Kataoka Ichizo

Kataoka Ichizō is a kabuki stage name which originated in the Osaka theatre, but whose actors are now based in Tokyo.

The jōmon (定紋) family crest used to represent the line is the ichō no maru (銀杏丸) inverted ginkgo leaf design.

[1] Kataoka Ichizō I (片岡市蔵) was born Fujikawa Shōzaburō (藤川鐘三郎) in 1792, the son of a low-ranking kabuki actor who gave him his initial training.

[2] He began his career by performing in minor Osaka area hamashibai (浜芝居) theatres and on stages erected within shrine grounds.

[4] His large build and loud voice were well suited to the katakiyaku (敵役) and jitsuaku (実悪) villain roles in which he specialized.

He was, however, also credited with the ability to deliver subtle sewamono (世話物) dramatic performances, particularly in fukeyaku (老役) elderly man roles.

After spending some time in the late 1850s performing in Edo to great acclaim, he returned to Osaka where he rejoined the Kataoka family.

[18] His father was artist Kameya Kichibe (亀屋吉兵衛), and his two older brothers were kabuki actors Mimasu Inemaru (三桝稲丸) and Kataoka Gadō II (2代目片岡我當).

Following the sudden death of his brother, Inemaru, Ichizō III was forced to give up kabuki and begin an apprenticeship in the trades.

[22] Ichizō IV was noted for his loud voice and large personality, which made him well-suited to strong leading roles.