If you visit Senso-ji, you will probably notice this impressive statue in the park behind the temple. It represents one of the greatest kabuki actors of Meiji period, Ichikawa Danjuro IX, playing the role of Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa, from the Shibaraku play.

The play is representative for the style called Aragoto, created by his great-great-great-great-grandfather Ichikawa Danjuro I and perfected by him. The Kumadori makeup, with brightly colored stripes over white and the padded and enlarged costumes, well noticeable in the statue, are elements specific to this kabuki style.

Ichikawa Danjuro IX statue, Asakusa, Tokyo

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