Ichikawa Danjūrō is a stage name taken on by a series of Kabuki actors of the Ichikawa family. Most of these were blood relatives, though some were adopted into the family. It is a famous and important name, and receiving it is an honor. There are a number of roles that the line of Danjūrō specialize in, as well as a series of plays, the Kabuki Jūhachiban, which showcase the specialties of the Ichikawa family. Danjūrō, like other actors' names, is bestowed at grand naming ceremonies called shūmei in which a number of actors formally change their names. The name Danjūrō is generally taken at the peak of an actor's career; another name may be taken after retirement. Prior to taking the name Danjūrō, an actor frequently had the names Matsumoto Kōshirō, Ichikawa Shinnosuke, or Ichikawa Ebizō. The design of the Ichikawa family mon, three squares nested inside one another, is called mimasu or sanshō. Some of the actors in this line used "Sanshō" as their haimyō, a nickname or alias used in poetry circles.
Lineage
Ichikawa Danjūrō I – also known as Mimasuya Hyōgo as a playwright; known as Ichikawa Ebizō I prior to taking the name Danjūrō. Originated the aragoto form.
Ichikawa Danjūrō II – Eldest son of Danjūrō I; previously known as Ichikawa Ebizō II and Ichikawa Kuzō.
Ichikawa Danjūrō III – Adopted son of Danjūrō II, previously known as Ichikawa Masugorō; died young.
Ichikawa Danjūrō IV – Adopted son of Danjūrō II, possibly biological son. Previously known as Matsumoto Kōshirō II and Ichikawa Ebizō III.
Ichikawa Danjūrō V – Son of Danjūrō IV. Previously known as Matsumoto Kōshirō III and Ichikawa Ebizō. One of the most famous of all kabuki actors.
Ichikawa Danjūrō VI – Son of Danjūrō V, previously known as Ichikawa Ebizō VI. Died young.
Ichikawa Danjūrō VII – Grandson of Danjūrō V, previously known as Ichikawa Shinnosuke I, Ichikawa Yebizō, and later as Ichikawa Ebizō V. Established the Kabuki Jūhachiban.
Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII – Eldest son of Danjūrō VII, previously known as Ichikawa Shinnosuke II and Ichikawa Ebizō VI. Committed suicide in Osaka.
Ichikawa Danjūrō X – Son-in-law of Danjūrō IX; previously known as Horikoshi Fukusaburō and Ichikawa Sanshō V. Played only minor roles, but revived many plays of the Kabuki Jūhachiban.
Ichikawa Danjūrō XI – Adopted son of Danjūrō X, his biological father was Matsumoto Kōshirō VII. Previously known as Ichikawa Komazō V and Ichikawa Ebizō IX.
