In Kabuki, a traditional Japanese theater that started in the 1600s, passing down a stage name is very important. Every few years, theaters hold special ceremonies to celebrate this tradition. Now the ritual is taking place again, as a new actor becomes the eighth Kikugoro, receiving the name from his 83-year-old father.

The new Kikugoro is Kazuyasu Terajima, who is 48 years old. He says that taking the name means accepting the spirit and responsibility of the actors who came before him. He believes a Kabuki actor’s job is to protect the art, develop it in the present, and pass it on to the next generation.

Kabuki stories often show brave samurai, sad love stories, and characters that can change into demons or animals. All the roles are played by men, who wear colorful costumes and heavy makeup, and some actors specialize in female roles called “onnagata.” The acting is very stylized, with strong poses, music, dance, and singing instead of everyday conversation.

Terajima’s 12-year-old son, Kazufumi, will also inherit a traditional name, Kikunosuke, and is already training as a Kabuki actor. Training begins in childhood and includes daily exercise, careful diet, and strict practice of set patterns called “kata.” Kikugoro believes that, through kata, Kabuki can keep its core message of human kindness and stay meaningful for future generations.