The Passion for Kabuki Overflowing in Pages Published Immediately After the War

Among the archives managed by the Keio University Art Center (KUAC), the "Tanabe Collection" has a somewhat different character from the others. Unlike other archives, the Tanabe Collection is primarily formed from a very limited range of materials: the editorial materials for the Kabuki magazine "Yakusha."

"Yakusha" was a Kabuki information magazine published basically monthly for a short period from 1947 to 1949. In an era when making a magazine was no simple feat, it featured photographs and critiques of the previous month's Kabuki performances. The sheer volume of text reveals the immense passion for Kabuki in post-war Japan. The cover of the first issue features the kumadori makeup of Kamakura Gongoro, played by Matsumoto Koshiro VII in "Shibaraku." This was created using a technique called "oshiguma," where paper or cloth is pressed directly against the actor's face to transfer the makeup. Considering that subsequent covers used paintings, one can sense the extraordinary effort poured into this first issue. Another characteristic of "Yakusha" is the frequent publication of off-shot photos of actors in dressing rooms and other settings; some of these photos include the actors' signatures and are preserved as precious materials, including photos never published in the magazine.

The ability to use oshiguma and publish off-shot photos was not just because "Yakusha" was a rare magazine delivering Kabuki information after the war. Mitsuo Tanabe, who spent his private fortune to publish the magazine, not only had interactions with actors since the time of his father, Takeo, but also performed on stage himself, to the point that Ichikawa Sadanji reportedly considered asking him to become his adopted son. It is likely because of this background that he was able to publish the magazine using the aforementioned precious materials.

The exhibition currently being held at the Keio University Art Center (KUAC), "Passion for Kabuki: The Tanabe Collection / Exhibition of Materials Related to 'Yakusha'" (until July 28), displays original magazines, photographs, and original illustrations. Furthermore, toward its latter half, "Yakusha" deepened its scholarly aspects under the leadership of Kotaro Kawaguchi. Among these, the attempt at a "theater of the mind" performance and critique titled "Kuso Gekijo" (Imaginary Theater), whose manuscripts are on display, is particularly interesting. Additionally, critiques of actors by university students offer a glimpse into the perspective of young people toward Kabuki at the time. At the exhibition venue, visitors will be able to feel the fervent gaze directed toward art in the society immediately following the defeat in the war.

(Shinsuke Niikura, Curator, Keio University Art Center (KUAC))