Kabuki Star Brings 300-Year Tradition to Europe This Spring

When Nakamura Takanosuke steps onto stages in Paris, Rome, and Cologne this April, audiences will witness something most Japanese theatergoers never see. The young kabuki master will reveal the elaborate process of becoming an onnagata, the specialized male actors who portray female roles in Japan's 400-year-old theatrical tradition.

The "Meet Kabuki: The Art of Onnagata Europe Tour 2026" runs from April 9 to 23, hosted by the Japan Foundation. It's the first major European kabuki tour backed by Shochiku, Japan's leading kabuki company, since 2018.

Takanosuke, just 26, will demonstrate the full makeup and costume application process live onstage. Each transformation can take hours and requires precise skill passed down through generations of performers.

After showing audiences how the magic happens, he'll perform "The Wisteria Maiden," a classic onnagata dance that recently appeared in the hit film "Kokuho." The movie introduced kabuki to new international audiences, creating perfect timing for this cultural bridge.

The Paris opening includes an extra treat: "Shakkyo" ("The Stone Bridge"), where Takanosuke transforms from a woman into a powerful lion spirit. It's a stunning display of the physical and artistic range required in kabuki performance.

The Ripple Effect

This tour does more than showcase beautiful performance. By revealing the craftsmanship behind kabuki's elaborate costumes, wigs, and makeup techniques, Takanosuke is demystifying an art form that can seem distant or unapproachable.

Young artists worldwide can now see how dedication to traditional craft creates transcendent art. The behind-the-scenes element makes kabuki accessible without diluting its cultural significance or artistic rigor.

European audiences hungry for authentic cultural experiences get exactly that, while kabuki gains new appreciation beyond Japan's borders. It's a exchange that enriches both cultures.

With international interest growing thanks to "Kokuho," this tour arrives at the perfect moment to transform curiosity into deeper understanding and lasting appreciation.