Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > October, 2005

Sakata Tojuro IV Name-Taking Announcement Thursday, October 27, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met and talked with Mr. Ganjiro Nakamura, a living national treasure, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Mr. Nakamura visited the Prime Minister to report that he will be assuming the name of Sakata Tojuro IV, the name of a famous Kamigata kabuki actor. Ms. Chikage Oogi, the wife of Mr. Nakamura and the President of the House of Councillors, also attended the meeting. Prime Minister Koizumi, well-versed in kabuki, offered his words of encouragement saying, "I hope you will continue to preserve and pass on the Japanese traditional culture." In addition, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his desire to see the performance of Mr. Nakamura commemorating his succession of the name which will begin its run in November. Following the meeting, Mr. Nakamura said to reporters, "This is the start of a new chapter in my life, and I feel more self-assured now that I was able to meet the Prime Minister during this fresh starting point of my life."