Kataoka Nizaemon 片岡仁左衛門　十五代 and Bando Tamasaburo 坂東玉三郎　五代

Kataoka Nizaemon recently survived from a cancer attack a few years ago, and recently inherited his current name (previously known as Kataoka Takao). He is famous for his wagoto (like Somegoro) roles (young, handsome dandy man searching for brothel lover type of role), and his appearances on tv. In his Kabuki plays, he is famous for his partnership with Bando Tamasaburo in love plays (featured below). Both rose to great fame in the early days. His daughter is currently a famous actress in Japan as well.

I am not exactly a big fan of Onnagata, but I have to admit that Bando Tamasaburo is very beautiful for a man. You will not imagine it if you see his pictures. Most of the Onnagata are very beautiful, and despite this tradition being foreign to some readers, I never cease to admire the fact that such beauty can exist. Bando Tamasaburo is a very famous female impersonator, and his fame is very well known in Japan and world wide. He recently produced a Kabuki picture book with famous (remember the Miyazawa Rie Sante Fe pictures?) photographer, Shinoyama Kishin. Will get my grubby hands on it soon this year (Tamasaburo's, NOT Miyazawa Rie's)... heh heh...