The Aragoto Demon Queller ・ Oshimodoshi EXPLAINED (1727)
TOKYO, Nov 24 (Kabuki In-Depth) -
Oshimodoshi is an almost 300 years old scene in the aragoto style, first performed by Ichikawa Danjūrō II in 1727, at the Nakamura-za theatre in Edo. Ever since, playwrights have incorporated it into their newly created works for a spectacular and climatic conclusion.
In addition to Narukami and Musume Dōjō-ji, mentioned in the video, the scene can also be sometimes seen in Onna Narukami and the finale of Sumidagawa Gonichi no Omokage, also known as Hōkaibō. The role is usually played by the top aragotoshi of each generation, such as Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII, Nakamura Ganjirō IV, Onoe Shōroku IV, Ichikawa Danjūrō XII and Kataoka Gatō V.

News On Japan - Sep 23
As more people across Japan report health problems after consuming bento meals produced by a store in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, health authorities are conducting an investigation covering over 22,000 cases across 33 prefectures.

News On Japan - Sep 23
Witnesses have recounted a close encounter with a bear in a residential area of Sekigawa Village, Niigata Prefecture, when the beast invaded their house and went on a rampage in the bathroom.

News On Japan - Sep 23
A wave of bridge nameplate thefts has swept across Shizuoka Prefecture, with 90 of the metal plates stolen so far this month.

News On Japan - Sep 22
Unexpected accidents can happen while giving a final farewell to a loved one, with three deaths reported in Japan from inhaling carbon dioxide inside coffins.

News On Japan - Sep 22
In response to a significant rat infestation in Kabukicho, Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward will allocate 12 million yen for a large-scale extermination effort.

News On Japan - Sep 21
Hokkaido recorded its lowest temperature of the season on Thursday morning, with the town of Esashi plunging to 3.6C, sparking the arrival of Autumn leaves.

News On Japan - Sep 21
Toxic mushrooms were mistakenly sold at an unmanned vegetable vending stand in Sapporo which now has a sign that reads, 'Please do not eat the mushrooms left here.'

News On Japan - Sep 21
Saitama Prefectural Police's Tokorozawa Station held a joint disaster prevention drill with riot police and the fire department on Tuesday, in which 30 local elementary school students rode an earthquake simulator to learn how to protect themselves in the event of a major quake.

News On Japan - Sep 21
Japan McDonald's will reduce the frequency of delivering ingredients and supplies from its logistics warehouses to its stores by 20% starting next month.

News On Japan - Sep 21
In anticipation of Hanshin Tigers victory in Japan's central baseball league last week, it has been revealed that the water level of Dotombori River was raised to prevent serious injuries to fans jumping in to celebrate.

NHK - Sep 21
Japanese legal authorities have acknowledged that a lawmaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party violated human rights by posting a discriminatory comment about the country's indigenous Ainu people.

News On Japan - Sep 20
While the mountains of Arashiyama in the western outskirts of Kyoto are yet to be adorned with the red and yellow hues of fall, both domestic and international tourists are already flocking to popular spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, creating an unprecedented "tourism bubble."

News On Japan - Sep 20
The Japan Meteorological Agency has announced its outlook for the next three months and the winter ahead, with temperatures predicted to be higher than usual and less snowfall.

News On Japan - Sep 20
While the Japanese national team got off to a great start at the World Cup Volleyball, which was crucial for their ticket to the Paris Olympics, what excited the audience wasn't just the players, but a mop.

News On Japan - Sep 19
Kitakyushu's coming-of-age ceremony fashion has hit the world stage, with a dazzling collection of outfits adorning the runway at New York Fashion Week.

News On Japan - Sep 19
Previously unseen photos of the famous Akita dog 'Hachiko', a symbol of Shibuya celebrating his 100th anniversary this year, have been recently discovered.