Matsumoto Kōshirō

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The Matsumoto family crest (mon)

Matsumoto Kōshirō (松本幸四郎) is the stage name of a line of kabuki actors in Japan. Most of these were blood relatives, though some were adopted into the family.

Kōshirō, like other actors' names, is bestowed (or given up) at grand naming ceremonies called shūmei in which a number of actors formally change their names. Though the Matsumoto family is part of the Koraiya guild, there is a strong connection to the Naritaya guild and the Ichikawa family. It was not uncommon for members of the Matsumoto and Ichikawa families to take on names of both families over the course of their careers.

The design of the Matsumoto family mon, four flowers arranged in a diamond shape, is called yotsu-hana-bishi (四つ花菱).

[edit] Lineage

Matsumoto Kōshirō I (May 1716 - March 1730)^[1] - Previously Matsumoto Koshirō (小四郎), forced in 1716 to change his name when the Shogun's son was named Koshirō; thus, he became the first actor to be called Kōshirō (幸四郎), and would pass this name on.
Matsumoto Kōshirō II (November 1735 - October 1754, November 1770 - October 1772) - Adopted son of Kōshirō I. Later known as Ichikawa Danjūrō IV and Ichikawa Ebizō III.
Matsumoto Kōshirō III (November 1754 - October 1770) - Son of Kōshirō II. Later known as Ichikawa Danjūrō V, Ichikawa Ebizō, and Ichikawa Hakuen. One of the most famous of all kabuki actors.
Matsumoto Kōshirō IV (November 1772 - October 1801) - Disciple of Danjūrō IV and Kōshirō III (Danjūrō V). Previously known as Ichikawa Somegorō I, and later known as Omegawa Kyōjūrō. Famous for his skill at villain roles.
Matsumoto Kōshirō V (November 1801 - May 1838) - Son of Kōshirō IV.
Matsumoto Kōshirō VI (March 1844 - October 1846) - Grandson of Kōshirō IV. Later known as Matsumoto Kinshō I.
Ichikawa Ebizō V - Arguably the most popular actor of the 19th century. Held the name Kōshirō in 1855, but is not counted (numbered) in the lineage.
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII (November 1911 - January 1949) - Disciple of Danjūrō IX.
Matsumoto Kōshirō VIII (September 1949 - September 1981) - Son of Kōshirō VII. Later known as Hakuō I.
Matsumoto Kōshirō IX (October 1981 - present) - Son of Kōshirō VIII. Current bearer of the name Kōshirō. Performs in Western-style theater and film as well.

[edit] Note

^ Note: the dates given here do not represent the birth/death dates of the actor; rather, they indicate the period during which the actor held the name Kōshirō.