Taishu Engeki Interviews Raimu Shijou 四條らいむ - Tachibana Gekidan Theatre Group
Raimu Shijou 四條らいむ of Tachibana Gekidan
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Raimu Shijou, I perform for the Tachibana Gekidan Group, and I was born in the Fukouoka Prefecture in South-West Japan.
How long have you been performing Taishu Engeki, and why did you start?
When I was very young, I watched my first Taishu Engeki show. It was so fun and it inspired me to become a performance actor. So, I have been training ever since!
How do you relax after a show?
I sleep as much as possible! We usually have very late nights as performers.
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.
Raimu Shijou 四條らいむ and Tachibana Daigoro 橘 大五郎 backstage on set.
Is there anyone specific who inspired you to be a performer when you were a child?
It wasn’t when I was a child, but the first time I saw Tachibana Daigoro (pictured), my current Chairman, I decided “I want to become this person’s student and learn under him!”, so I did everything I could to join his Tachibana Gekidan.
What do you enjoy performing?
Actually, I don’t have a specific answer! As long as I am honest with myself and truly enjoy my performance, that will reflect in the quality of my work. If I truly enjoy it, then naturally, I hope that translates into the audience enjoying my performance too.
How many outfits do you think you own?
Honestly, I’ve never had a reason to count them, but I probably have about 50 unique outfits?
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?
Taishu Engeki is a traditional performing art that has existed for a very long time all around Japan. However, there are still many people living in Japan who are not aware about this world. I want everyone, not just international guests, to come and enjoy our art form.
Please come and see a Taishu Engeki performance at least once. I promise you will not regret it!
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