This year's Kaomise Performance, which marks the succession of Ebizo Danjuro Ichikawa Hakuzaru (45 years old), opened at Minamiza (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City) on December 1, 2023, the beginning of December. Danjuro performed the Ichikawa family's traditional ''staring'' during his ''koujo'' to announce his succession. The audience roared as he saw his eyes wide open and his expression filled with energy, like that of a Fudo Myoo.

Danjuro Ichikawa performs the ''Nirami'' gesture at the beginning of the Kaomise ceremony to announce the succession of his name.

At the ''Koujo'', in the presence of Nizaemon Kataoka (79 years old) and others, Danjuro Ichikawa said, ''At Minamiza, where we have taken on various challenges such as performing Yoshitsune Senbonzakura, we are now able to take over the name Segare. "Thanks to everyone. I am determined to work hard every day so that I can show my face to Danjuro from generation to generation," he said in his greeting. His eldest son, Shinnosuke Ichikawa (10 years old), also bowed his head and said, ''I hope he can become an actor.''

Danjuro Ichikawa (center) performs the "Nirami" gesture during the Kaomise ceremony to announce his name succession, and Shinnosuke Ichikawa (left) looks on, December 1st, Minamiza, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.

At the end of his speech, Danjuro Ichikawa said, ''Let me see you with a glare,'' and showed a ''stare'' that is said to ward off evil spirits.

At this year's Kaomise, Danjuro Ichikawa will perform ''Kagekiyo'' and ''Sukeroku'', and Shinnosuke Ichikawa will perform ''Uirouuri'' from the ''Kabuki Juhachiban'', the family's specialty. In addition, there will be a dance co-starring Danjuro Ichikawa and his eldest daughter Botan Ichikawa (12 years old), and a dance performance of ''Kanadehon Chushingura Nanadanme'' by Nizaemon Kataoka (79 years old) from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lasts until half. Until December 24th.