Onoue Kikugoro VIII (尾上 菊五郎) discusses the nationwide tour of Shochiku Grand Kabuki. The production will be performed from 7 to 31 July 2026 at 19 venues across Japan, featuring “Wisteria Maiden” and “The Fishmonger Sogoro.”
Onoue Kikugoro VIII (尾上 菊五郎), who completed the naming-ceremony performances in Reiwa 7 (2025), says the nationwide tour of Shochiku Grand Kabuki will begin on 7 July 2026 and be performed at 19 venues across Japan. It will be the first tour in 8 years.
Kikugoro says he looks forward to experiencing the atmosphere and culture of each locality through the tour, and also refers to the distinctive sense of unity among the troupe and the expectations of local audiences for the performances.
The works being performed are “Wisteria Maiden” and “The Fishmonger Sogoro.” He explains that Rokudai-me Kikugoro (六代目 菊五郎) revamped the staging of “Wisteria Maiden,” describing it as a work that carries on his grandfather’s values. He spoke about his approach to pursuing the delicacy of the wisteria spirit.
Regarding “The Fishmonger Sogoro,” he reflected on his experience in the role for the first time and said that, through repeated performances, Sogoro had increasingly become his own. This will be his 3rd performance in the role, and he looks forward to becoming more familiar with it.