Ichikawa Danjūrō V
Ichikawa Danjūrō V (五代目 市川 團十郎, Godaime Ichikawa Danjūrō, August 1741 – 29 October 1806) also known as Ichikawa Ebizō (市川 海老蔵), was one of the most famous and popular Japanese Kabuki actors of all time. Throughout his career, Danjūrō would hold some of the highest ranks in the hyōbanki, an annual Edo publications which evaluated actors and performances. At one point in 1782, he was even granted the rank of tōji-muri-hiiki (当時無理贔屓, "the favorite unequaled in those days").
Ichikawa Danjūrō V 五代目市川団十郎 | |
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Ichikawa playing the hero role of the bombastic "Shibaraku" scene; Katsukawa Shunkō, c. 1788–1791 | |
| Born | August 1741 |
| Died | 29 October 1806 Mukōjima, Japan |
| Other names | Ichikawa Hakuen I, Ichikawa Ebizō, Matsumoto Kōshirō III, Matsumoto Kōzō, Matsumoto Umimaru, and Naritaya Shichizaemon (I) |
He is depicted in countless ukiyo-e actor prints (yakusha-e), and unlike many actors who focus on one type of role, Danjūrō excelled at many types of roles, playing heroes, villains, samurai, peasants, and beautiful women with equal skill. One of his most famous roles is that of the hero in Shibaraku, a scene contained within full plays.