Matsumoto Kōshirō
Matsumoto Kōshirō is the stage name of a line of kabuki actors in Japan. Most of these were blood relatives, though some were adopted into the family.
Kōshirō, like other actors' names, is bestowed at grand naming ceremonies called shūmei in which a number of actors formally change their names. Though the Matsumoto family is part of the Koraiya guild, there is a strong connection to the Naritaya guild and the Ichikawa family. It was not uncommon for members of the Matsumoto and Ichikawa families to take on names of both families over the course of their careers.
The design of the Matsumoto family mon, four flowers arranged in a diamond shape, is called yotsu-hana-bishi.
Lineage
- Matsumoto Kōshirō I – Previously Matsumoto Koshirō, forced in 1716 to change his name when the shōguns son was named Koshirō; thus, he became the first actor to be called Kōshirō, and would pass this name on.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō II – Adopted son of Kōshirō I. Later known as Ichikawa Danjūrō IV and Ichikawa Ebizō III.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō III – Son of Kōshirō II. Later known as Ichikawa Danjūrō V, Ichikawa Ebizō, and Ichikawa Hakuen. One of the most famous of all kabuki actors.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō IV – Disciple of Danjūrō IV and Kōshirō III. Previously known as Ichikawa Somegorō I, and later known as Omegawa Kyōjūrō.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō V – Son of Kōshirō IV. Famous for his skill at villain roles.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō VI – Son of Kōshirō V. Later known as Matsumoto Kinshō I.
- Ichikawa Ebizō V – Arguably the most popular actor of the 19th century. Held the name Kōshirō in 1855, but is not counted in the lineage.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō VII – Disciple of Danjūrō IX. One of the most famous tachiyaku of the first half of the 20th century.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō VIII – Second son of Kōshirō VII. Later known as Hakuō I. Arguably the leading tachiyaku of the post-war era.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō IX – Son of Kōshirō VIII. Performs in Western-style theater and film as well. Later known as Hakuō II.
- Matsumoto Kōshirō X – Son of Kōshirō IX. Current holder of the name.