Ichitaro, who served as a movement coach for the film *National Treasure*, is a talented performer of the next generation who takes on challenges ranging from classical Kabuki to new projects like ART Kabuki. Ukon is also attracting attention for his wide-ranging activities beyond Kabuki, including films, TV dramas, and variety shows. The two held a press conference in Kyoto.

The two appeared at the press conference wearing matching outfits—black suits with red undershirts. When Ichitaro began by saying, “Thank you so much for coming today to hear our marriage announcement,” the room erupted in laughter. Ukon followed up by saying, “I will be playing Ashikaga Yoshiaki in the 2026 Taiga drama *The Toyotomi Brothers!*,” and the close-knit duo’s comedic banter drew even more laughter.

When asked about the dual casting at the press conference, Ichitaro said, “Ukon-kun told me he wanted to play Ohatsu, but I never imagined I’d end up playing Tokubei myself, so it feels like a fresh experience.” Ukon added, “Objectively speaking, I wanted to see Ichitaro-san’s portrayal of Tokubei, and I also wanted to play Ohatsu myself, so we decided to do it together. When we performed at the [Osaka Shochikuza] last February, I never dreamed we’d end up swapping roles.”

Regarding the “tachiyaku” roles—male characters played by female Kabuki actors—Ukon remarked, “While these roles allow you to release energy and are generally low-stress, the role of Tokubei is surprisingly stressful.” Ichitaro laughed and replied, “My father (Ganjiro) was delighted, saying, ‘Finally, an actor has come along who can truly relate to this role.’”

Precisely because these two have pushed each other to grow throughout the same era, there are challenges only they can overcome—and vistas only they can reveal. While the “March Kabuki Showcase” has continued to take on new challenges each year, changing in both scale and format, this performance marks the culmination of their “duo version.” Expectations are inevitably running high.

For this production, under the supervision of Ganjiro, they are bringing *The Tale of the Sonezaki Double Suicide* to life. The question is: how can they convey this story to today’s audience while carrying on the spirit cherished by his grandfather, Sakata Tōjūrō—a Living National Treasure? Itarō remarked, “I feel as though we’re creating the roles of Ohatsu and Tokubei together,” revealing his determination to take on this role-swap performance.

Regarding this production, Ichitaro commented, “I am certainly aware that the film *National Treasure* existed. In a positive sense, I feel I ”have no choice but to do this.’ “If someone who became interested after watching the movie sees their first Kabuki performance and finds it boring or too long, they’ll never come back to the theater,” he reasoned. With that in mind, he has reexamined the core message he wants to convey through *Sonezaki Shinjū* and is devising creative approaches to the running time and structure. “Rather than simply making it shorter, I’m aiming for a format that makes the message I want to convey even clearer.”

Ukon stated, “A Kabuki performance is one staged by authentic Kabuki actors in the traditional style. Showing the true essence of Kabuki is a fundamental prerequisite,” adding, “At the same time, it goes without saying that we must read the audience’s mood and tailor the performance to their needs.”

In addition, this time there will be a “Hanagata Kabuki Special Interview” where the two will appear in their everyday selves after the performance. It promises to be a valuable opportunity to hear them talk about behind-the-scenes stories and more, but we hope you’ll also enjoy a different side of their charm through the entertaining conversation between these two, who are simply “crazy about Kabuki!” and possess such powerful passion. In addition, there are plans for features that will allow the entire [Minami-za] to be enjoyed like a theme park, as well as special perks for attendees and a range of merchandise.

“This is a show that’s enjoyable from start to finish. If you want to see the two of us ”ready to give it our all,’ please come to the [Minami-za],” said Ukon. We hope you’ll come to the theater to experience the energy these two performers of the same generation create with every fiber of their being.