Nakamura Kichiemon II

Nakamura Kichiemon II
二代目中村吉右衛門
Born
Tatsujirō Namino

(1944-05-22)22 May 1944
Died28 November 2021(2021-11-28) (aged 77)
Other namesHarimaya, Nakamura Mannosuke, Matsu Kanshi II
Known forTachiyaku-roles
Parent(s)Matsumoto Hakuō I (father)
Masako Fujima (mother)
RelativesNakamura Karoku I (great-great-grandfather)
Nakamura Karoku III (great-grandfather)
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII (grandfather)
Nakamura Kichiemon I (grandfather)
Matsumoto Hakuō II (brother)
Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII (cousin)
Yoko Namino (daughter)
Matsumoto Kōshirō X (nephew)
Ichikawa Somegorō VIII (grandnephew)
Onoe Kikunosuke V (son-in-law)
Onoe Ushinosuke VII (grandson)

Nakamura Kichiemon II (二代目 中村 吉右衛門, Nidaime Nakamura Kichiemon; 22 May 1944 – 28 November 2021) was a Japanese actor, kabuki performer and costume designer. He was a so-called Living National Treasure.

Nakamura Kichiemon was 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 a 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.