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Sawamura Tōjūrō II

さわむら とうじゅうろう

Sawamura Tōjūrō (2nd)

Aliases: 澤村精四郎（前名） / 藤間 勘之（舞踊名）
Pen Names: Sawamura Seishirō（Pre-succession stage name (former name)）, Fujima Kanji（Dance stage (natori) name in classical Japanese dance）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1943-10-12 （Tokyo, Japan）
Died
null
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Tokyo, Japan → Osaka Prefecture, Japan (residences/extended work in Kansai)

Career

Occupations
Kabuki actor, Actor, Dancer
Active Years
1957-
Affiliations
Kinokuniya (yagō, house name), Kansai Kabuki Lovers Association (co-founded / promoted)
Influenced By
8th Sawamura Sōjūrō, 17th Nakamura Kanzaburō
Influenced
Sawamura Kuniya (Sawamura Seishirō II, disciple), Younger kabuki actors (influenced in movement and onnagata performance)

Education

Gyosei High School
Period: 中退
Country: Japan
Dropped out (final formal education)

Awards

Art Encouragement Newcomer Award (Performing Arts)
1969
Category: 演劇
Organization: Art Encouragement Prize Committee (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Onnagata's Tooth — Role: Tanosuke

Kabuki

One of Sawamura's acclaimed onnagata roles; praised for his refined movement and expressive portrayal as a female-role specialist.

onnagataclassical theatreaesthetic expression

Yowa-jo: The Famous Blackcomb — 'Kira re O-Tomi' episode

Kabuki

Known for his portrayal of O-Tomi in the 'Kira re O-Tomi' episode; acclaimed for emotionally rich onnagata performances.

love and human feelingempathytragic beauty

Funabenkei

Kabuki

A kabuki classic in which he performed the role of Minamoto no Yoshitsune; he appeared in the Shochiku 'Cinema Kabuki' filmed version as Yoshitsune.

heroic taleloyaltyfate
Adaptations
  • [Film (Cinema Kabuki)] Funabenkei (2014)

Bibliography

  • Shinshū Tenma-kyō (1958, Toei)
  • Satomi Hakkenden (1959, Toei)
  • 13 Assassins (1963, Toei)
  • Chushingura: Sakura & Kikka chapters (1959)
  • Tenka no Abarenbo: Sarutobi Sasuke (TV, 1960)
  • Momino Ki wa Nokotta (NHK Taiga, 1970)
  • Furuhata Ninzaburo (TV, 1996)
  • Funabenkei (Cinema Kabuki, 2014)

Adaptations

  • Cinema Kabuki: Funabenkei (2014, Shochiku)
  • TV drama 'Furuhata Ninzaburo' Episode 20 (1996) appearance

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Refined onnagata performance emphasizing classical kabuki movementUse of vocal modulation and timing to enhance dramatic expression
Recurring Motifs
onnagata rolesrevival of classical repertoirepromotion and revitalization of Kansai kabuki

Health

  • Cerebral hemorrhage (brain hemorrhage)
    1998年発症、以後リハビリを継続
    Suffered right-side paralysis in 1998 requiring long-term rehabilitation; subsequently returned to the stage for readings and limited performances.

Legacy

As a leading actor of the Kinokuniya house, he was highly regarded for onnagata roles and contributed to the revival of Kansai kabuki and the establishment of the Shikoku Konpira Kabuki festival. Even after his cerebral hemorrhage, he continued to promote kabuki through readings, talks, and appearances.

Academic Societies

  • Kansai Kabuki Lovers Association

In Popular Culture

  • Remembered in popular culture for his appearance in the TV drama 'Furuhata Ninzaburo'
  • His performances were documented in Cinema Kabuki film releases, bringing kabuki to wider audiences

Quotes

  • Kabuki is the greatest art in the world.
    Source: Interview / press coverage (2019) (2019)

Trivia

  • House name (yagō) is Kinokuniya.
  • Dance natori name: Fujima Kanji.
  • Son of the 8th Sawamura Sōjūrō; brother of the 9th Sawamura Sōjūrō.
  • Made stage debut as Sawamura Seishirō in 1957.
  • Received the 19th Art Encouragement Newcomer Award in 1969.
  • Suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in 1998 causing right-side paralysis; later underwent rehabilitation and returned for readings and limited performances.
  • Appeared as Yoshitsune in the Cinema Kabuki film 'Funabenkei' (2014).