Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII (given name Takayuki Soma) was born in 1959 in Tokyo, Japan. He is the eighth-generation in the Ichikawa Monnosuke line, dating back to 1713. It is one of the oldest acting lineages in Kabuki theater, with a continuous line of prominent onnagata, or female role specialists. Monnosuke VIII debuted in 1969 at the Kabukiza, under the name of Ichikawa Koyone II, in the “Sushiya” (Sushi Shop) act of the classic play Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees). In addition to regular appearances in traditional kabuki plays, he has also worked on revivals of traditional plays, performing the role of Princess Miyagata in the historic revival of Haji Momiji Ase no Kaomise” at the Meijiza Theater in 1979; and the role of Kataoka Hachiro Kiyoshige in the revival of the 5th act of Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura at the Kabuki-za in July 1980.
Monnosuke is also one of the senior members of the popular Ichikawa Ennosuke troupe, which pioneered “Super Kabuki” in the 1980s under Ennosuke III, debuting new works such as Yamato Takeru; and “Super Kabuki II” under Ennosuke IV in the 2010s with blockbuster hits such as ONE PIECE, based on an anime by the same name. Monnosuke has been with the troupe through many iterations, and as such is unique in his accomplishment, skill, and experience in a wide range of traditional, Super, and anime kabuki.
Within Japan he is highly recognized for his accomplishments, as demonstrated by the awards and invitations to speak and conduct workshops. His awards include the “Encouragement Award” from National Theatre of Japan in 1972, and the “Encouragement Award” from the Kabuki-za Theatre in 1990.
He has also been invited to give lectures and workshops at The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University of Art and Design, Seisen University Department of Japanese Language and Culture, Aoyama Gakuin University and Waseda University. He has also performed internationally with the Ichikawa Ennosuke troupe, most recently at Beijing Teanqiao Performing Arts Center in March 2017.
Monnosuke began working with UHM in the summer of 2019, giving a successful two-week intensive kabuki workshop. We are fortunate to have his continued cooperation and support as Artistic Advisor, and to be able to work so closely with him on this 100th Anniversary English-language kabuki production.
For a full list of appearances, explore the professional site of Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII (in Japanese).
Yamabushi Yamatobō (山伏大和坊) in En’ō’s Ten Best Plays, Kurozuka (猿翁十種の内 黒塚)
Heavenly Maiden (仙女) in Shin Hakkenden (新・八犬伝)
Shinomura Tsuma Kuretake, in Koi Tsukami (Catching the Carp, 鯉つかみ)