Bromide Kabuki Postcards
Bromide Kabuki Postcards
歌舞伎 ブロマイド 絵葉書
歌舞伎 ブロマイド 絵葉書
(Postcard Stage Photos
(Postcard Stage Photos
絵葉書 舞台写真)
絵葉書 舞台写真)
Embedded Files
Woodblock print, 1915 - Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Shirai Gonpachi from the magazine Shin Nigao, Volume 5.
Bromide, c. 1920 - Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Togashi Saemon in the play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List).
"Before the widespread circulation of bromides featuring Kabuki actors, the role was played by actor prints from the Edo period to the mid-Meiji period [with attempts to revitalize Kabuki woodblock actor prints into the early Taishō era, an example of which is the 1915 print shown above]. Although the number of actor prints in domestic and foreign institutions is vast, recent proactive efforts by these institutions have organized and made them public, gradually revealing the full picture. As a result of these efforts, using actor prints in Kabuki research has become common. On the other hand, the photographic materials that replaced actor prints have significantly lagged in organization, publication, and research compared to actor prints."[1]
Kabuki bromide postcards were sold at theater shops and were very popular as souvenirs for theatergoers and Kabuki enthusiasts. While silver bromide photographic paper became the most utilized photo paper in the early 1900s, the term "bromide" (ブロマイド, buromaido) became a generic term for any glossy photograph of celebrities. Tens of thousands of bromides depicting Kabuki actors and the Kabuki stage were created during the Meiji era into the prewar period, with the Shōchiku Otani Library holding over 12,000 images, many of which are accessible through Ritsumeikan University's Art Research Database "Shōchiku Otani Library Performance Record Database."[2]
These postcards were packaged in decorative bags which provide valuable insights into the sales methods of Kabuki bromides at that time. Additionally, many were formatted as postcards, with the back showing text indicating "postcard" in various languages such as "郵便はがき" (Japanese), "POST CARD" (English), and "CARTE POSTALE" (French). Some featured logos of the theater’s sales booths where stamps were attached, advertisements and directions to theater patrons.[3]
While some postcards have captions printed in red or navy blue on the photo surface, providing various information, such as performance dates, titles, scenes, theatres, role names, and actor names, the postcards in this collection do not contain captions, although some have hand-written notations on the verso providing the actor's name and role being played.[4] As bromides of popular actors in their notable roles continued to be sold long after the initial performance, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact date of many of the performances. Compounding difficulties in identifying actors, roles and plays pictured on some cards was the practice of repurposing the same picture for different plays as pointed out by Umetada Misa in her article cited in footnote [1] below.
The majority of this collection's bromides were published by Shōchiku, a Japanese entertainment company that began in 1895 as a Kabuki theater management business in Kyoto. In 1914, the company acquired the Kabuki-za theater in Tokyo, and in 1920, Shōchiku expanded into film production. "It was Shōchiku that brought all the kabuki actors under the same management and raised the position of kabuki."[5]
For brief biographies of many of the identified actors below please go to The Kabuki Actor on this site.
[1] 東京文化財研究所無形文化遺産部所蔵 歌舞伎絵はがき・ブロマイド目録明治・大正 埋忠美沙 (Inventory of Kabuki Postcards and Photographs of Kabuki Actors in the Collection of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo: Meiji and Taisho Periods), UMETADA Misa, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage Number 1 2007, Publisher: National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo.
[2] For more information on this database see [Part 8] Photographs bring back the faces of famous actors, passing on the charm of Kabuki to the next generation https://readyfor.jp/projects/ootanitoshokan8 [accessed 7-5-24]
[3] [Part 8] Photographs bring back the faces of famous actors, passing on the charm of Kabuki to the next generation https://readyfor.jp/projects/ootanitoshokan8 [accessed 7-5-24]
[4] Op. cit. Inventory of Kabuki Postcards
[5] https://www.kabukiweb.net/about/shochiku/ [accessed 7-5-24]
Kabuki Bromides in this Collection
Kabuki Bromides in this Collection
*With a special thank you to Professor Emeritus Lawrence Kominz for his interest and help in identifying actors and their roles.
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Ojō Kichisha in a February 1932 performance of Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai at the Tōkyō Gekijō
Hand written notation reading
照和七年貮月 (February 1932)
PC001
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: possibly Ojō Kichisha
Play / Act: Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai 三人吉三廓初買
(Three Thieves Named Kichisa)
Performance Date: February 1932 照和七年貮月
Theater: Tōkyō Gekijō 東京劇場
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link:
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Koganosuke Kiyofune in a performance of The Teachings for Women at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
Hand written notation reading
市村羽左衛門 之
我之助清船
(Ichimura Uzaemon as Koganosuke Kiyofune)
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC002
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Koganosuke Kiyofune 久我之助清舟
Play / Act: Imoseyama Onna Teikin 妹背山婦女庭訓 (The Teachings for Women)
Performance Date: possibly March 1930 昭和5年3月
Theater: possibly Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso. [Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
![Likely Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) Postcard publisher: 松竹冩真部調製 [Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department]](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/nzo3Gv9Wcy88kvf1lDgJZbwW8z9C7I46ix6fLa7VpRHkqNXeNTNa6LmZ8jsK9mhM4fqyYOY3Ik6DOYf64U4EKENDX0EppsSf9to7qibgGIsM09xTDZhm9MmU5T44T9MJPw=w1280)
Ichimura Uzaemon XV in an unidentified role
PC003
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: unidentified
Play / Act: unknown
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹冩真部調製 (Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Takeda Katsuyori in a performance of The Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety at the Kabuki-za, May 1925
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC004
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Takeda Katsuyori 武田勝頼
Play / Act: Honchō nijū shikō 本朝廿四孝 (Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety) / Jishukō 十種香
Performance Date: May 1925
大正14年 5月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University BM004390 https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/BM004390/portal/ [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Yoemon in a performance of Iro Moyō Chotto Karimame (Sensual Colors, Going to Cut Beans)
PC005
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Yoemon 与右衛門
Play / Act: Kesa Kakematsu Narita no Riken 法懸松成田利剱 (A Surplice-Hanging Pine and the Sharp Sword of Narita) / Iro Moyō Chotto Karimame 色彩間苅豆 (Sensual Colors, Going to Cut Beans)
Performance Date: possibly March 1932 昭和7年3月
Theater: possibly Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-E-02-02-46
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-E-02-02-46/portal/ [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Genza Kingo Yoriee in a performance of Tale of Shuzenji
PC006
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Genza Kingo Yoriee 源左金吾頼家
Play / Act: Shuzenji Monogatari 修禅寺物語 (Tale of Shuzenji)
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-E-02-16-40 https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-E-02-16-40/portal/ [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Togashi Saemon in a performance of The Subsciption List
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC007
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Togashi Saemon
富樫左衛門
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-E-02-09-09 https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-E-02-09-09/portal/ [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV in the role of Togashi Saemon in a performance of The Subscription List
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC008
Actor: Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Togashi Saemon
富樫左衛門
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: almost identical to Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-E-02-15-38 https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-E-02-15-38/portal/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Likely the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC009
Actor: likely Ichimura Uzaemon XV
市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: unidentified
Play / Act: unknown
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹冩真部調製 (Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
The actor Onoe Kikugorō VI in the role of Satō Tadanobu (the fox Genkurō in human form) in the June 5, 1925 performance of Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees at the Shinbashi Enbujō Theater
PC010
Actor: Onoe Kikugorō VI
尾上菊五郎 6代目 (1885-1949)
Character: Tadanobu jitsuwa Genkurō gitsune 忠信実源九郎狐 (Satō Tadanobu, in fact Fox Genkurō)
Play / Act: Yoshitsune senbon zakura 義経千本桜 (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
Performance date: June 5, 1925 大正14年6月5日
Theater: Shinbashi Enbujō Theater 新橋演舞場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演芸写真部調製 (Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department), as recorded in the ARC database.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-I-01-20-41 https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-I-01-20-41/portal/ [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Onoe Baikō VI in the role of Shiraito in the drama Shiraitomondo, staged at the Imperial Theater in January 1923
Hand written notation reading
梅幸 白糸 帝
(Baikō shirai tei)
PC011
Actor: Onoe Baikō VI
尾上梅幸 6代目 (1870-1934)
Character: Shiraito 白糸
Play / Act: Shiraitomondo 白糸と主水
Performance date: January 1923 大正12年1月
Theater: Imperial Theater 帝国劇場
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link:
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
Hand written notation reading
尾上梅幸之
太宰後室定高
(Baikō as Dazai Kōshitsu Sadaka )
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC012
Actor: Onoe Baikō VI
尾上梅幸 6代目 (1870-1934)
Character: Dazai Kōshitsu Sadaka
太宰後室定高
Play / Act: Imoseyama Onna Teikin 妹背山婦女庭訓 (The Teachings for Women) / Yoshinogawa 吉野川
Performance date: March 1930 昭和5年3月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM000338 and Kabuki 21
https://www.kabuki21.com/baiko.php [accessed 4-8-25]
Onoe Baikō VI as Michitose, courtesan of the Ōguchi house, in the play Yuki no Yūbe Iriya no Azemichi, staged at the Kabuki-za in May 1925
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC013
Actor and Character:
Onoe Baikō VI 尾上梅幸 6代目 (1870-1934) as Ōguchiya ryō Michitose 大口屋抱三千歳 (Michitose, Courtesan of the Ōguchi House)
Play / Act: Kumo ni Magō Ueno no Hatsuhana* 天衣紛上野初花 (The First Flowers at Ueno) - Yuki no yūbe Iriya no Azemichi** 雪暮夜入谷畦道 (A Narrow Road Through Iriya on a Snowy Evening) / Iriya Ōguchi Ryō 入谷大口寮 The Ōguchi Courtesan House in Iriya
*The play is commonly referred to as Naozamurai and Michitose 河内山と直侍
**The second half of Kumo ni Magō Ueno no Hatsuhana which is considered a separate play
Performance date: May 1925 大正14年5月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM002045
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E5%B0%BE%E4%B8%8A%E6%A2%85%E5%B9%B8&did=302045 [accessed 4-24-25]
Onoe Baikō VI as the courtesan Michitose and Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Kataoka Naojirō in the play Yuki no Yūbe Iriya no Azemichi
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC040
Actors and Characters:
Onoe Baikō VI 尾上梅幸 6代目 (1870-1934) as Ōguchiya Michitose 大口屋三千歳 and Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Kataoka Naojirō 片岡直次郎
Play / Act: Kumo ni Magō Ueno no Hatsuhana* 天衣紛上野初花 (The First Flowers at Ueno) - Yuki no yūbe Iriya no Azemichi** 雪暮夜入谷畦道 (A Narrow Road Through Iriya on a Snowy Evening) / Iriya Ōguchi Ryō 入谷大口寮 (The Ōguchi Courtesan House in Iriya)
*The play is commonly referred to as Naozamurai and Michitose 河内山と直侍
**The second half of Kumo ni Magō Ueno no Hatsuhana which is considered a separate play
Performance Date and Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
![Unidentified kabuki actor: Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 [Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department]](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gCLctpaHzCyTMdn9IwBDe1eehJ3krlWrkeRCpNBKk8PppuereLuvaqDFrahAEKkuLRIF1KKd7ce9C180YEwPE0jWZh-SZ1jRaVlinRO6eVL2g4hvfws3unYsnvLLNcitdQ=w1280)
Unidentified actor
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC014
Actor: unidentified
Character: unidentified
Play / Act: unknown
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
The actor Sawamura Sōjūrō VII in the role of Yukihime in the drama Gion Sairei Shinkōki, staged January 1929 at the Imperial Theater (Teikoku gekijō).
"OK" surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC015
Actor: Sawamura Sōjūrō VII
[7代目] 澤村宗十郎 (1875-1949)
Character: Yukihime 雪姫
Play / Act: Gion Sairei Shinkōki 祇園祭礼信仰記 (The Gion Festival Chronicle of Faith) / Kinkakuji
金閣寺
Performance date: January 1929 昭和4年1月
Theater: Imperial Theater 帝国劇場 Teikoku gekijō
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link: similar to Japan Arts Council entry BM001706 https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=collections&class=bromide&type=role&ikana=%E3%82%86%E3%81%8D%E3%81%B2%E3%82%81&ititle=%E9%9B%AA%E5%A7%AB&mid=2849&seq=0&skey=&trace=result&trace=detail&did=301706 [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Nakamura Utaemon V in the role of Princess Yaegaki in the drama Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety, staged May 1925 at the Kabuki-za.
PC016
Actor: Nakamura Utaemon V
中村歌右衛門 5代目 (1866-1940)
Character: Princess Yaegaki 八重垣姫
Play / Act: Honchō nijū shikō 本朝廿四孝 (Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety) / Jushukō 十種香
Performance date: May 1925
大正14年5月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM004374
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC017
Actor: Onoe Baikō VI
尾上梅幸 6代目 (1870-1934)
Character: Lady Shizuka (Shizuka Gozen 静御前)
Play / Act: Yoshitsune senbonzakura 義経千本桜 (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/contents/learn/exp3/exp_new/pages/meibutai/meiyuu.html (click on last tab on page marked 尾上梅幸) [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Sawamura Sōjūrō VII in the role of Dazai no Musume Hinadori in the drama The Teachings for Women, staged March 1930 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
Hand written notation reading 沢村宗十郎の
大宰の娘雛鳥
(Sawamura Sōjūrō as Dazai no Musume)
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC018
Actor: Sawamura Sōjūrō VII
澤村宗十郎 (沢村宗十郎) 7代目 (1908-1975)
Character: Dazai no Musume Hinadori 大宰の娘雛鳥
Play / Act: Imoseyama Onna Teikin 妹背山婦女庭訓 (The Teachings for Women) / Yamato Yoshinogawa 大和吉野川
Performance date: March 1930 昭和5年3月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM000340
PC019
Actor: Onoe Baikō VI
尾上梅幸 6代目 (1870-1934)
Character: Koshimoto Okaru 腰元おかる
Play / Act: Kanadehon Chūshingura 仮名手本忠臣蔵 (The Storehouse of Loyal Retainers) / Michiyuki tabiji no hanamuko (Totsuka Sanchū) 道行旅路の花聟 (戸塚山中)
Performance date: November 1927 昭和2年11月
Theater: Imperial Theater 帝国劇場
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM001055 https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E5%B0%BE%E4%B8%8A%E6%A2%85%E5%B9%B8&did=301055 [accessed 4-8-25]
![Unidentified actor: Postcard publisher: 松竹冩真部調製 [Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department as printed on verso]](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zxEgj6SVktoCrSVTMsFIlkd_ToZmCIZi7ctO2BrOY4Bv7FE49GOb0haioZHhQmPViDDfkGo3Yo-6R-9tnyWete5DZpICPnMosfJ5fjNHacVv50qOOnFrujRMSUZDk4d5UQ=w1280)
Unidentified actor
PC020
Actor: unidentified
Character: unidentified
Play / Act: unknown
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹冩真部調製 (Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Unidentified actor
PC021
Actor: unidentified
Character: unidentified
Play / Act: unknown
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link:
The actor Ichikawa Chūsha VII in the role of Kiyozumi in the drama The Teachings of Women, staged in March 1930 at the Kabuki-za.
Hand written notation reading
沢市川中車之
大判事清澄
(Ichikawa Chūsha as Kiyozumi)
PC022
Actor: Ichikawa Chūsha VII
市川中車 7代目 (1860–1936)
Character: Kiyozumi 大判事清澄
Play / Act: Imoseyama Onna Teikin 妹背山婦女庭訓 (The Teachings for Women) / Yamato Yoshinogawa 大和吉野川
Performance date: March 1930 昭和5年3月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM000332
Unidentified actor
PC023
Actor: unidentified
Character: unidentified
Play / Act: unknown
Performance date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link:
The actor Nakamura Senjaku I in the role of Minamoto no Yoshitsune in the dance-drama Kanjinchō, staged in April 1936 at the Shinjuku Daiichi Gekijō
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC024
Actor: Nakamura Senjaku I
中村扇雀 1代目 (1902-1983)
Character: Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源義経
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance date: April 1936
昭和11年4月
Theater: Shinjuku Daiichi Gekijō 新宿第一劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹冩真部調製 (Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: website of Kabuki 21
https://www.kabuki21.com/ganjiro2_p.php [accessed 4-8-25]
Nakamura Utaemon V in the role of Ishikawa Goemon in the play Sanmon Gosan no Kiri, staged on January 1, 1934
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC025
Actor: Nakamura Utaemon V
中村歌右衛門 5代目 (1866-1940)
Character: Ishikawa Goemon 石川五右衛門
Play / Act: Sanmon Gosan no Kiri 樓門五山桐 (The Temple Gate and the Paulownia Crest)
Performance date: January 1, 1934 昭和9年4月
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nakamura_Utaemon_V_as_Ishikawa_Goemon.jpg [accessed 4-8-25]
The actor Matsumoto Kōshirō VII in the role of Hanakawado Sukeroku (actually Soga Gorō Tokimune) in the drama Sukeroku: Flower of Edo, staged in April 1933 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC026
Actor: Matsumoto Kōshirō VII
松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949)
Character: Hanakawado Sukeroku (actually Soga Gorō Tokimune) 花川戸助六 実は 曾我五郎時致
Play / Act: Sukeroku yukari no Edo zakura 助六由縁江戸桜 (Sukeroku: Flower of Edo) / Miyuraya kōshi saki 三浦屋格子先
Performance Date: April 1933 昭和8年4月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM003183 https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E6%9D%BE%E6%9C%AC%E5%B9%B8%E5%9B%9B%E9%83%8E&did=303183 [accessed 4-8-25]
Nakamura Utaemon V possibly as Komatsu Naidaijin Shigemori in the play The Peony Tales of the Heike
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC027
Actor: Nakamura Utaemon V 中村歌右衛門 5代目 (1866-1940)
Character: possibly in the role of Komatsu Naidaijin Shigemori 小松内大臣重盛
Play / Act: Natorigusa Heike Monogatari (The Peony Tales of the Heike)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōochiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Nakamura Utaemon V in unidentified role (possibly Sugawara no Michizane in the play Kan Shōjō)
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC028
Actor: Nakamura Utaemon V 中村歌右衛門 5代目 (1866-1940)
Character: possibly Sugawara no Michizane 菅原道真
Play / Act: possibly Kan Shōjō
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Nakamura Kotarō IV as the child Takewaka and Nakamura Utaemon V as Dazai no gon no sotsu Sugawara no Michizane in the play Kan Shōjō, staged in November 1934 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC061
Actors and Characters: Nakamura Kotarō IV 中村児太郎 4代目 (1928-2011) as the child Takewaka 童竹若 and Nakamura Utaemon V 中村歌右衛門 5代目 (1866-1940) as Dazai no gon no sotsu Sugawara no Michizane 太宰權帥 菅原道眞
Play / Act: Kan Shōjō 菅相丞 / At Sugawara no Michizane's Residence in Dazaifu 太宰府菅原道眞屋形の場
Performance Date: November 1934
昭和9年11月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM009425
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E4%B8%AD%E6%9D%91%E6%AD%8C%E5%8F%B3%E8%A1%9B%E9%96%80&did=1124885 [accessed 4-22-25]
The play Kirihitoha (The Paulonia Leaf), staged at the Kabuki-za in November 1935
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC029
Actors and Characters: including Ichimura Uzaemon XV 村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Nagatonokami Shigenari 木村長門守重成; Bandō Hikosaburō VI 坂東 彦三郎 6代目 (1886-1938) as Oda Nyūdō Jōshin 織田入道常真; Ichimura Kakitsu VII 市村家橘 7代目 (1904-1952) as Toyotomi Udaijin Hideyori 豊臣右大臣秀頼
Play / Act: Kirihitoha* 桐一葉 (The Paulonia Leaf) / Conference in the black lacquered audience chamber? 黒書院評議 (Kuroshoin hyōgi)
*written by Tsubouchi Shōyō 坪内逍遥 (1859-1935)
Performance Date: November 1935 昭和10年11月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: This card is a panoramic view incorporating the scene shown in Japan Arts Council BM001851 https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E5%B8%82%E6%9D%91%E5%AE%B6%E6%A9%98&did=301851
Ichimura Uzaemon XV and Kataoka Gadō IV as Yosaburō and Otomi in the scene at Genjidana mistress's house in the play Assignations of Otomi and Yosaburō, staged at the Kabuki-za in November 1935
PC030
Actors and Characters: Kataoka Gadō IV 片岡我童 4代目 (1882-1946) as Tazaemon's mistress Otomi 多左衛門妾お富 and Ichimura Uzaemon XV 村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Scarface Yosaburō 向疵の与三
Play / Act: Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi 与話情浮名横櫛 (Assignations of Otomi & Yosaburō) / 源氏店妾宅 Genjidana Shōtaku (scene at Genjidana mistress's house)
Performance Date: November 1935 昭和10年11月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link: similar to Japan Arts Council BM00494
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/BM004949/portal/ [accessed 4-18-25]
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Scarface Yosaburō in the play Assignations of Otomi & Yosaburō
PC031
Actors and Characters: Ichimura Uzaemon XV 村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Scarface Yosaburō 向疵の与三
Play / Act: Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi 与話情浮名横櫛 (Assignations of Otomi & Yosaburō) / 源氏店妾宅 Genjidana Shōtaku (scene at Genjidana mistress's house)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: unknown
Reference link:
Nakamura Naritarō II as Osono and Nakamura Senjaku as Tsuchiya Chikara in the play Tsuchiya Chikara
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC032
Actors and Characters: Nakamura Naritarō II 中村成太郎 2代目 (1900-1980) as Lady-in-waiting Osono 侍女おその and Nakamura Senjaku 中村扇雀 初代 (1902-1983) as Tsuchiya Chikara 土屋主税
Play / Act: Tsuchiya Chikara 土屋主税
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM006487 https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E4%B8%AD%E6%9D%91%E6%88%90%E5%A4%AA%E9%83%8E&did=306487 [accessed 4-18-25]
Ichikawa Sadanji II as Ōoka Echizen-no-Kami and Kataoka Nizaemon XII as Tokugawa Tenichibō (in truth, Hōtaku) in the play Tales of Trials by Judge Ooka, staged in February 1936 at the Tokyo Gekijō
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC033
Actors and Characters: Ichikawa Sadanji II 市川左團次 2代目 (1880-1940) as Ōoka Echizen-no-Kami 大岡越前守 and Kataoka Nizaemon XII 片岡仁左衛門 12代目(1882-1946) as Tokugawa Tenichibō (in truth, Hōtaku, disciple of Kannō-in)
Play / Act: Ōgi byōshi Ōoka seidan 扇音々大岡政談 (Tales of Trials by Judge Ooka) [staged under the name Ōoka seidan Tenichibō 大岡政談天一坊] / Inner Chamber of Ōoka’s Residence 大岡役宅奥殿
Performance Date: February 1936
昭和11年2月
Theater: Tokyo Gekijō 東京劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM000623
Ichikawa Sadanji II as Ōoka Echizen-no-Kami and Kataoka Nizaemon XII as Tokugawa Tenichibō ((in truth, Hōtaku) in the play Tales of Trials by Judge Ooka, staged in February 1936 at the Tokyo Gekijō
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC034
Actors and Characters: Ichikawa Sadanji II 市川左團次 2代目 (1880-1940) as Ōoka Echizen-no-Kami 大岡越前守 and Kataoka Nizaemon XII 片岡仁左衛門 12代目(1882-1946) as Tokugawa Tenichibō (in truth, Hōtaku, disciple of Kannō-in)
Play / Act: Ōgi byōshi Ōoka seidan 扇音々大岡政談 (Tales of Trials by Judge Ōoka) [staged under the name Ōoka seidan Tenichibō 大岡政談天一坊] / Inner Chamber of Ōoka’s Residence 大岡役宅奥殿
Performance Date: February 1936
昭和11年2月
Theater: Tokyo Gekijō 東京劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: similar to Japan Arts Council BM000623
[accessed 4-18-25]
Ichikawa Shōchō II as Courtesan Onoe, later the street performer Osayo, and Ichikawa Sadanji II as Harada Itahachi in the play Onoe Itahachi, staged in January 1933 at the Tokyo Gekijō
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC035
Actors and Characters: Ichikawa Shōchō II 市川松蔦 2代目 (1886-1940) as Courtesan Onoe, later the street performer Osayo 配役 遊女尾上 後に 門付おさよ and Ichikawa Sadanji II 市川左團次 2代目 (1880-1940) as Harada Itahachi 原田伊太八
Play / Act: Onoe Itahachi 尾上伊太八 / Upstairs Room of a Teahouse in Nakanochō, Yoshiwara 吉原仲の町茶屋二階の場
Performance Date: January 1933
昭和8年1月
Theater: Tokyo Gekijō 東京劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM007307
[accessed 4-18-25]
Nakamura Fukusuke VI as Princess Usuyuki, daughter of Kōzaki, Nakamura Tokizō III as Lady-in-waiting Magaki, Nakamura Baigyoku III as Servant Tsumahei and Sawamura Tanosuke V as Sonobe Saemon in the play Cherry Blossom Viewing at Kiyomizu, staged in February 1936 at the Meiji-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC036
Actors and Characters: Nakamura Fukusuke VI 中村福助 6代目 (1917-2001) as Princess Usuyuki, daughter of Kōzaki 幸崎息女薄雪姫
Nakamura Tokizō III 中村時蔵 3代目 (1895-1959) as Lady-in-waiting Magaki 腰元まがき
Nakamura Baigyoku III 中村梅玉 3代目 as Servant Tsumahei 奴妻平
Sawamura Tanosuke V 澤村田之助 5代目 (1902-1968) as Sonobe Saemon 園部左衛門
Play / Act: Shin Usuyuki Monogatari 新薄雪物語 (The New Tale of Usuyuki) / Shin Kiyomizu hanami 場名新清水花見 (Cherry blossom viewing at Kiyomizu)
Performance Date: February 1936
昭和11年2月
Theater: Meiji-za 明治座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM006174
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E4%B8%AD%E6%9D%91%E7%A6%8F%E5%8A%A9&did=306174 [accessed 4-18-25]
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa, Onoe Kikunosuke III as Katsura no Mae, Bandō Hikosaburō VI as Kiyohara no Takehira, et. al., in the play Shibaraku (Wait a Minute!), staged in January 1936 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC037
Actors and Characters:
Onoe Kikunosuke III 尾上菊之助 3代目 (1915-1995) as Katsura no Mae, daughter of Tsukioka family [and Yoshitsuna’s fiancée] 月岡の息女桂の前
Onoe Shōroku II 尾上松緑 2代目 (1913-1989) as Musashi Kurō Ujikiyo 武藏九郎興世
Ichikawa Kōmazō IX 市川高麗蔵 9代目 (1909-1965) as Kamo Jirō Yoshitsuna 加茂次郎義綱
Ichikawa Somegorō V 市川染五郎 5代目 (1910-1982) as Ashigara Saemon Munetaka 足柄左衞門宗高
unlisted actor as stage assistant (kōken) 後見 演者名記載なし
Ichikawa Omezō IV 市川男女蔵 4代目 (1898-1969) as Tōgane Tarō Yoshinari 東金太郎義成
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa 鎌倉權五郎景政
Ōtani Tomoemon VI 大谷友右衛門 6代目 (1886-1943) as Narita Gorō Yoshihide 成田五郎義秀
unknown actor 未詳 as an attendant 仕丁
unknown actor 未詳 as an attendant 仕丁
Bandō Hikosaburō VI 坂東彦三郎 6代目 (1886-1938) as Kiyohara no Takehira 淸原武衡
Kataoka Nizaemon XII 片岡仁左衛門 12代目 (1882-1946), formerly Kataoka Gadō IV 4片岡我童改め, as Nasu no Kurō's younger sister Teruha, actually Kagemasa’s cousin in disguise 那須九郎妹照葉 実は 景政の従弟女
unknown actor 未詳 as an attendant 仕丁
Play / Act: Shibaraku 暫 (Wait a Minute!) / In front of Tsurugaoka shrine 鶴ヶ岡社頭の場
Performance Date: January 1936
昭和11年1月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM007076
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E5%B0%BE%E4%B8%8A%E8%8F%8A%E4%B9%8B%E5%8A%A9&did=1120942 [accessed 4-18-25]
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa in the play Shibaraku (Wait a Minute!)
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC038
Actors and Characters:
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa 鎌倉權五郎景政
Play / Act: Shibaraku 暫 (Wait a Minute!) / In front of Tsurugaoka shrine 鶴ヶ岡社頭の場
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: similar to Japan Arts Council BM007033
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa in the play Shibaraku (Wait a Minute!)
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC039
Actors and Characters:
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa 鎌倉權五郎景政
Play / Act: Shibaraku 暫 (Wait a Minute!) / In front of Tsurugaoka shrine 鶴ヶ岡社頭の場
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: similar to Japan Arts Council BM007037
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as the arresting samurai Horita Shinzaemon, Kataoka Nizaemon as Oda Sanshichirō Nobutaka and Onoe Kikugorō VI as the arresting samurai Sakurai Hayato? in the scene Yamato Bridge in the play Three Thousand Ryō: Springtime Treasury Inauguration, staged in January 1935 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC041
Actors and Characters:
Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as the arresting samurai Horita Shinzaemon 捕方の侍 堀田新左衞門, Kataoka Nizaemon XII 片岡仁左衛門 12代目 (1882-1946), formerly Kataoka Gadō IV 4片岡我童改め, as Oda Sanshichirō Nobutaka 織田三七郎信孝 and Onoe Kikugorō VI 尾上菊五郎 6代目 (1885-1949) as the arresting samurai Sakurai Hayato? 捕方の侍 櫻井隼人
Play / Act: Umagiri 馬切 (Horse slaying) / Sanzen ryō haru no kurairi
三千兩初春藏入 (Three Thousand Ryō: Springtime Treasury Inauguration): Yamato-bashi no ba 大和橋の場 (scene at Yamato bridge)
[Note: According to Leiter the original title of the play was "Keisei haru no tori" by Tasuoka Mansaku, "a long, complex [often re-written] drama, of which only the fifth act's Umagiri scene, produced as a one-act, still survives." [New Kabuki Encyclopedia: A Revised Adaptation of Kabuki Jiten, Samuel Leiter, Greenwood Press, 1997, p. 311]
Performance Date: January 1935
昭和11年1月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM005491
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E5%B0%BE%E4%B8%8A%E8%8F%8A%E4%BA%94%E9%83%8E&did=305491 [accessed 4-20-25]
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Musashibō Benkei and Nakamura Kichiemon I as Togashi Saemon in the play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List), staged in February 1936 at the Meiji-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC042
Actors and Characters: Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Musashibō Benkei 武蔵坊弁慶, Nakamura Fukusuke V 中村福助 5代目 (1910-1969) as the guard Tōnai 番卒藤内, Nakamura Kichiemon I 中村吉右衛門 初代 as Togashi Saemon 富樫左衛門 and Suketakaya Takasuke V 助高屋高助 5代目 (1900-1962) as the guard Gennai 番卒源内
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance Date: February 1936
昭和11年2月
Theater: Meiji-za 明治座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM001565
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E5%8B%A7%E9%80%B2%E5%B8%B3&did=301565 [accessed 4-20-25]
Other postcards portraying the same scene in the same February 1936 production of Kanjinchō staged at the Meiji-za
PC043
PC044
PC045
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Musashibō Benkei in the play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List), staged in June 1929 at the Imperial Gekijō
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC046
Actors and Characters: Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Musashibō Benkei 武蔵坊弁慶
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List) / Ataka no seki 安宅の関 (The Ataka barrier)
Performance Date: June 1929
昭和4年6月
Theater: Imperial Gekijō 帝国劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM001477
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E6%9D%BE%E6%9C%AC%E5%B9%B8%E5%9B%9B%E9%83%8E&did=301477 [accessed 4-20-25]
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Musashibō Benkei in the play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List)
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC047
Actors and Characters: Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Musashibō Benkei 武蔵坊弁慶
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University kgtPH04-051A
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/kgtPH04-051A/portal/
[accessed 4-20-25]
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Musashibō Benkei in the play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List)
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC048
Actors and Characters: Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Musashibō Benkei 武蔵坊弁慶
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Nakamura Kichiemon as Togashi Saemon in the play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List), staged in February 1936 at the Meiji-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC049
Actors and Characters: Nakamura Kichiemon I 中村吉右衛門 初代
as Togashi Saemon 富樫左衛門
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance Date: February 1936
昭和11年2月
Theater: Meiji-za 明治座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-E-05-01-38
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-E-05-01-38/portal/
[accessed 4-21-2025]
Unidentified actor as Ono Sadakurō in Act 5 of Kanadehon Chūshingura
Note: Sadakurō enters, wearing a black crested kimono with his long and short swords at his side, the hem of his kimono tucked up in travel fashion. With composure, he draws his sword. Yōichibē falls flat. Sadakurō wrings water from his sleeve, takes the wallet with a calculating air, holds it in his mouth, and wipes the bloody blade.
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC050
Actors and Characters: unidentified actor as Ono Sadakurō 斧定九郎
Play / Act: Kanadehon Chūshingura 仮名手本忠臣蔵 (The Storehouse of Loyal Retainers) / act V
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Farmer Yoemon in the play The Sword of Narita: A Miracle Struck Through the Shoulder (Kasakakematsu Narita no Riken), staged in March 1932 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC051
Actors and Characters: Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Farmer Yoemon, who is in reality, the page Kubota Kingorō 百姓与右衛門 実は 小姓久保田金五郎
Play / Act: Kesakakematsu Narita no Riken 法懸松成田利剣 (The Sword of Narita: A Miracle Struck Through the Shoulder.) Alternate title Iromoyō Chotto Karimame 色彩間苅豆 / Kinegawa Tsutsumi 木下川堤
Performance Date: March 1932 昭和7年3月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM000412 https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E6%B3%95%E6%87%B8%E6%9D%BE%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%88%A9%E5%89%A3&did=300412 [accessed 4-21-25]
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Togashi Saemon in the play Kanjinchō
(The Subscription List)
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC052
Actors and Characters: Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Togashi Saemon 富樫左衛門
Play / Act: Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-B-04-03-22
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-B-04-03-22/portal/
[accessed 4-21-25]
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Gosho Gorozō in the play The Soga Design and the Gallant's Dyed Kimono
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC053
Actors and Characters: Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945) as Gosho Gorozō 御所五郎蔵
Play / Act: Soga Moyō Tateshi no Goshōzome 曽我綉侠御所染 (The Soga Design and the Gallant's Dyed Kimono)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-B-05-02-41
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-B-05-02-41/portal/ [accessed 4-21-25]
Bandō Tsurunosuke III as Kumagai Kojirō Naoie in the play A Chronicle of the Battle of Ichinotani, staged in January 1936 at the Shinjuku Daiichi Gekijō
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC054
Actors and Characters: Bandō Tsurunosuke III 坂東鶴之助 3代目 (1908-1960) as Kumagai Kojirō Naoie 熊谷小次郎直家
Play / Act: Ichinotani Futaba Gunki
一谷嫩軍記 (A Chronicle of the Battle of Ichinotani) / Suma no ura jinmon 須磨浦陣門 (At the Camp Gate in Suma Bay)
Performance Date: January 1936
昭和11年1月
Theater: Shinjuku Daiichi Gekijō
新宿第一劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM000412
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=collections&class=bromide&type=prog&istart=0&mid=300&trace=result&trace=detail&did=300214 [accessed 4-21-25]
Morita Kan'ya XIV as the onnagata Nakamura Yukinojō in the play The Revenge of Yukinojō staged in 1935
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC055
Actors and Characters: Morita Kan'ya XIV 守田勘弥 14代目 (1907-1975) as Nakamura Yukinojō 中村雪之丞
Play / Act: Yukinojō Henge 雪之丞変化 (The Revenge of Yukinojō)
Performance Date: 1935
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department), as printed on verso.
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-H-02-05-38
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-H-02-05-38/portal/ [accessed 4-21-25]
Morita Kan'ya XIV as Yoemon in the play Kesa Kakematsu Narita no Riken (A Surplice-Hanging Pine and the Sharp Sword of Narita), staged at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC056
Actors and Characters: Morita Kan'ya XIV 守田勘弥 14代目 (1907-1975) as Yoemon 与右衛門
Play / Act: Kesa Kakematsu Narita no Riken 法懸松成田利剱 (A Surplice-Hanging Pine and the Sharp Sword of Narita) / Iro Moyō Chotto Karimame 色彩間苅豆 (Sensual Colors, Going to Cut Beans)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: possibly Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University sol-H-02-05-08
https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/sol-H-02-05-08/sol/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII as Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kataoka Ichizō V as Jirōsuke Motokane, Son of Katsumoto, Ichikawa Sadanji IIas Katagiri Katsumoto and Ōtani Hirotarō I as Saburōsuke Naoyuki, Son of Katsumoto in the play Toyotomi Sandaiki (The Chronicle of the Three Generations of the Toyotomi), staged in October 1934 at the Kabuki-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo surrounded by the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC057
Actors and Characters: Matsumoto Kōshirō VII 松本幸四郎 7代目 (1870-1949) as Tokugawa Ieyasu 德川家康
Kataoka Ichizō V 片岡市蔵 5代目 (1916-1991) formerly Kataoka Jūzō V ５片岡十蔵改メ as Jirōsuke Motokane, Son of Katsumoto 且元の息 次郎助元包
Ichikawa Sadanji II 市川左團次 2代目 (1880-1940) as Katagiri Katsumoto 片桐且元
Ōtani Hirotarō I 大谷廣太郎 初代 (1920-2012) as Saburōsuke Naoyuki, Son of Katsumoto 且元の息 三郎助直行
Play / Act: Toyotomi Sandaiki* 豊臣三代記 (The Chronicle of the Three Generations of the Toyotomi) / Seiganji okushoin no ba 誓願寺奧書院の場 (In the Inner Drawing Room at Seiganji Temple)
*written by Yoshida Genjirō 吉田絃二郎 (1886-1956)
Performance Date: October 1934
昭和9年10月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council BM009214
[accessed 4-8-25]
Ichikawa Enshō III as Sasaki Kotarō Sadashige, Ichikawa Sabunji as Retainer Kōga Gorō, Sawamura Genjūrō III ass Retainer Kashima Yoichi, Ichikawa Sadanji II as Sasaki Shirō Takatsuna, Ichikawa Sashō II as Priest Chizan of Kōya in the play Sasaki Takatsuna, performed at the Tokyo Gekijō, November 1935
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC058
Actors and Characters: Ichikawa Enshō III 市川莚升 3代目 (1894-1947) as Sasaki Kotarō Sadashige [Takatsuna’s nephew] 佐々木小太郎定重
Ichikawa Sabunji 市川左文次 (?-?) as Retainer Kōga Gorō 家の子甲賀六郎
Sawamura Genjūrō III 澤村源十郎 3代目(1881-1945) as Retainer Kashima Yoichi 家の子鹿島与一
Ichikawa Sadanji II 市川左團次 2代目 (1880-1940) as Sasaki Shirō Takatsuna 佐々木四郎高綱
Ichikawa Sashō II 市川左升 2代目 (1872-1943) as Priest Chizan of Kōya 高野の僧智山
Play / Act: Sasaki Takatsuna 佐々木高綱 / Gōshū Sasaki Takatsuna yashiki 江州佐々木高綱邸 (At the Residence of Sasaki Takatsuna in Gōshū)
Performance Date: November 1935
昭和10年11月
Theater: Tokyo Gekijō 東京劇場
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council (this postcard a cropped version of BM005800)
https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_bromide?division=search&class=bromide&kw=%E4%B8%AD%E6%9D%91%E8%8A%9D%E9%B6%B4&did=305800 [accessed 4-8-25]
Possibly Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Matsuōmaru, striking a mie pose behind the box containing the boy Kotarō's head, in the play Sugawara's Secrets of Calligraphy
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC059
Actor: possibly Ichimura Uzaemon XV 市村羽左衛門 15代目 (1874-1945)
Character: Matsuōmaru 松王丸
Play / Act: Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami 菅原伝授手習鑑 (Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy) / Terakoya 寺子屋
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Unidentified actor, possibly Nakamura Fukusuke V or VI, as Okoshô Yayoi performing the lion dance in the play Kagami Jishi
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC060
Actor: possibly Nakamura Fukusuke V 中村福助 5代目 (1910-1933) or Nakamura Fukusuke VI 中村福助 6代目 (1917-2001)
Character: Kiichi Hōgen お小姓弥生
Play / Act: Shunkyō Kagami Jishi 春興鏡獅子 (The Mirror Lion, A Spring Diversion) a.k.a.Kagami Jishi 鏡獅子 (Mirror Lion)
Performance Date: unknown
Theater: unknown
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
Ichikawa Chūsha VII as Okoshô Yayoi in the November 1924 performance of Kiichi Hōgen's Book of Tactics at the Hongō-za
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
Hand written notation reading:
中車 鬼一法眼
(Chūsha Kiichi Hōgen)
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC062
Actor: Ichikawa Chūsha VII
市川中車 7代目 (1860–1936)
Character: Okoshô Yayoi 鬼一法眼
Play / Act: Kiichi Hōgen Sanryaku no Maki 鬼一法眼三略巻 (Kiichi Hōgen's Book of Tactics) / Imadegawa Kikubatake 今出川菊畑 (Imadegawa Chrysanthemum Field)
Performance Date: November 1924
大正15年11月
Theater: Hongō-za 本郷座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link: Japan Arts Council, similar to BM001598
[accessed 4-25-25]
Onoe Kikugorō VI as Tenjiku Tokubei in the April 1935 performance at the Kabuki-za of The Exotic Tale of Tokubē from India
The Shōchiku Co. logo with the words "Oriental Photo Papers"* beneath it appears where the postage stamp is to be placed.
Hand written notation reading:
菊五郎 天竺德兵衛
(Kikugorō Tokubei)
*Oriental Photo Paper, designed for portraiture, was first produced in 1921 by Oriental Shashin Kōgyō.
PC063
Actor: Onoe Kikugorō VI 尾上菊五郎 6代目 (1885-1949)
Character: Tenjiku Tokubei 天竺徳兵衛
Play / Act: Tenjiku Tokubei Ikoku Banashi 天竺徳兵衛韓噺 (The Exotic Tale of Tokubei from India) / Otokiku Tenjiku Tokubei – Sōkan Yashiki Suimon 宗観邸水門 (Sōkan Residence Watergate)
Performance Date: April 1935
昭和10年4月
Theater: Kabuki-za 歌舞伎座
Postcard publisher: 松竹演藝写真部調製 as recorded on the ARC entry. (Produced by Shōchiku Entertainment Photography Department)
[Current company name is Shōchiku Co., Ltd. 松竹株式会社, Shōchiku Kabushiki gaisha] https://www.shochiku.co.jp/global/en/company/history/ [accessed 4-8-25]
Reference link:
袋 Fukuro (bag)
袋 Fukuro (bag)
The below bags/envelopes accompanied some of the above postcards. Unfortunately, all the postcards had been removed
prior to my obtaining them.
ENV01
観劇みやげ Theater souvenir
御芝居のはがきTheater postcard
松竹寫真部特製
Specially Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department
ENV01 verso
See transcription and translation to the right
御觀劇幕間に御寫眞の御利用を
Please make use of our photography services during the intermissions of your theater visit.
御散策の節は 昭和通り別館入口より
When taking a walk, please enter from the entrance of the Showa Street Annex.
松竹直營 Shōchiku Direct Sales
歌舞伎座寫場 Kabuki-za Photo Studio
_____________________________
漲る若さ! Brimming with youth!
資生堂 Shiseido
スキンローション skin lotion
整肌に skin care
アレ小ジワどめに 淡化粧下に
To prevent those small wrinkles, under light makeup
1.50¥ (大) 1.00¥ 公
東京銀座 資生堂
Tokyo Ginza Shiseido
ENV02
観劇みやげ Theater souvenir
御芝居のはがきTheater Postcard
松竹寫真部特製
Specially Produced by the Shōchiku Photography Department
ENV02 verso
See transcription and translation to the right
松竹直營 Shōchiku Direct Sales
歌舞伎座寫場 Kabuki-za Photography Studio
御觀劇幕間に 御寫眞の御利用を
During the intermission of your theater viewing, please take advantage of our photography services.
御散策の節は 昭和通り別館入口より
When taking a stroll, please use the entrance from Shōwa Street Annex.
_____________________________________________________
純國産印画紙の先驅
サザナミ
S・K・Kの製品
寫真化學工業
The pioneer of purely domestic photographic paper Sazanami. A product of S.K.K. Shashin Chemical Industry
ENV03
CINEMA BROMIDE
東京・京橋・銀座
KAMIGATAYA
銀座上方屋本店
電話銀座(57)2993番
一度御買上のプロマイド
後日御取替御斷り致します
________________
CINEMA BROMIDE
Tokyo - Kyobashi - Ginza
KAMIGATAYA
Ginza Kamigataya Main Store
Phone Ginza (57) 2993
Once purchased, we regret that bromides cannot be exchanged or returned.
ENV03 verso
The firm Kamigataya in Tokyo's Ginza was a printer, publisher and retailer of postcards, card games, stamp albums and sundries.
ENV04
東京 京橋 銀座
銀座上方屋本店
電話銀座二九九三脊
KAMIGATAYA
一度御買上のプロマイド
後日御取替御断り致します
________________
Tokyo, Kyobashi, Ginza
Ginza Kamigataya Main Store
Phone: Ginza 2993
Once purchased, we regret that bromides cannot be exchanged or returned.
ENV04 verso
The firm Kamigataya in Tokyo's Ginza was a printer, publisher and retailer of postcards, card games, stamp albums and sundries.
![Envelope for bromide kabuki postcards: 美人繪葉賀喜 Bijin ehagaki (Picture postcards of beautiful people [actors])](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5pE44zBKsdWFR1hEaPmktzims-eog1VL23X2drvr_jcy9fNvtZEXdbo_jjVl9pIlCQN-vucv20vpu2WUQP5n0eM3GO_xbkQm4oUm_9pq0epH1k_bdjqIsaKMIy_1snM_zw=w1280)
ENV05
美人繪葉賀喜
Bijin ehagaki
(Picture postcards of beautiful people [actors])
_______________________
東京銀座
上方屋本店
電話銀座(57)二九九三
Tokyo Ginza
Kamigataya Main Store Phone Ginza (57) 2993
ENV05 verso
See transcription and translation to the right
東京土産品協會加召 [lower right within rectangle]
Tokyo Souvenir Association Member*
[left side rectangle with listing of items for sale]
芝居繪はがき 發賣元 Drama picture postcard (published by)
東都美人寫眞 發賣元 Tokyo bijin photographs (published by)
内外活動プロマイド Domestic and international bromides
寳塚歌劇プロマイド Takarazuka opera bromides
寳塚歌劇脚本(年月號) Takarazuka Revue script (year and month)
寳塚グラフ、エスエス Takarazuka Graph [magazine], Stage & Screen
寳塚好み お土産 各種 Takarazuka souvenirs of various kinds
_____________________________________________
松竹歌劇プロマイド Shōchiku opera bromides
各種映畵、劇、雜誌 Various films, plays, magazines
花かるた、御道具 Flower playing cards, props
トランプ、百人一首 Playing cards, Hyakunin Isshu
麻雀、和洋將棋各種 Mahjong, various types of Japanese and Western chess
お遊び道具 一式 Sets of playthings/toys
各種 アルバ厶 - All sorts of albums
_______________________________________________
江戸趣味 木版刷封筒 祝儀袋 Edo-style woodblock printed envelopes for monetary gifts
抒情人形 外 各種人形 Lyric dolls (jojō ningyō) and various other dolls.
各種高級印刷 Various high-quality printings.
藝術寫真撮影 Artistic photography
出張撮影、踊撮影 On-location photography, dance photography
二階寫真撮影場" Second-floor photo studio.
注意 一度御持歸リのブロマイドは御取替の儀御断り致します
Attention: We regret to inform you that bromides once purchased cannot be exchanged.
*The Tokyo Souvenir Association: An association consisting of over a hundred first-class specialty stores selling excellent products from Tokyo. Established in April, Showa 10 (1935), within the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce. Source: 百貨店対中小商業問題 (Hyakkaten tai chūshō shōgyō mondai), published by 東洋経済新報社 Tōyō Keizai Shinpōsha , 1936
ENV06
新狂言繪葉書
New Kabuki Picture Postcards
合資会社 上方屋座銀本店發行
Limited Partnership, Published by Kamigataya Ginza Main Store
電話銀座二九九三脊
Phone: Ginza 2993
ENV06 verso
See transcription and translation to the right
東京土産品協會 加召 [lower right within vertical rectangular cartouche]
Tokyo Souvenir Association Member*
[left side rectangle with listing of items for sale]
芝居繪はがき 發賣元 Drama picture postcard (published by)
東都美人寫眞 發賣元 Tokyo bijin photographs (published by)
内外活動プロマイド Domestic and international bromides
寳塚歌劇プロマイド Takarazuka opera bromides
寳塚歌劇脚本(年月號) Takarazuka Revue script (year and month)
寳塚グラフ、エスエス Takarazuka Graph [magazine], Stage & Screen
寳塚好み お土産 各種 Takarazuka souvenirs of various kinds
注意 一度御持歸リのブロマイドは御取替の儀御断り致します
_____________________________________________
松竹歌劇プロマイド Shōchiku opera bromides
各種映畵、劇、雜誌 Various films, plays, magazines
花かるた、御道具 Flower playing cards, props
トランプ、百人一首 Playing cards, Hyakunin Isshu
麻雀、和洋將棋各種 Mahjong, various types of Japanese and Western chess
お遊び道具 一式 Sets of playthings/toys
各種 アルバ厶 - All sorts of albums
_______________________________________________
江戸趣味 木版刷封筒 祝儀袋 Edo-style woodblock printed envelopes for monetary gifts
抒情人形 外 各種人形 Lyric dolls (jojō ningyō) and various other dolls.
各種高級印刷 Various high-quality printings.
藝術寫真撮影 Artistic photography
出張撮影、踊撮影 On-location photography, dance photography
二階寫真撮影場 Second-floor photo studio.
注意 一度御持歸リのブロマイドは御取替の儀御断り致します
Attention: We regret to inform you that bromides once purchased cannot be exchanged.
*The Tokyo Souvenir Association: An association consisting of over a hundred first-class specialty stores selling excellent products from Tokyo. Established in April, Showa 10 (1935), within the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce. Source: 百貨店対中小商業問題 (Hyakkaten tai chūshō shōgyō mondai), published by 東洋経済新報社 Tōyō Keizai Shinpōsha, 1936
ENV07
Same as ENV06
ENV07 verso
Same as ENV06 verso
ENV08
Same as ENV06
ENV08 verso
Same as ENV06 verso
![Envelope for kabuki bromide postcards: [center column] 御繪葉書 Picture Postcard [right columns] 東京, 京橋, 銀座 上方屋銀座本店 電話銀座二九九三番 Tokyo, Kyobashi, Ginza Ginza Kamigataya Main Store Phone: Ginza 2993 [left columns] 新橋演舞場 三階賣店 Shinbashi Enbujō Theater Third Floor Shop](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ogwcLnLV8ijZn7WO6Vc-hBhLu8Xj4JGxTRQbHnjso_682n37yLeJ2vzthZEhtwNKh6ncUpU8_3asYEdNHUAnKat2A9XeigUK_aZ5NgjCS_1zwWmY2VKweFkLuUy_prbcqQ=w1280)
ENV09
[center column]
御繪葉書
Picture Postcard
[right columns]
東京, 京橋, 銀座
上方屋銀座本店
電話銀座二九九三番
Tokyo, Kyobashi, Ginza
Ginza Kamigataya Main Store
Phone: Ginza 2993
[left columns]
新橋演舞場
三階賣店
Shinbashi Enbujō Theater
Third Floor Shop
ENV09 verso
[right side columns]
東京土産品協會 加召
Tokyo Souvenir Association Member*
演舞場の寫真は總べて 上方屋で
All the photographs at the Enbujo Theater are available at Kamigataya
*The Tokyo Souvenir Association: An association consisting of over a hundred first-class specialty stores selling excellent products from Tokyo. Established in April, Showa 10 (1935), within the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce. Source: 百貨店対中小商業問題 (Hyakkaten tai chūshō shōgyō mondai), published by 東洋経済新報社 Tōyō Keizai Shinpōsha, 1936
![Envelope for kabuki bromide postcards: [center column] 御繪葉書 Picture Postcard [right columns] 東京, 京橋, 銀座 上方屋銀座本店 電話銀座二九九三番 Tokyo, Kyobashi, Ginza Ginza Kamigataya Main Store Phone: Ginza 2993 [left columns] 新橋演舞場 三階賣店 Shinbashi Enbujō Theater Third Floor Shop](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/A0JiT2xVz734TjHFgvnWVxSNZ_dt2pwg5qanpyS45KQBFyLdvNLdT2n1oGjT9glRavng-7ZMFjlB-KNPLcLUzqnwpv-1jCt1DvpB1fp1AO9ST0xj87pSnKTRsFfFyO99zg=w1280)
ENV10
Same as ENV09
ENV10 verso
Same as ENV09 verso
ENV11
Same as ENV03
ENV11 verso
Same as ENV03 verso
ENV12
Same as ENV03
ENV12 verso
Same as ENV03 verso
ENV13
Same as ENV02
ENV13 verso
御觀劇の御姿を御寫眞に
御歸りまでに 御席へ御届け致,します
松竹寫員部歌舞伎座寫場
We will photograph you during the performance and deliver it to your seat before you leave.
Shōchiku Photography Department, Kabuki-za Studio
ENV14
Same as ENV02
ENV14 verso
Same as ENV02 verso
ENV15
Same as ENV02
ENV15 verso
Same as ENV02 verso
Collections of Kabuki Bromide Postcards
Collections of Kabuki Bromide Postcards
Japan Arts Council - https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/submenu?division=collections&class=bromide [accessed 4-8-25]
Kokugakuin University Digital Museum - https://jmapps.ne.jp/kokugakuin/list.html?is_pub_mode=1&museum_sub_domain=kokugakuin&kwd_and_or=and&f290=&title=&f3=&f299=&f259=&f258=&f300=&f31=&sort_field=f138&hlvl=1&bunrui=13&uni_museum=&attach_img=&keywords=%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E7%B5%B5%E8%91%89%E6%9B%B8&kwd_and_or=and&search_type=keyword&sort_type=asc&page=1&list_type=LLA&btn_list_type=yes&list_count=20&title_query=no&sort_field=f138&list_count=20 [accessed 4-8-25]
Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University - https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/results.php?f29=%E7%B5%B5%E8%91%89%E6%9B%B8&f11=*&enter=portal [accessed 4-8-25]
Shōchiku Otani Library Collection - Theater Photo Search and Viewing System Search Results, Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University - https://www.dh-jac.net/db/butai-photo/results.php?enter=sol&f69=&f70=&f46=&f45%5B0%5D=&f45%5B1%5D=&f48=&f49=&f15=&f14=&f19%5B0%5D=&f19%5B1%5D=&f25%5B0%5D=&f25%5B1%5D=&f20=&f21=&f22=&f23=&f24=&f17=&f35=&f36=&f62=&f63=&f64=&f65=&f66=&f61=&f27=&f27a=&f12=&f13=&f28=&f32=&f33=&f29=&f30=&f31=&f54=&f1=&-sortField1=f1&-sortField2=&-sortField3=&-sortField4=&-format=resultsp.htm&-max=50&f9=&f11=1&-Find=%E9%96%B2%E8%A6%A7 [accessed 4-8-25]
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4/06/2025 added alt text
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