A series of performances to mark kabuki actor Ichikawa Shinnosuke’s (26) assumption of the title Ichikawa Ebizo XI takes place from today in Osaka’s Shochiku-za theater. Ichikawa is one of the most popular of the current young generation of kabuki stars. A special train, “Ebizo-go”, will run one way between Keihan Tenman and Kourien stations on June 30, on which Ichikawa will “visit” the Narita-san temple of his ancestors to announce his succession.
• Three of the younger groups belonging to the prolific Johnny’s Jimusho agency will take part in a “big top” event this summer. News, Kat-tun and Ya-Ya-Yah will perform songs and show video footage during the “Summary” show, which will run August 8-29 at the Harajuku Big Top.