PRESS CONFERENCE
Young Kabuki Stars Go Abroad
Ichikawa Somegorō VIII, Kabuki Actor
Onoe Tatsunosuke III, Kabuki Actor
14:30-15:30 Monday, August 24, 2026
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.
With Kabuki attracting a growing global following, two of the ancient drama form's most highly acclaimed young stars will head overseas early next year to perform in a major world city. Before they do, Ichikawa Somegorō VIII and Onoe Tatsunosuke III will come to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan to disclose their destination, performance program and hopes for the international tour.
Somegorō and Tatsunosuke are two leading members of the next generation of Kabuki actors. The scion of an illustrious Kabuki family, Somegorō is the son of celebrated actor Matsumoto Kōshirō X and grandson of Matsumoto Hakuō II. With his upcoming overseas tour, Somegorō will carry forward the tradition of his father and grandfather, who performed in Las Vegas and on Broadway respectively.
Tatsunosuke is also a prolific talent, performing both classical and revived repertories, as well as newly written Kabuki plays. Noted for his acting skills, he has played wide-ranging roles from the handsome male hero to female characters. Come to the FCCJ to hear Somegorō and Tatsunosuke talk about both their art form and their international stage debut.
How to attend:
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/8dQbKGScqB9AhXdL6
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.
Professional Activities Committee