Kichiemon Nakamura II

Nakamura Kichiemon II (born May 22, 1944 ) is a Japanese actor, kabuki performer and costume designer. Nakamura Kichiemon is a formal kabuki stage name. The actor's grandfather first appeared using the name in 1897; and Nakamura Kichiemon I continued to use this name until his death. Kichiemon I was the maternal grandfather of Kichiemon II. In the conservative Kabuki world, stage names are passed from father to son in formal system which converts the kabuki stage name into a mark of accomplishment.In choosing to be known by the same stage name as his grandfather, the living kabuki performer honors his family relationships and tradition.