's DNA through my son on stage,” he expresses, highlighting how their children carry forward the legacy of their lineage. This poignant reflection adds weight to the family dynamics at play, showing the intertwined connections born from love and loss, even within the vibrant world of Kabuki.
The photo shoot for this episode follows the theme of “Interesting,” conceptualized by Kangen, resulting in charming visuals of the family coming together, symbolically forming circles. This unique perspective highlights the imaginative spirit of the younger generation, connecting familial bonds through creativity.
With this multifaceted presentation, Oshiyare Clip aims to entertain its audience not just with dramatic arts, but also through enriching narratives of family life, marking the importance of heritage, artistic ambition, and the subtleties of being part of a renowned lineage.
Viewers are invited to tune in for what promises to be both entertaining and heartfelt during Ichikawa Danjuro’s appearance on Oshiyare Clip as he explores not just his own story but also the story of how traditions are carried, evolved, and celebrated within the folds of family life.