Taishu Engeki Interviews Koyuji Matsukawa 松川小祐司 - Gekidan Mimatsu Theatre Group
Koyuji Matsukawa headshot
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Koyuji Matsukawa (松川小祐司), and I am from the Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. I am the Chairman of the Gekidan Mimatsu theatre group.
How long have you been performing Taishu Engeki, and why did you start?
I began performing at the age of 3 years old, so I have been a Taishu Engeki performer for 30 years now!
When you were a child, who inspired you to be a performer? Does anyone influence you now?
I come from a family of performers, so there was no single moment that inspired me to become a performer. It was part of my life and childhood everyday. However, the person I admire the most is the Kabuki actor “Bando Tamasaburo V”.
The people currently influencing me the most are immersive theatre actors.**
**immersive theatre actors are performers who provide more intimate, immersive interactions with audiences. Such as theme parks or live-action roleplay performances.
Have you been influenced by any Western, English artists, actors, or performers?
I personally love Travis Payne**, I still remember the excitement I felt when I first saw his dance show as a teenager.
**Travis Payne is an American dance choreographer, known for his choreography for Michael Jackson, with 2 Emmy nominations and 3 MTV Video Music Awards
Throughout Taishu Engeki, there are many unique stories to be told from people all over Japan with different backgrounds.
This series of blogs seeks to introduce Taishu Engeki performers for English and foreign audiences.
I have seen Gekidan Mimatsu perform many times, and I can tell that Gekidan Mimatsu has very passionate, loyal fans in Tokyo. From your perspective as Chairman, what do you think makes Gekidan Mimatsu special?
Thank you very much for saying that.
I believe that Gekidan Mimatsu’s greatest strength lies on our constant energy and willingness to take on new challenges. We try to preserve tradition while evolving and mastering a wide range of skills, such as the Shamisen, traditional Japanese dance, and modern/contemporary dance. I believe this dedication to growth is what sets us apart from other Taishu Engeki groups.
Koyuji Matsukawa in traditional Kabuki outfit
Koyuji Matsukawa in a White Fox (shiroi kitsune) performance costume
I have seen Gekidan Mimatsu perform many times, and I can tell that Gekidan Mimatsu has very passionate, loyal fans in Tokyo. From your perspective as Chairman, what do you think makes Gekidan Mimatsu special?
Thank you very much for saying that.
I believe that Gakidan Mimatsu’s greatest strength lies on our constant energy and willingness to take on new challenges. We try to preserve tradition while evolving and mastering a wide range of skills, such as the Shamisen, traditional Japanese dance, and modern/contemporary dance. I believe this dedication to growth is what sets us apart from other Taishu Engeki groups.
Taishu Engeki performers have very busy schedules, how do you usually spend your time outside of performing?
On my off days, I generally spend my time freely. However, I always ensure to use my time effectively to stay up to date on work admin, such as my performance lessons, networking opportunities, and appointments. I constantly remind myself that if you aspire to be a true professional, you must use your time differently from the average person.
But during travel, I love to sleep.
Koyuji Matsukawa, sensu fan performance
Chairman Matsukawa with the Gekidan Mimatsu group during a dance performance
As the Chairman of the group, if you could perform in any theatre in the world, where would you like to go?
I would be happy to perform anywhere! I would love to perform overseas with my group, much like the Las Vegas performances of the Heisei Nakamuraza, led byt he 18-th generation Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII.
How many costumes do you think you own? Do you have any favorites?
I do not know the exact number, but I think I own about probably 200 to 300 unique costumes. But my favorites are always the traditional Japanese Kabuki costumes.
This interview is translated into English for international guests, or those who are interested in Japanese theatre, or interested in Taishu Engeki. How would you speak about Taishu Engeki to these people?
Once again, my name is Koyuji Matsukawa, of Gekidan Mimatsu.
Although Taishu Engeki is a traditional performing art, we continue to evolve with the times. Among performing Taishu Engeki groups, Gekidan Mimatsu is committed to making the performances enjoyable for not only Japanese locals, but international audiences as well. The rhythm of the dance, and expression of emotion are forms of entertainment which trascend languages and can be appreciated by all.
Gekidan Mimatsu also plans to share a variety of videos in the future. On behalf of Gekidan Mimatsu, and Taishu Engeki performers, we hope you can come to experience this art form for yourself.
Thank you very much. Arigatou Gozaimashita.
If you are interested in seeing dramatic Japanese theatre plays,
the theatre offers a different theatrical drama and dance show every single day.
You can read more about Taishu Engeki history and culture here
You can purchase tickets for the Asakusa Mokubakan theatre show here