ICHIKAWA EBIZ� III (original) (raw)

1711: born in Edo in the district of Sakai-ch�. His mother was the daughter of Fukuroya Genshichi, the owner of a chaya, and his illegitimate father was Ichikawa Danj�r� II. He was adopted by Izumiya Kanj�r�, the owner of a chaya, whose previous boss's wife was the elder sister of Ichikawa Danj�r� I.

1713: he was adopted by the actor Matsumoto K�shir� I.

1st lunar month of 1719: he appeared on stage for the first time, at the Moritaza, where he received the name of Matsumoto Shichiz� I, playing the role of Araoka Bunshin in the drama "Keisei Murasaki Tazuna"; the role of Araoka Genta was played by his adoptive father Matsumoto K�shir� I.

11th lunar month of 1723: Shichiz� played at the Nakamuraza the role of Tokiwaka in the kaomise drama "Sono Enp� Onna Migy�sho", which celebrated the arrival at the Nakamuraza of the Kamigata actors Yamashita Kinsaku I and Sanogawa Senz�.

25th day of the 3rd lunar month of 1730 [2]: his adoptive father Matsumoto K�shir� I died.

11th lunar month of 1735: great sh�mei at the Ichimuraza for the Naritaya guild; Ichikawa Danj�r� II gave his name to his adopted son and took the name of Ichikawa Ebiz� II. The actors Ichikawa Masugor� and Matsumoto Shichiz� I respectively took the names of Ichikawa Danj�r� III and Matsumoto K�shir� II; the new K�shir� performed in the kaomise drama "Kongen Nana Komachi".

11th lunar month of 1736: K�shir� moved to the Kawarasakiza and played the role of Nagasaki Jir� in the kaomise drama "Junp� Taiheiki".

1st lunar month of 1737: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Ky� no Jir� in the new year sogamono drama "Gozen Sum� Osana Soga".

11th lunar month of 1737: K�shir� moved to the Ichimuraza and played the role of Taira no Munekiyo in the kaomise drama "Genji Kumo �gi no Shiba"; the line-up included Sawamura S�j�r� I, Band� Hikosabur� I, Tsuruya Nanboku II and Tomizawa Montar� I.

1st lunar month of 1738: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Oni� Shinzaemon in the new year sogamono drama "Ukematsuri Manbai Soga".

5th lunar month of 1738: K�shir� became jitsuaku.

Fall 1738: K�shir� and Sawamura S�j�r� I achieved together a great success by playing in the same theater the roles of Sasaki Ganry� and Tosa Jir� in the revenge play "Katakiuchi Ganry�jima". It was said that K�shir� broke 2 teeth while performing in a tachimawari scene. He negociated with the Ichimuraza management 100 ry� of compensation for each tooth, rising his yearly salary from 300 ry� to 500 ry�.

11th lunar month of 1738: K�shir� played at the Ichimuraza the role of Ashikaga Naoyoshi in the kaomise drama "Mitsugibune Taiheiki".

1st lunar month of 1739: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Kud� Saemon Suketsune in the new year sogamono drama "Hatsu Motoyui Kayoi Soga"; the roles of Soga Gor� Tokimune and Soga J�r� Sukenari were played by Ichikawa Danj�r� III and Ichimura Uzaemon VIII.

11th lunar month of 1739: K�shir� played at the Ichimuraza the role of �t�-no-Miya in the kaomise drama "Tokiwagi Taiheiki".

2nd lunar month of 1740: premiere at the Ichimuraza of the play "Sugatami Sumidagawa"; K�shir� played the role of Kume no Heinai. The second part of this play contained a scene which was called "Nanatsu Men" ("Seven Masks") [3]. This performance was a triumphant success.

11th lunar month of 1740: K�shir� played at the Ichimuraza the role of Nikki Danj� Saemon in the kaomise drama "Kichirei Imagawaj�", which welcomed in Edo the Kamigata actor Matsushima Moheiji.

1st lunar month of 1741: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Kud� Saemon Suketsune in the new yearsogamono drama "Wakamidori Kaneiri Soga".

3rd lunar month of 1741: K�shir�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, jitsuaku section, was j�-j�-kichi (superior - superior - excellent) [visual].

6th lunar month of 1741: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Kawai Matagor� in the drama "Katakiuchi Mitsugumi Sakazuki".

7th lunar month of 1741: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Akuzenji in the drama "Yotsume Yui Katoku Sadame".

11th lunar month of 1741: K�shir� moved to the Nakamuraza, where a great kaomise drama was produced to celebrate the arrival in Edo of the actors Nakamura Tomij�r� I, Nakayama Shinkur� I, Sanogawa Mangiku and Nakamura Shingor� I; K�shir� played the role of the villain K� no Moron� in Hayakawa Denshir�'s drama "En'ya Hangan Koky� no Nishiki".

1st lunar month of 1742: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Kud� Saemon Suketsune and Yume no Ichirob� in the sogamono drama "Musume Soga Gaijin Yashima".

7th lunar month of 1742: the play "Keisei Hangonk�" was performed for the first time in Edo, at the Nakamuraza. K�shir� played the role of Fuwa Banzaemon [casting].

11th lunar month of 1742: K�shir� played at the Nakamuraza the role of the ny�d� It� in the kaomise drama "Keisei Akazawayama".

1st lunar month of 1743: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of the ghost of the ny�d� It� in the new year sogamono drama "Kadomidori Tokiwa Soga".

5th lunar month of 1743: special performance at the Nakamuraza related to the exhibition of a sacred image of Prince Sh�toku in the Shitenn�ji Temple in the district of Y�shima. K�shir� played the roles of the ghost and the daughter of the minister Moriya in the drama "Yamato Morokoshi Aish� Kagami".

7th lunar month of 1743: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Kantetsu in the drama "Kichirei Sasaki Abumi".

11th lunar month of 1743: K�shir� moved to the Ichimuraza and played the role of Nagasaki Kageyu Saemon in the kaomise drama "Ishizue Taiheiki", which celebrated the return in Edo of Segawa Kikujir� I.

1st lunar month of 1744: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Tatsuyasha in the new year sogamono drama "Nanakusa Wakayagi Soga".

7th lunar month of 1744: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of the warlord Yamana S�zen in the drama "Kaibyaku Imagawaj�".

11th lunar month of 1744: K�shir� moved to the Moritaza, which had been closed since Spring 1734, and played the roles of Fuwa Banzaemon and �yu no Koji in thekaomise drama "Higashiyama Bandai no Watamashi"; his stage partners were Tomizawa Tatsuj�r�, Utagawa Shirogor�, Sakata T�j�r� III, Tsuruya Nanboku II, Nakajima Kanzaemon II, Sanogawa Senz� and Yamamoto Ky�z�.

2nd lunar month of 1745: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Band� Tar� in the new year sogamono drama "Haru Gasumi Omokage Soga".

11th lunar month of 1745: K�shir� played at the Moritaza the roles of Taira no Kagekiyo and the ny�d� It� in the kaomise drama "Chiky�dai Izu Nikki".

1st lunar month of 1746: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Kumasaka Ch�han and the bonze S�j�b� in the new year drama "Gosho Ganoko J�nidan".

5th lunar month of 1746: K�shir� achieved a great success by playing the role of the priest Seigen, the tay� Sansh� and Dozaemon Denkichi in the drama "Higashiyama Eitai Kabuki", which was staged in the same theater.

11th lunar month of 1746: K�shir� played at the Moritaza the role of the rebel Abe no Sadat� in the kaomise drama "�torii Goj�shigun", which celebrated the arrival of Onoe Kikugor� I in the new line-up; the roles of Abe no Munet� (Sadat�'s brother) and Hachiman Tar� Yoshiie (the enemy of the Abe brothers) were played by Tsuuchi Monzabur� I and Utagawa Shirogor�.

1st lunar month of 1747: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Kaba no Kaja Noriyori and Dozaemon Denkichi in the new year sogamono drama "Edo Murasaki Kongen Soga"; the roles of Yaoya Oshichi and Kichisabur� were played by Yamamoto Ky�z� and Sanogawa Senz�.

11th lunar month of 1747: K�shir� moved to the Ichimuraza and played the roles of Minamoto no Tametomo, disguised as a sweet sake seller, and an ogress in thekaomise drama "Shusse Momijigari"; his stage partners were Yamamoto Ky�shir� I, Arashi Koroku I, Band� Hikosabur� I, Segawa Kikujir� I,Ichimura Uzaemon VIII, Sanogawa Ichimatsu I, Ichimura Kamez� I and �tani Oniji I

1st lunar month of 1748: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Fuwa Banzaemon and Ky� no Jir� in the new year sogamono drama "Mon-zukushi Nagoya Soga"; his stage partners in the roles of the courtesan Katsuragi and Nagoya Sanza areSegawa Kikujir� I and Yamamoto Ky�shir� I.

7th lunar month of 1748: K�shir� played in the same theater the role Sasaki Ganry� in the drama "Katakiuchi Ganry�jima".

8th lunar month of 1748: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Sajima Hirofumi, disguised as the lawn-mower Gonz�, in the drama "Sandaizome Kanae Mond�".

11th lunar month of 1748: K�shir� played at the Ichimuraza the roles of Akaboshi Tar� and Beniya Sh�bei in the kaomise drama "H�kas� Yunzei Hachinoki", which celebrated the sh�mei of �tani Hiroji II.

1st lunar month of 1749: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Kumasaka Ch�han in the new year drama "Hatsutora Kurama Genji".

5th lunar month of 1749: the play "Kanadehon Ch�shingura" was performed for the first time at the Ichimuraza; K�shir� played the roles of Kakogawa Honz� and Ono Sadakur�.

11th lunar month of 1749: K�shir� moved to the Nakamuraza and played the roles of Ashikaga Takauji and the ghost of the ny�d� Sagami in thekaomise drama "Onn� Taiheiki".

1st lunar month of 1750: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Oni� Shinzaemon in the new year sogamono drama "�kazari Saiwai Soga".

5th lunar month of 1750: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Yamagaya Sashir� and �tomo no Kuronushi in the drama "Shio Mitsutama Kazaori Komachi".

11th lunar month of 1750: K�shir� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of Minamoto no Tametomo and Reish� no Gonku in Tsuuchi Jih� II's kaomise drama "Wakaki no Ume Taira no Kiyomori".

1st lunar month of 1751: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of the ghost of Akugenta Yoshihira and Dozaemon Denkichi new year drama "Izu Kosode Sh�bai Kagami".

7th lunar month of 1751: the play "Koi Ny�b� Somewake Tazuna" was performed for the first time in Edo, at the Nakamuraza; K�shir� played the role of Ippei [casting].

9th lunar month of 1751: K�shir� achieved a great success by playing the role of Yuigahama Sadayuki in the same theater in the play "Keisei Fukubiki Nagoya".

11th lunar month of 1751: K�shir� played at the Nakamuraza the role of Akita J�nosuke in the kaomise drama "Honry� Hachinoki-zome"; his stage partner in the role of J�nosuke's wife Asaoka was Segawa Kikujir� I.

1st lunar month of 1752: K�shir�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, tachiyaku section, was j�-j�-kichi (superior - superior - excellent) [visual]. He played in the same theater the role of Oni� Shinzaemon (J�r�'s retainer) in the new year sogamono "Kuruwa Kuruwa Akinai Soga"; the role of Soga J�r� was played by Sawamura S�j�r� II. K�shir� also played the role of the Azuma otokodate Banzuiin Ch�b� in the drama "Hana Sugata Sanpukutsui" (the second part (nibanme) of "Kuruwa Kuruwa Akinai Soga"), sharing the stage with Fujikawa Heikur� (the Naniwa otokodate Akaushi Yasub�) and Nakamura Sukegor� I (the �sh� otokodate Teppeki Sh�hei) [print].

4th lunar month of 1752: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of the warrior Kumagai Jir� Naozane in the drama "Ichi-no-Tani Futaba Gunki"; his stage partner in the role of Kumagai's wife Sagami was Segawa Kikujir� I.

7th lunar month of 1752: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of the rebel Abe no Sadat� in the drama "Moro Tazuna �sh� Kuro"; the role of Abe no Munet� (Sadat�'s brother) was played by Nakamura Sukegor� I.

11th lunar month of 1752: K�shir� moved to the Ichimuraza and played the role of Senju Tar� in thekaomise drama "Ume Sakura Ninin Semimaru".

1st lunar month of 1753: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Kud� Saemon Suketsune and Amakawaya Gihei in the new year sogamono drama "Haru Fukami Iroha Soga", which mixed the sekai of the Soga Brothers and "Ch�shingura".

7th lunar month of 1753: the play "Hirakana Seisuiki" was performed for the first time in Edo, at the Ichimuraza; K�shir� played the roles of Matsuemon and Higuchi Jir� Kanemitsu [casting].

11th lunar month of 1753: K�shir� played at the Ichimuraza the role of Shioume Yoshiya Seib� in the kaomise drama "Kamuri Kurabe Yatsushi Kuronushi", which celebrated the arrival in Edo of the actor Kasaya Matakur� I.

1st lunar month of 1754: K�shir� was listed as a jitsuaku actor in the Edo hy�banki. He played in the same theater the roles of Kud� Saemon Suketsune and Suruga Jir� in the new year sogamono drama "Satsuki Matsu Soga no Tachibana"; the roles of Soga Gor� Tokimune and Soga J�r� Sukenari were played by Ichikawa Yaoz� I and Ichimura Kamez� I.

3rd lunar month of 1754: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of the fox Tadanobu in the play "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura" but it was a commercial failure.

5th lunar month of 1754: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Hirofumi in the drama "San no Tomi Genji Rokuj� Gayoi".

11th lunar month of 1754: great sh�mei at the Nakamuraza; Matsumoto K�shir� II and Matsumoto K�z� respectively took the names of Ichikawa Danj�r� IV and Matsumoto K�shir� III; the new Danj�r� played the role of Okazaki Akushir� in the kaomise drama "Miura no �suke Bumon no Kotobuki", which also celebrated the sh�mei of Tsuuchi Monzabur� II.

1st lunar month of 1755: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Ky� no Jir� in the new year sogamono drama "Waka Midori Nishiki Soga".

3rd lunar month of 1755: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of the wicked priest Narukami in the drama "Narukami Sh�nin Kitayama Zakura" [print]; the role of Princess Taema was played by Segawa Kikujir� I.

6th lunar month of 1755: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Dozaemon Denkichi in the drama "Edo Kanoko Sh�chikubai".

8th lunar month of 1755: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of the farmer Kinez�, Koyama Hangan and Kasane in the drama "Shida Ch�ja Bashira".

11th lunar month of 1755: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the role of Minamoto no Tametomo in the kaomise drama "Arigatashi Yunzei Genji".

14th day of the 1st lunar month of 1756 [4]: the Nakamuraza and the Ichimuraza were destroyed in a fire.

2nd lunar month of 1756: the Nakamuraza was rebuilt and Danj�r� played the roles of Mioya, Kud� Saemon Suketsune and Fuwa Banzaemon in the drama "Kotobuki Mimasu Soga" [5]; his stage partners in the roles of Nagoya Sanza, Oni� Shinzaemon, Katsuragi (Sanza's lover) and Banzaemon's wife were Yamashita Matatar� I, Ichikawa Ebiz� II, Nakamura Kiyosabur� I and Nakamura Tomij�r� I.

4th lunar month of 1756: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Daid�ji Tenbatanosuke in the drama "Ch�seiden Fudan Zakura". He also played the eponymous role of the play Sukeroku, sharing the stage with Nakamura Kiyosabur� I (Agemaki) and Sawamura S�j�r� II (Iky�) but his performance was not well received by the audience.

7th lunar month of 1756: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Wat�nai in the drama "Z�ho Kokusen'ya Gassen" (enlarged and revised version of Chikamatsu Monzaemon's "Kokusen'ya Gassen"). The performance was a commercial failure.

8th lunar month of 1756: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Matsu�maru in the drama "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami"; his stage partners were Osagawa Tsuneyo I (Sakuramaru), Nakamura Denkur� II (Ume�maru),Kasaya Matakur� I (Matsu�maru's father Shiratay�), Nakajima Mihoemon I (Matsu�maru's master Fujiwara no Shihei) and Nakamura Tomij�r� I (Matsu�maru's wife Chiyo).

11th lunar month of 1756: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of Fujiwara no Tadabumi, Taira no Masakado and Kat� Shigemitsu ("Shibaraku" scene) in the kaomise drama "Masakado Sh�zoku no Enoki", which celebrated the arrival of Arashi Tominosuke I in Edo.

1st lunar month of 1757: Danj�r�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, taibi section (the "final" section, created for Danj�r� and �tani Hiroji II), was j�-j�-kichi (superior - superior - excellent) [visual]. He also played in the same theater the role of Kagekiyo, disguised as Monogusa Tar�, in the new year sogamono drama "Nippon Zutsumi Tori no Ne Soga".

7th lunar month of 1757: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Yasunari and Got� By�ei, disguised as tay� Sansh�, in the dramas "Abe no Yasunari Inaba no Mitegura" and "Kiku Zukuri Kiredo no Iezuto". He fell ill during this performance.

11th lunar month of 1757: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada, Sasaki Gor� and the yakko Akampei in the kaomise drama "Onna Musha Kaijin Yashima"; his stage partners in the roles ofSasaki Moritsuna and Sasaki Takatsuna were Onoe Kikugor� I and Ichikawa Yaoz� I.

1st lunar month of 1758: Danj�r�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, tachiyaku section, was (shiro)goku-j�-j�-kichi ((white) extreme - superior - superior - excellent) [Visual]. He played in the same theater the roles of Kud� Saemon Suketsune, Kagekiyo and Kumagai Jir� Naozane in the new year sogamono drama "Toki Tsukaze Irifune Soga". This program integrated Chikamatsu Monzaemon's "Sonezaki Shinj�", in which Danj�r� played the role of Aburaya Kuheiji; his stage partners in the roles of Tenmaya Ohatsu and Hiranoya Tokub� were Arashi Tominosuke I and Onoe Kikugor� I. He also played the role of Ky�saku in the drama "Osome Hisamatsu", sharing the stage with Segawa Kikunoj� II and Nakamura Kiyosabur� in the roles of Osome and Hisamatsu.

9th lunar month of 1758: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Ono no T�f� in the drama "Ono no T�f� Aoyagi Suzuri"; his stage partner in the role of Onui was Segawa Kikunoj� II.

24th day of the 9th lunar month of 1758 [6]: Ichikawa Ebiz� II died.

11th lunar month of 1758: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of K�ga Sabur� and Sano Genzaemon in the kaomise drama "Kigoto no Hana Aioi Hachinoki", which welcomed the Kamigata actor Nakamura Utaemon I, who left the Ichimuraza, and also celebrated the sh�mei of Mizuki Tatsunosuke III.

1st lunar month of 1759: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Kagekiyo, disguised as Aragor� Mohei, Kinugasa Minbunosuke andKud� Saemon Suketsune in the new year drama "Hatsugai Wada no Sakamori"; his stage partners in the roles of Soga Gor� and Soga J�r� were Ichikawa Yaoz� I and Nakamura Shichisabur� II.

11th lunar month of 1759: Danj�r� moved to the Ichimuraza and played the roles of Arajishi Otokonosuke, Watanabe Minbu and Atake Jinb� in thekaomise drama "Okunizome Shusse Butai"; his stage partners were Onoe Kikugor� I, Nakamura Utaemon I, Band� Hikosabur� II and Ichimura Kamez� I. Danj�r� and Omatsu, the adopted daughter of Iwai Hanshir� III and the widow of late Segawa Kikujir� I, celebrated their wedding the 16th day of this month. It was said that the actor Band� Sanpachi I, who had also a crush on Omatsu and repudiated his first wife in order to marry her, lost this love competion against Danj�r� and quarreled seriously with him.

1st lunar month of 1760: Danj�r�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, tachiyaku section, was goku-j�-j�-kichi (extreme - superior - superior - excellent) [Visual]. He performed in the same theater in the new year drama "Furiwakegami Suehiro Genji".

6th day of the 2nd lunar month of 1760 [7]: a fire broke out in the district of Kanda Hatago-ch� and spread to Susaki in Fukagawa. It destroyed both the Ichimuraza and the Nakamuraza. It was called Akashiya no Kaji ('The Akashiya fire'), based on the name of the shop where it started. Danj�r� had to take some unintended vacation during the rebuilding of the theater.

3rd lunar month of 1760: Danj�r� played in the rebuilt Ichimuraza the roles of Kagekiyo, Ky� no Jir�, the tay� Sansh� and Kud� Saemon Suketsune in the drama "Soga Mannen Bashira", which included the bombastic play "Kaneiri Gedatsu no Koromo" [8]; his stage partners were Ichimura Uzaemon VIII (Mank�, Oni� Shinzaemon, the ghost of Sh�ki), Ichimura Kamez� I (Soga Gor�, Soga J�r�), Nakamura Utaemon I (Yamaoka Sabur�), Onoe Kikugor� I (Danzabur�, Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada, Minamoto no Yoritomo), Sanogawa Ichimatsu I (Tora) and Anegawa Daikichi I (Princess Hitomaru, Kewaizaka no Sh�sh�).

11th lunar month of 1760: Danj�r� played at the Ichimuraza the roles of Kamakura Gonnokami Kagemori and Miura Heitar� Kunitae in the kaomise drama "Ume Momiji Date no �kido". An unusual hy�banki ranking actors' wifes was published under the title "Yakusha Ny�b� Hy�banki" and Omatsu's rank was goku-j�-j�-kichi (extreme - superior - superior - excellent) [Visual].

1st lunar month of 1761: Danj�r� performed in the same theater in the new year sogamono drama "Edo Murasaki Kongen Soga".

3rd lunar month of 1761: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of the shirozake seller Shinb� in the drama "Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura"; his stage partners were Ichimura Kamez� I (Sukeroku), Segawa Kikunoj� II (Agemaki) and Sawamura S�j�r� II (Iky�).

8th lunar month of 1761: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Kumedera Danj� and Mikasamura Sukesaku in the dramas "Nishikidori Yamato Bunsh�" and "Asama no Dake".

17th day of the 9th lunar month of 1761 [9]: a fire broke out from the puppet theater Gekiza and destroyed the Ichimuraza. Danj�r� had to take some unintended vacation during the rebuilding of the theater.

11th lunar month of 1761: Danj�r� moved to the Nakamuraza and played several roles, including the great warrior Taira no Tomomori, in the kaomise drama "Nihongahana H�gan Biiki", which celebrated the sh�mei of Ichikawa Raiz� I.

2nd lunar month of 1762: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Yawata no Sabur� in the drama "Soga Biiki Nihon Zakura".

7th lunar month of 1762: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Ashiya D�man in the drama "Tamamo-no-Mae Katsura no Mayuzumi", sharing the stage with Arashi Sankatsu I (Tamamo-no-Mae)Ichikawa Raiz� I (Miuranosuke) and Nakamura Denkur� II (Sat� Norikiyo).

11th lunar month of 1762: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of End� Musha, Chinzei Hachir� and Kasaya Rokurob� in the kaomise drama "Nagi no Ha Izu no Sugatami". This performance celebrated the sh�mei of 3 of his disciples, Takinaka Hidematsu II, Ichikawa Takej�r� and Matsumoto Ch�matsu, who respectively took the names of Ichikawa Benz� I, Ichikawa Somegor� I and Matsumoto Shichiz� II. Danj�r� also played the role of the Deity Meguro no Fud� (the black-eyed Fud� My��) in the "Fud�" scene, which was staged at the end of the program; the roles of Seitaka D�ji and Konkara D�ji, sitting close to Fud� My��, were played by Matsumoto K�shir� III and Ichikawa Somegor� I.

2nd lunar month of 1763: Danj�r� played in the same theater several roles, including Kagekiyo, in Kanai Sansh�'s new year drama "Momo Chidori �iso Gayoi".

5th lunar month of 1763: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Tanba no Suketar� in the drama "K�yasan Jayanagi" [10].

11th lunar month of 1763: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza several roles, including Sanada Bunz� Masayasu, in the kaomise drama "Daij�bu Takadachi Jikki". This performance celebrated the sh�mei of 2 of his disciples, Nakamura Denz� I and Ichikawa Somegor� I, who respectively took the names of Ichikawa Yaoz� II and Ichikawa Komaz� II.

2nd lunar month of 1764: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Kagekiyo, disguised as Sazame Shichir�, in the new year sogamono drama "Hitokidori Harutsuge Soga"; the roles of Akoya and Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada were played by Hanakawa Ichinoj� and Nakamura Shichisabur� II.

3rd lunar month of 1764: Danj�r� made a welcome speech for the arrival of Ichikawa Danz� III at the Nakamuraza. Both actors performed together for the first time, Danj�r� in the role of Kagekiyo and Danz� in the role of Kumagai Tar�. The performance was a big success.

5th lunar month of 1764: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Kan Sh�j�, transformed into the God of Thunder, and Matsu�maru in the drama "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami"; his stage partners in the role of Ume�maru (Matsu�maru's brother and Kan Sh�j�'s retainer), Sakuramaru (Matsu�maru's brother), Chiyo (Matsu�maru's wife), Fujiwara no Shihei (Matsu�maru's master) and Shiratay� (Matsu�maru's father) were Ichikawa Raiz� I,Ichikawa Komaz� II, Yoshizawa Goroichi I, Nakajima Mihoemon II and Nakamura Denkur� II. The performance was a big success and was extended up to the middle of the 6th lunar month.

6th lunar month of 1764: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Sait� Tarozaemon in the drama "�t�-no-Miya Asahi no Yoroi".

8th lunar month of 1764: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Kumedera Danj� in the "Kenuki" scene, which was included within the drama "Heike Nyogo no Shima" which was staged to commemorate the 6th anniversary (7th memorial service) of the passing away of Ichikawa Ebiz� II.

11th lunar month of 1764: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of Ibaraki Ch�b�, Taira no Yoshikado and the spirit of Taira no Masakado in the kaomise drama "Azuma no Hana S�ma no Dairi".

1st lunar month of 1765: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Kagekiyo in the new year sogamono drama "Amatsukaze Nenriki Soga"; the roles of Akoya and Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada were played by Azuma T�z� II and Nakamura Shichisabur� II.

5th lunar month of 1765: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Kakogawa Honz� and Teraoka Heiemon in the drama "Kanadehon Ch�shingura".

8th lunar month of 1765: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of the zegen Hachib� and Yoshiigahama no Tadanori in the drama "Keisei Fukubiki Nagoya", which commemorated the 16th anniversary (17th memorial service) of the passing away of late of Segawa Kikunoj� I; his stage partners were Segawa Kikunoj� II (the courtesan Katsuragi), Matsumoto Shichiz� II (Katsuragi's daughter Omina) and Ichikawa Komaz� II (Nagoya Sanzabur�).

11th lunar month of 1765: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the role of Kujaku Sabur� in the kaomise drama "Kagura Uta Amagoi Komachi", which celebrated the sh�mei of Iwai Hanshir� IV.

1st lunar month of 1766: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Sasaki Tar�, disguised as the wholesaler Date Yosaku, and Konn�maru in the new year drama "Kaid� Ichi Izu no Harugoma".

5th lunar month of 1766: premiere of the play "Yaoya Oshichi Koi no Edozome", which was staged at the Nakamuraza; Danj�r� played the role of Noriyori; his stage partners in the roles of Yaoya Oshichi and Kichisabur� were Nakamura Matsue I and Ichikawa Benz� I.

11th lunar month of 1766: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza several roles, including the Kurozuka ogress, in the kaomise drama "Kogane no Hana Kaijin Arasmusha", which celebrated the arrival in Edo of the Kamigata actor Kirishima Gizaemon I; his stage partners in the roles of Abe no Munet�, Abe no Sadat� and Hachiman Tar� Yoshiie were Matsumoto K�shir� III, Kirishima Gizaemon I and Band� Hikosabur� II.

1st lunar month of 1767: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Kagekiyo, disguised as a sweet seller, in the new year sogamono drama "Hatsu Akinai �mise Soga"; the roles of Akoya and Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada were played by Yoshizawa Sakinosuke III and Nakamura Shichisabur� II.

7th lunar month of 1767: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Tokaiya Ginpei, Taira no Tomomori and Yokawa no Zenji Kakuhan in the drama "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura".

8th lunar month of 1767: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of the wicked priest Narukami in the drama "Sono Namo Tsuki no Irobito" (similar to "Narukami"); the roles of Princess Taema, Hakuunb� (white cloud bonze) and Kokuunb� (dark cloud bonze) were played by Nakamura Matsue I, Arashi Otohachi I and Ichikawa Komaz� II.

11th lunar month of 1767: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the role of Hata Rokur�zaemon, disguised as the tea seller Ichib�, in the kaomise drama "Taiheiki Shizu no Furisode".

1st lunar month of 1768: Danj�r�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, tachiyaku section, was �-goku-j�-j�-kichi (grand - extreme - superior - superior - excellent) [Visual]. He played in the same theater the roles of Kud� Saemon Suketsune, Umezawa Kogorob�, Kazusa Gorob� and Taira no Kagekiyo in the new year sogamono drama "Fude Hajime Soga no Tamazusa"; the roles of Soga Gor� Tokimune and Soga J�r� Sukenari, the enemies of Kud�, were played by Ichikawa Yaoz� II and Ichikawa Komaz� II (who also played Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada, Kagekiyo's enemy).

4th lunar month of 1768: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Teraoka Heiemon in the drama "Kanadehon Ch�shingura"; his stage partners were Nakamura Shichisabur� II (�boshi Yuranosuke) and Segawa Kikunoj� II (Okaru).

7th lunar month of 1768: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Matsunaga Daizen in the drama "Gion Sairei Shink�ki"; his stage partners in the roles of Princess Yuki and T�kichi were Segawa Kikunoj� II and Nakamura Denkur� II.

8th lunar month of 1768: premiere at the Nakamuraza of the drama "Tenjiku Tokub� Koky� no Torikaji"; Danj�r� played the role of Nanagusa Shir� disguised as Tenjiku Tokub� [more details].

11th lunar month of 1768: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the roles of Munekiyo and Kisanta in the kaomise drama "Ima o Sakari Suehiro Genji", which celebrated the arrival in Edo of Nakamura Utaemon I and the sh�mei of Osagawa Tsuneyo II.

1st lunar month of 1769: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of Kagekiyo in the new year sogamono drama "Soga Moy� Aigo no Wakamatsu", which included a "Kamahige" scene [11].

11th lunar month of 1769: Danj�r� played at the Nakamuraza the role of the tay� Sansh� (4th time) and Sano Gent�ta in the kaomise drama "Kawaranu Hanasakae Hachinoki".

1st lunar month of 1770: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of Kurizu no Rokur� and Kazusa Shichiby�ei Kagekiyo, disguised as the farmer Kakezuri no J�b�, in the new year sogamono drama "Kagamigaike Omokage Soga".

6th lunar month of 1770: Danj�r� played in the same theater the roles of the money broker Hachib�, the priest Rensh�b� and Asari no Yoichi in Sakurada Jisuke I's drama "Katakiuchi Ch�k� Kagami".

9th lunar month of 1770: Danj�r� played in the same theater the role of the Deity Fud� My�� in a memorial performance for the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Ichikawa Ebiz� II.

11th lunar month of 1770: great sh�mei at the Nakamuraza; Ichikawa Danj�r� IV took back his previous name of Matsumoto K�shir� II and his son Matsumoto K�shir� III received the name of Ichikawa Danj�r� V. K�shir� played several roles, including Osada no Tar� and the God of the Mountain, in the kaomise drama "Nue no Mori Ichiy� no Mato", which also celebrated the arrival of Ichikawa Danz� III and Yamashita Kinsaku II at the Nakamuraza and the sh�mei of the actors Nakamura Sh�ch�, Ichikawa Monnosuke II, Nakamura Shichisabur� III and Band� Sanpachi II.

1st lunar month of 1771: K�shir�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki was murui (unequaled). K�shir� portrays in the same theater the Deity Aizen My�� and played the seven roles of Kagekiyo in the new year sogamono drama "Sakaich� Soga no Nendaiki"; the roles of Akoya (Kagekiyo's lover) and Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada (Kagekiyo's enemy) were played by Yamashita Kinsaku II and Nakamura Sh�ch�.

7th lunar month of 1771: K�shir� played in the same theater the roles of Dozaemon Denkichi and the God of the Wind in the drama "Tamura Maro Nanae Gasane".

11th lunar month of 1771: K�shir�, who decided to stay at the Nakamuraza while his son Ichikawa Danj�r� V moved to the Moritaza, played the role of �tomo Sann� in the kaomise drama "Kuni no Hana Ono no Itsumoji".

1st lunar month of 1772: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Kagekiyo, disguised as �mi no Yawatanosuke, in Nakamura J�suke II's new year sogamono drama "Haru ha Soga Akebono Z�shi".

8th lunar month of 1772: K�shir� played in the same theater the role of Maboroshi Takeemon in the drama "Futatsu Ch�ch� Kuruwa Nikki".

11th lunar month of 1772: great sh�mei at the Nakamuraza; the actors Matsumoto K�shir� II, Ichikawa Komaz� II and Ichikawa Sumiz� I respectively took the names of Ichikawa Ebiz� III, Matsumoto K�shir� IV and Ichikawa Komaz� III; the new Ebiz� played the roles of Kury� Saemon, the hag Aomugi (?), Nagasaki Kageyu Saemon and Shinozuka Gor� in the kaomise drama "�yoroi Ebid� Shinozuka".

1st lunar month of 1773: Ebiz� played in the same theater the roles of Wada Yoshimori, the ghost of Miura �suke and the warrior Taira no Kagekiyo in the new year drama "Wada Sakamori Eiga Kagami"; the role of Akoya was played by Yoshizawa Sakinosuke III.

5th lunar month of 1773: Ebiz� played in the same theater the role of Wat�nai, disguised as Nanagusa Shir�, in the drama "Dainippon Ise no Kamikaze".

7th lunar month of 1773: Ebiz� played in the same theater the role of the express messenger Takumi in the drama "Keisei Kataokayama".

9th lunar month of 1773: Ebiz� played in the same theater the role of Kan Sh�j�, transformed into the God of Thunder, in the drama "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami".

11th lunar month of 1773: premiere at the Nakamuraza of the kaomise drama "Gohiiki Kanjinch�"; Ebiz� played the roles of Benkei, Anewa no Heiji and Shigetada [casting]. This 46-days long performance, which also celebrated the sh�mei of Nakamura Rik� I, was a tremendous success.

1st lunar month of 1774: Ebiz� played in the same theater the roles of Taira no Kagekiyo and Minamoto no Tametomo in the new year sogamono drama "Oatsuraezome Soga Hinagata"; the roles of Akoya (Kagekiyo's lover) and Chichibu no Sh�ji Shigetada (Kagekiyo's enemy) were played by Yoshizawa Sakinosuke III and Matsumoto K�shir� IV.

5th lunar month of 1774: big crisis at the Nakamuraza; several high-ranking actors, including Ebiz�, Ichikawa Danj�r� V,Iwai Hanshir� IV and Matsumoto K�shir� IV left the theater. Ebiz� seized this opportunity to take long vacation.

11th lunar month of 1775: Ebiz� was back on stage, at the Ichimuraza, meeting up again Matsumoto K�shir� IV and Iwai Hanshir� IV, who left the Moritaza. He played the role of Hata Rokur�zaemon in the kaomise drama "Oyafune Taiheiki". This kaomise was a huge success, starting the 1st day of the 11th lunar month and ending the 15th day of the 12th lunar month.

1st lunar month of 1776: Ebiz�'s rank in the Edo hy�banki, s�kant� section ("global leader"), was goku-j�-j�-kichi (extreme - superior - superior - excellent) [Visual]. He played in the same theater the roles of Taira no Kagekiyo and Kud� Saemon Suketsune in the new year sogamono drama "Kamuri Kotoba Soga no Yukari".

3rd lunar month of 1776: Ebiz� replaced Sakata Hangor� II in the role of the villain Iky� in the drama "Sukeroku Yukari no Hatsuzakura"; the roles of Agemaki and Sukeroku were played by Iwai Hanshir� IV and Ichikawa Yaoz� II (replaced because of illness by Ichimura Uzaemon IX). The performance was a huge success and was extended up to the 6th lunar month.

7th lunar month of 1776: Ebiz� played in the same theater the roles of Matsu�maru and Kan Sh�j�, transformed into the God of Thunder, in the drama "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami"; his stage partners were Ichimura Uzaemon IX (Ume�maru), Ichikawa Yaoz� II (Sakuramaru), Nakamura Noshio I (Matsu�maru's wife Chiyo), Sakata Hangor� II (Matsu�maru's father Shiratay�) and Nakajima Mihoemon II (Fujiwara no Shihei).

9th lunar month of 1776: Ichikawa Ebiz� III appeared on stage for the last time, making his isse ichidai speech on the stage of the Ichimuraza. He shaved his head, became a bonze called Zuinen and retired in the district of Kiba (Fukagawa).

5th day of the 10th lunar month of 1776 [12]: his grandson Momotar� died at the age of 8.

25th day of the 2nd lunar month of 1778 [1]: Ebiz� died in Edo.

Comments:

Ichikawa Ebiz� III was a versatile actor, who excelled in playing jitsuaku or jitsugotoshi roles. It should be noted that he was not an aragotoshi as talented as Ichikawa Danj�r� I or Ichikawa Ebiz� II and that he was also able to play onnagata roles. He reached the j�-j�-kichi rank in the 3rd lunar month of 1741 and the goku-j�-j�-kichi rank in the 1st lunar month of 1760.

"Danj�r� the fourth's career was full of vicissitudes, and towards the end of his life he cut off his hair to signify retirement from the world, and kept religiously aloof from the theatre. When Danj�r�, the second, died, the fourth was but twenty years of age, and it took a long time for the public to appreciate him. He was thought unworthy of the great stage name, and it was considered that he had not inherited the family genius. His talent matured slowly, however, and he finally came to be looked upon as the head actor of Edo Kabuki. He was entirely different from his supposed father, the second Danj�r�, for he had a fine, large physique, while the second Danj�r� was small; the fourth had an oval, long face, the countenance of the second being round; the temperament of the second Danj�r� was placid, that of the fourth was nervous." (Zo� Kincaid in "Kabuki, the Popular Stage of Japan")

Ichikawa Ebiz� III's best roles : Matsu�maru ("Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami") and Taira no Kagekiyo.

Ichikawa Ebiz� III was also the creator of three bombastic plays belonging to the Kabuki J�hachiban collection: "Gedatsu" (3rd lunar month of 1760), "Jayanagi" (5th lunar month of 1763) and "Kamahige" (1st lunar month of 1769).

"Considered a progressive, Ichikawa Danj�r� IV mixed with every class, realizing that the key to character portrayal was accurate observation of human beings. The realism he infused into his roles was an important development in his family style" (Samuel Leiter, "New Kabuki Encyclopedia").

Ichikawa Ebiz� III was also the organizer of acting classes, which helped to polish the skills of actors like Nakamura Nakaz� I or Matsumoto K�shir� IV.

[1] The 25th day of the 2nd lunar month of the 7th year of the An'ei era was the 23rd of March 1778 in the western calendar.

[2] The 25th day of the 3rd lunar month of the 15th year of the Ky�h� era was the 11th of May 1730 in the western calendar.

[3] It was considered as the first performance of "Nanatsu Men", one drama belonging to the Kabuki J�hachiban.

[4] The 14th day of the 1st lunar month of the 6th year of the H�reki era was the 13th of February 1756 in the western calendar.

[5] Mimasu was the blazon (3 squares fitting into each other and representing 3 measures of rice) of the Naritaya guild.

[6] The 24th day of the 9th lunar month of the 8th year of the H�reki era was the 25th of October 1758 in the western calendar.

[7] The 6th day of the 2nd lunar month of the 10th year of the H�reki era was the 22nd of March 1760 in the western calendar.

[8] It was considered as the first performance of "Gedatsu", one drama belonging to the Kabuki J�hachiban.

[9] The 17th day of the 9th lunar month of the 11th year of the H�reki era was the 14th of October 1761 in the western calendar.

[10] It was considered as the first performance of "Jayanagi", one drama belonging to the Kabuki J�hachiban.

[11] It was considered as the first performance of "Kamahige", one drama belonging to the Kabuki J�hachiban.

[12] The 5th day of the 10th lunar month of the 5th year of the An'ei era was the 15th of November 1776 in the western calendar.