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February 16, 2016
Tradition and Innovation: Photographer Seishi Nagatsuka on the True Nature of the Fourth Ichikawa Ennosuke | INTERVIEW
Photographer Makoto Nagatsuka: An Interview
Tradition and Innovation—The True Face of Ennosuke Ichikawa IV
Super Kabuki II One Piece, starring Ennosuke Ichikawa IV, is being restaged in Osaka. Makoto Nagatsuka, a photographer who has captured Ennosuke's journey for over a decade since his days as Kamejiro, speaks about the actor's true self.
By Tomoya Kumagai
Super Kabuki II One Piece Returns
Super Kabuki II One Piece, Ennosuke Ichikawa IV's ambitious adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's hit manga, garnered significant attention. Through Ennosuke's starring role and direction, the beloved hit One Piece was reborn as a new Super Kabuki production—a truly remarkable event.
Super Kabuki was initiated by the late Ennosuke Ichikawa III, presenting a completely new style of modern kabuki with innovative direction. This latest work, Super Kabuki II, directed by the fourth generation, features breathtaking spectacles and elements of contemporary drama. It is an undisputed masterpiece that redefines the meaning of kabuki's tradition.
And this March, One Piece returns to the Osaka Shochikuza. With further refinements, it is sure to reveal new dimensions.
Makoto Nagatsuka on the Genius Ennosuke Ichikawa and His Origins
To commemorate the premiere of One Piece, a photo collection by Makoto Nagatsuka, who has photographed Ennosuke for many years since his days as Kamejiro, has been published.
The photographer is Makoto Nagatsuka. While renowned as a master of automotive photography, he has closely followed Ennosuke Ichikawa (then Kamejiro) as he forged his unique path as an actor, capturing his journey for 12 years until his succession as the fourth generation.
Nagatsuka shares his thoughts on photographing Ennosuke, his origins as Kamejiro, and the continuous process of capturing a growing actor.
The Beginning of Photographing 'Kamejiro'—How Many People Live Within Him?
Watching this Super Kabuki II One Piece, I'm struck by how he has truly become such a monumental figure. The sheer breadth of his talent, and the fact that he hasn't become a jack-of-all-trades, is astonishing. Even when I first started photographing him, he showed a multifaceted nature, but I am once again amazed to see that he is truly an actor and director of the highest caliber.
The very first time I photographed him was in 2002, when he was planning his own independent production, 'Kamejiro no Kai,' without any external support. The role was Tamate Gozen in 'Sesshu Gappo-ga-tsuji.' Choosing this role when he was striving to do it all on his own must have meant it was a part he truly wanted to play. He was incredibly focused, and I remember feeling strongly his earnest dedication to acting, having thoroughly studied all previous portrayals of Tamate Gozen to understand what he could bring to the role and how he could shape it.
Photographer Makoto Nagatsuka
On stage, he was delicate, beautiful, yet fearsome and grotesque. I was deeply impressed by the range of expressions and performances, and the elegance of his posture, making me wonder how many people resided within him. It was then I realized, this young man is the real deal.
This shoot, where I photographed 'Gappo,' was actually my first photo session with a kabuki actor. It began somewhat by chance, a casual offer of 'I'll shoot it if you need,' but it turned out to be incredibly successful. I felt a powerful creative drive as a photographer, sensing the dynamic shifts, the intrigue, and the clash of our energies. And so began our long journey together.
Makoto Nagatsuka on Kamejiro Ichikawa, Now Ennosuke Ichikawa IV, as an Actor
From then on, I continued to photograph him on various occasions. It wasn't always a formal assignment; sometimes I'd set up a makeshift studio in a theater's landing or dressing room, with my wife as my assistant (laughs). We'd coordinate with Ennosuke just before or right after a performance, capturing those fleeting moments on film. My previous work in car photography involved aerial shots and large-scale productions, a complete contrast. But through that, I believe a profound connection between him and me is captured. In musical terms, it's like a duet. I play the bass, he plays the piano; it's a world we could only enter together.
As a photographer, I must say his physical abilities are simply extraordinary. For instance, I've captured many moments of him jumping, and in every shot, from his expression to his costume and even his fingertips, you can see the meticulous control he exerts. The result is a perfect 'picture.' It felt as though all the discipline he cultivated since childhood was conveyed through my lens.
At the same time, he is an incredibly intelligent person. For any play, he can absorb all the lines and content just by reading the script. This allows him to instantly embody a character and switch his mindset. This is likely also the source of his talent as a director. He understands the play deeply, knows his role perfectly, and completely captivates the audience. This hasn't changed at all, even now.
Surpassing Sharaku—The Meaning of Photographing Kabuki Tradition in the Modern Era
After photographing him for so long, and of course interacting privately—we've traveled abroad together, and he's visited my wife and me at our home—if someone asks me, 'What kind of person is Ennosuke?' I find it surprisingly difficult to answer. His true self is incredibly complex, possessing so many facets. He can be remarkably sincere and kind, yet suddenly display a sharp, insightful, and even caustic wit. He is truly an enigmatic individual.
Ennosuke once told me that my photographs of him 'surpass Sharaku.' Of course, I was delighted; I consider it the highest praise. I've often wondered, if I were an artist of that era, how would I depict him? Just as Sharaku's prints vividly convey the power of the actors of his time, I would be immensely happy if my photographs could convey the talent and skill of the fourth generation Ennosuke to future generations. It would be the greatest joy.
The opportunity to photograph a single performer, especially during a period of intense growth, for over a decade is rare. And to have it be an actor like Ennosuke, someone truly destined for historical significance, makes it even more special. These photographs are a record capturing Ennosuke's simultaneous pursuit of tradition and innovation, and my personal response to photographing kabuki's heritage as a 21st-century artist. I would be honored if many people could see these images.
Super Kabuki II One Piece
Performance Dates | March 1, 2016 (Tue) - March 25, 2016 (Fri)
Venue | Osaka Shochikuza
1-9-19 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Official Website | Super Kabuki II One Piece <Special Site> Starring Ennosuke Ichikawa
http://www.onepiece-kabuki.com/
Makoto Nagatsuka Photo Collection: 'Ennosuke Ichikawa IV'
Photography | Makoto Nagatsuka
Author/Editor | Makoto Nagatsuka, Ennosuke Ichikawa (4th Gen.)
Publisher | PIE International
Publication Date | October 10, 2015
ISBN | ISBN-10: 4756247407
ISBN-13: 978-4756247407
Purchase (on Amazon.co.jp) |
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4756247407
Makoto Nagatsuka Website (within SLOGAN gallery)
Original Print Sales Begin
http://www.slogan.co.jp/NAGATSUKA/
NAGATSUKA Seishi | Makoto Nagatsuka
Born in 1942. Photographer. He has handled numerous advertising photographs and is particularly known as one of Japan's leading automotive photographers. Recipient of many awards. Starting in 2002, he began photographing Ennosuke Kamejiro as he embarked on his solo path. Since then, he has photographed almost all of his roles, earning his complete trust.