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Sawamura Sojuro (9th)

さわむら そうじゅうろう

Sawamura Sojuro

Aliases: 沢村訥升 / 藤間勘嗣朗 / 澤村寿一 / 六代目澤村源平
Pen Names: Fujima Kanshirō（Dance stage name (natori)）, Sawamura Tosshō（Stage name used in films during his Toei period）, 6th Sawamura Genpei（Name used in early stage career (child debut)）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1933-03-08 （Tokyo, Japan）
Died
2001-01-12 （Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan） age 67
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Tokyo, Japan → Osaka, Japan

Career

Occupations
Kabuki actor, Actor, Natori in Japanese dance
Active Years
1941-2001
Influenced By
Sawamura Sōjūrō (8th), Sawamura Sōjūrō (7th)

Awards

Arts Encouragement Prize — Minister of Education Award
1994
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs (Japan)
Result: 受賞
Medal with Purple Ribbon
1995
Organization: Government of Japan
Result: 受章

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami — Yaé in 'Kamo-tsutsumi'

Kabuki

He performed the role of Yaé in the 'Kamo-tsutsumi' episode of the classical kabuki play 'Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami', noted for his refined Edo-style ('waji') acting.

filial pietyparent-child relationshipsEdo-style acting aestheticspreservation of traditional performing arts

Tokimaya Kikyō Hataage — role 'Kikyō'

Kabuki

One of the plays he performed in his early career; through roles such as 'Kikyō' he attracted attention for both his looks and technique.

beautyperforming techniquetraditional repertoire

Koga Jushū (including 'Kariyasu Dōshin')

Kabuki (revival performances)

Using the 'Koga Jushū' compiled by his grandfather as a basis, he devoted himself to reviving and staging obscure kabuki plays.

transmissionrevival performancespreservation of family repertoire

Wakaki Adauchi Nagusa — role 'Ranchō'

2000 Kabuki

In December 2000 he performed the role of 'Ranchō' and took part in the celebratory cut-words alongside senior actors; this became one of his final legendary stage appearances.

naming celebrationsgenerational transition ritualslate-career performances

Shin Shokoku Monogatari: Golden Peacock Castle (film)

Film

One of the films he starred in after moving to Toei around 1960; during his Toei period he was credited as 'Sawamura Tosshō'.

period dramaswordplaycabuki-like expression in film
Adaptations
  • [Film] Shin Shokoku Monogatari: Golden Peacock Castle

Bibliography

  • Sukeroku (debut role)
  • Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (Kamo-tsutsumi)
  • Tokimaya Kikyō Hataage
  • Shin Shokoku Monogatari: Golden Peacock Castle (Toei film)
  • Furisode Kosho Torimonocho (film)
  • Soujuro no Kai (self-produced performances, 1989–1999)

Adaptations

  • Toei period swordplay films (credited as Sawamura Tosshō)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Refined, restrained Edo-style ('waji') actingA classical performance style that emphasizes preservation of tradition
Recurring Motifs
preservation and revival of family repertoirebeauty and refined expressionrevival of obscure plays

Health

  • Heart failure
    2001年1月（晩年の最終疾病）
    Died of heart failure on 2001-01-12.

Legacy

A preservator of the Kiinokuniya family repertoire who was praised for reviving obscure plays and staging the self-funded 'Soujuro no Kai' performances. Recipient of the Arts Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education Award) and the Medal with Purple Ribbon, he is regarded as an important transmitter of kabuki traditions in the late 20th century.

In Popular Culture

  • Jun'ichirō Tanizaki is said to have referred to Tosshō (his younger image) in 'Fōten Rōjin Nikki', indicating literary interest in his figure.
  • Naoya Shiga reportedly admired Tosshō's stage beauty in his twenties, showing his influence among contemporary cultural figures.

Quotes

  • Although a direct quote is not provided in the source text, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki is reported to have referred to the young Tosshō in his work.
    Source: Fōten Rōjin Nikki (Jun'ichirō Tanizaki)

Trivia

  • House name (yagō) was Kiinokuniya.
  • Family crest: 'Maru ni I-no-ji' (primary), alternate crest: 'sasa-rindō with flowers and feet'.
  • Dance natori name: Fujima Kanshirō.
  • Birth name: Sawamura Jūichi.
  • Succeeded names: 6th Sawamura Genpei, 5th Sawamura Tosshō, then 9th Sawamura Sojuro.
  • Organized the self-produced 'Soujuro no Kai' from 1989 to 1999.
  • Received the Arts Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education Award) in 1994 and the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1995.
  • Grave is at Tama Cemetery (section 14-1-9).