History of Umewaka Family

Tanba Sarugaku-丹波猿楽

Sarugawa is the originator of the current Noh and the Tanba region is said that to be the birthplace of the Sarugaku. From the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Kamakura period, there was a group of professional Sarugawa, it was praised and attached to some of large shrines, temples.
In Tanba Sarugaku, we can see Yada, Hiyoshi, Enonami etc as Umewaka which was seen in the records.
In Kinki, Zodiac were be presented in Tanmanui(Kinharu), Yuizaki(Kan), Sotoyame( Hosei),Itado(Kongo) and Omi(Shiga Prefecture), Ise(Mise Prefecture) in Showa period. The literature of Tanba Sarugaku Umewaka’s name was appeared in the first time on signboard which was written that [ Having of Sarugaku in imperial palace is meant that performance of Umewaka] on the article of March 9th, 1416(23rd Oei period)
It was mainly performed at the Imperial Palace. It was also performed in palaces as Fushimi’s Gokami, Daigo’s Kiyotaki, etc. In this time, the name also was recorded in the document with name such as Umewaka, Sarugaku, Umewaka Tayu, Umewaka Party, Umewaka Class.
Performances in the Sento Imperial Palace was the best prosperous in 1425-Ouei period. Under Kyoto and region’s confusion was called Onin War, Sakuraku had be suspended.
In the New Year 20th day of 13th Bunmei period(1481) when the turbulence had be subsided, as you known, the 37th generation Kagehisa Umewaka perform Noh “Akari” although forbidden by Emperor to congratulate award as “Waka” and after that, it was written that he was given a name change of “Umewaka” and a purple lower curtain.

The ancestor of Umewaka family

The genealogy of the Umewaka family has begun from Nara period with Tachibana brother. The brothers were initially called King Katsuragi, but after the surname of the mother_Michiyo Tachiban, they were called Tachibana.
The tenth generation Tomotoki was the ancestor of Mr.Umezu he used the family crest Tachibana from this time when he was the fifth- ranked Umezu Hyougo Tomotoki.
After living in Umezu Village, Yamashito Province (currently Umezu, Ukyo-ku Kyoto City), he moved to Oshima, Tanba Province (Oshima Ayabe City).
He graduated from the legal name “Shinkoinden Jyoun Tokuyuki Daishi” on May 3, 888(4th Niwa period).
In the center of the old graveyard, a memorial monument for the Tomotoki Millennium Festival was established by Meji 11th year, the first Minoru’s generation.
The current family, 56th generation of Rokuro, was calculated from Tachibana no Moroe, become 47th generation from Tomotoki who gave his surname as 56th generation Umezu. At that time, he was serving the Umemiya in Umezu and in Tanba Ayabe Ryodasihima, he became a powerful family who occupies more than 70,000 stones, even though he went to a rural area, he has seen the official position and job title according to the genealogy.
It’s not certain when Umedu people began Sarugaku but as we stated before that the name of Umewaka Tanba Sarugaku appeared in the literature in Muromachi period.

The first generation Umewaka Minoru, 52nd Umewaka Rokuro.

April 13, 1828 (11th Bunsei period), he was born in Kanda Gincho as the eldest son of Heizaemon Kujii in Kozan Mimon Ruins Kitasa Shirakawa Imperial Palace of Nikko mountain. His name was Kame Jirou in childhood.

The first generation Umewaka Minoru, 52nd Umewaka Rokuro.
7th Tenpo period (9 years old) Desirable to became an adopted son of 51st Umewaka Rokuro.
10th Tenpo period(12 years old) Inherited the head of the family.
2nd Kaei period (22 years old) He was ordered to pack the Edo Castle Honmaru and received supporting of 20 people a month.
6th Kaei period (26 years old) Get married with Mineko. Changed the name into Rokuro.
4th Ansei Period(30 years old) Gave birth to daughter Tsuruko.
1st Keio period(38 years old) At home, he set up a two-storied cedar board split, four sides and a bridge of on and a half tatami mats of stage.
He started practicing Noh three times a month on the 10th day. Then, he entry into apprenticeship of Kanze Tetsunojo Genjiro(later Kanze Kiyoyuki).
4th Keio period ・ 1st Meiji period (41 years old) Begged for courtier. Restored rehearsal was take off and gave birth to oldest son Manzabunou.
2nd Meiji period (42 years old) Took musical accompaniment into practice Noh.
3rd Meiji period (43 years old) The first time to take the costume in rehearsal-practice Noh and performed as Yoroboshi(the beggar and Savior).The Noh’s rehearsal is set on the 6th and 21st day of every month. Until now, the cotton Moegi no Go Furoshiki was used as a substitute for the opening curtain, but it was replaced to the silk Go-Ro gift given to the unseen spectators.
4th Meiji period 4年(44 years old) Took over the stage of Aoyama Shimotsuke, built stage in Umeyabashi and perform Noh as a “Okina”to open the stage.
5th Meiji period (45 years old) Hold performance for 10days. Renamed in Minoru and changed Genjiro to Rokuro.
6th Meiji period(46 years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous year. The first time to put an advertisement for a banquet, goodwill in the newspaper.
7th Meiji period(47 years old) Kept performance days as doing in the previous years. Hold the merger Noh with Kongo-Ryu.
8th Meiji period(48 years old) Performed ancestral revenge Noh.
9th Meiji period (49 years old) Performed as a “Tsuchiya” for the first Noh play at Iwaura Tomomi’s residence. At this time, he was recommended that Hosho Kuro (lively treasure). And hold a three days Noh.
10th Meiji(50years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years. He performed for the Ministry of the Army on the Shokonsha(currently Yasukuni Shrine).
11th Meiji(51years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years. Gave birth to second son Takeyo(Later become the second generation). Command servant from Imperial Palaceo he performed Noh as Noh opener in Aoyama Omiya Gosho stage. And performed for Shokonsha. Make Manzaburo inherit the head of the Yoshinojo family.
12th Meiji(52years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years. Performed for Maeda YukiYuki Noh on Yasukuni Shrine Festival Noh, Former America President Grant Party of Noh, Family Noh which had 350 years history, etc. Performed at Aoyama Omiya Gosho Noh, at this time he was recommended that as a Sakurama Banma.
13th Meiji(53 years old) Performed as the beginner in Tosho-gu Song. The first time performed at Palace Song. Hold Noh during 2 days.
14th Meiji(54 years old) Hold 5 days of performance Noh. Performed as opener of stage in Shiba Noh theater. Give birth to second daughter Hana Ko(Later she is wife of Kanze Kayuki and rename in Hamako)
15th Meiji(55 years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years.
16th Meiji(56 years old) The first time to take American Morse and Fenorosa course as a foreign apprentice participating in Noh and then he hold 3 days of Noh performance.
17th Meiji(57 years old) Passed the property to Rokuro. On the 16th day (is holiday at that time), started practicing from early morning again.
18th Meiji(58 years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years.
19th Meiji(59 years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years. Performed Noh to cult his father 33rd year deceased.
20th Meiji(60 years old) Performed “Sagi_heron”for the ancestral millennial Noh.
21st Meiji(61 years old) Celebrated the 60th anniversary of his 60th birthday and 50th inheritance of Umewaka family.
22nd Meiji(62 years old) Performed Noh for Kenpo Happu_Promulgation of constitution event. Hold 3 days of performance.
23rd Meiji(63 years old) Hold performance days as doing in the previous years. Performed for Nikko Toshogu Grand Festival Noh. Between the twice a month so far, he gave one times to the Kanze family. (The third Sunday of month)
24th Meiji(64 years old) At the request of Rokuro, Takeyo’s adopted child has already been applied, so he held Noh performance to celebrate this event.
25th Meiji(65 years old) Performed for big festival Noh in Shoukon Shrine. Performed as Shimai dance for Hosei Kurou(Predecessor)and others.
26th Meiji(66 years old) Performed Hijikata House, Yukiyuki Noh. Performed Noh on the big Festival of Yasukuni Shrine.
27th Meiji(67 years old) Performed as Hayama Gosho Shiki opener the stage. Removed to Kansai and performed Noh in Osaka, as Mishin Daishi shite in the festival of NishiHongan Temple, Saikyo Noh theater first day. Went to Kansai and work on the first day of Nisikyo Noh Theater, Nishi Hongani ancestor Shindaishi Festival Noh, Osaka Noh. Performed Noh as an inviter for German Imperial Mini Hawk.
28th Meiji(68 years old) Came back to Rokuro family. Made inheriting the family administration to Takeyo.
29th Meiji(69 years old) Hold a performance Sensou Tsuizen Noh, Teiko Kouhei Noh in Fushimi Palace. Perform Noh in Fushimi Miya Residence YukiYuki Noh. He was asked to attach “Seikan Eki_Seonghwan Station” made by Emperor Meji and examine it.
30th Meiji (70 years old) Hold a performance “Kikujido”to celebrate old rare.
31st Meiji (71 years old) Went to Kyoto and hold a performance Noh in festival was celebrated 300 years of Toyokuni Shrine,On the second day the Empress’s song “Pyonyang”was examined by himself. Revive the training to Fenorosa who came to Japan again.
33rd Meiji(73 years old) Changed Takeyo to Rokuro.
Hold performance Noh in Sousen- Ancestor festival, the second time to work at “Sekiji Komachi”.
34th Meiji(74 years old) Hold 250 celebrations of 16 lessons. Old rare.
35th Meiji(75 years old) Performed Noh in Seikoku Imperial.
38th Meiji(78 years old) Performed as “Kiso”, “Ishibashi” at the Ryojundai Shouri Shukuga Noh. ( Celebration of the great victory of the journey.) Performed as “Sagi” at the festival of Kanami 500 years.
40th Meiji(80 years old) The oldest son of Takeyo, Kameyuki(Now Rokuro),was born. Hold Noh to celebrate 750th times of rehearsal Noh.
41st Meiji(81 years old) Celebrated the golden wedding.
42nd Meiji (1909) (82 years old) He died of illness on January 19 and was buried at Kaikoji Temple in Shinagawa. In the death poem “Welcome to this old man and Yukaji Umewaka’s house to others.” Remain 2shu of Waka (Japanese’s Song) that “I will put nakedly all the treasures and things that I got out of this world to people”, the name of the commandment is named Umereiin Wakasa.

2nd Generation of Umewaka Minoru, 54th Umewaka Rokuro

2nd Generation of Umewaka Minoru, 54th Umewaka Rokuro

He was born on April 28, 11th Meiji Period as the third son of the first generation. He became a semi-adopted son of Rokuro(the eldest son) of the 53nd year.
The first stage was the 15th years of Tenran Noh,” Utou- Good looking Birth” plays is as his son. The first stage was a child of his father “ Zenchitori”in Noh in the same year. He received strict training such as Ichiroku training and he was famous with his brother Mansaburo but the conflict with the Kanze family from the early days of Meji led to the establishment of the Umewaka school in 10th Showa with his brother Mansaburo as the suzerain, along with Tetsunojo, and built the golden age of Tetsunojo and dominated the Nogaku World.

3rd Showa He take advantange of Mansaburo’s 60th birthday and new stage construction, he inherited the family and since then, he had spent his life maintaining and expanding his style with his unyielding fighting spirit.
In this time, his brother Mansaburo returned to the Kanze school and became an orphan in the Noh world but nowadays, he pioneers of generalized Takigi Noh, popular Noh, theater Noh, wonmen’s Noh, the completion of the Umewaka Noh book, the publication of the magazine “Umewaka” and the extension of the style have reached the continent of Manchuria. In the same year 19th, he handed over the family to his eldest son Kameyuki. In the 22nd year, he dances “Dojoji” at the age of 70 years old and retired in honor of Nisei in the 23rd year. He became a member of the Japan Art Academy in the 30th year.
The final stage was the continuous examination of “Kotonodan” at the Tokyo Kanekai in the same year.
There was three sons and six daughters of Kameyuki, Sadayuki and Yasuo with Mrs Mitsu.
In later years, he spent his time educating Son Yoshimasa (currently Umewaka Rokuro Gensho) and died on August 16, 1934 at the age of 82. He was buried at Kaianji Temple by Baiko Gakuin University. Finally, He received the Order of Rising Sun, 4th Class, 5th Rank.

55th Umewaka Rokuro

55th Umewaka Rokuro

August 3, 40th Meiji period (1907)、54th Umewaka Rokuro (2nd generation of Umewaka Minoru, he was born in Asakusa Tokyo as the eldest son in the Mitsu’s family.
There are three older sisters, two younger brothers (currently Masatoshi and Yasuyuki), and three younger sisters. He had childhood name was Kameyuki, after that he renamed in Kagehide, Rokunosuke and Rokuro (family resister renamed).
Junuary,19th Meiji (1942) 、52nd Umewaka Rokuro(the first generation of Minoru )was died(81 years old). The first time to dance a performance “ Oi-Matsu“.(2years old)
January 22,44th Meiji、The first time to perform as at the role of a lawyer in a performance is “Loyalty_Chushin” at Residence Stage(3years old).
October 28, 2nd Showa (1913)、He performed “Mochizuki”of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Showa ( Shite predecessor Mansaburo)as a child_Kokata in Fushimi palace.(6years old)。
April 3rd Showa Entered Asakusa Ward Ikuei High School.
March 21, 4th Showa、the first time to perform as a Shite actor in a performance “Kikujido”Noh with the 7th anniversary of the first Umewaka Minoru.(7years old)。
7th Showa、Transfer into Asakusa Seika Normal Hight School. October 25, Grandmother Mine (the first Minoru’s wife was died. (78years old).
September, 8th Showa 、completed Umayabashi Noh Stage. Decembe, the issue of Kanzen Umewaka(the issue of Umewaka’s diploma)was raied.
April 9th Showa、Enterd the first year of hight school at Seimi Hirotsugu High School.
April 3, 10th Showa (1921), Performed “Sagi” with the 13th anniversary of the first Minoru(13years old. On July, established Umewaka style after receiving an excommunication notice of Umewaka Ichimon from the Kanzen school Soke.
March, 11th Daiwa period、Graduated Semi Asakusa from the second year of high school. (14years old)。
September 1, 12th Daiwa、Umayabashi stage burned down in the earthquake.
April, 13th Daiwa The first time to play a performance Noh“Mochizuki_Hope moon “(16years old)。
May 2, 14th Daiwa、performed a performance Noh “Dojoji”in the 17th anniversary of the first Umewaka Minoru.(17years old), October, the new stage of Umayabshi was completed.
2nd Showa period、The first time to play a performance is “ Ishibashi-Oshishi_Ishibashi-Large Lion”in Osaka.
February 5, 3rd Showa The first time to play a performance is “Oki_Old man”(20 years old).
April 4th Showa, Performed Noh to announcing the completion of the new construction of the Umayabashi stage, which was relocated for land readjustment.
May, 6th Showa、Publish Book Song of Umewaka Ryu. December 10, married to Hideko Shimada. (23years old)。
September 30, 7th Showa, Gave birth to eldest daughter Akiko.
January1, 8th Showa, Return to the Kanze school of Daimansaburo predecessor. He launched magazine “Umewaka “in March. March 26, he performed “Ataka-Kanjin Book”Noh. (25years old)。
April 9th Showa、Performed in Shanghai. In the same month, he renamed kameyuki to Keiei. May 14, his mother Mitsu was died(53years old). The second daughter Toshiko was born on June 2.  March 3, 10th Showa (1935), the first time to perform a performance Noh “Sotoba Komachi”with 27th anniversary of the first Minoru. (27years old). June 17, Gave birth to the third daughter Ebiko.
October 11th Showa、played a performance Noh is Watariman.
April 7, 12th Showa、His wife Hideko was died. (27years old). The first time to perform a performance Noh “Settai_waiting” on November 14. (30years old).
August 13th Showa、played a performance is Watariman. December 4, the first time to play a performance is “Nimotsu- The burden”.
May 4, 14th Showa, get married to Sue Okamura(currently Keiko) (31years old).
May 5, 15th Showa, The first time to play a performance Noh is “Omu Komachi_Small Town of Parrot”, continuously play a performance Noh is Manchuria on June and give a birth to 4th daughter Takako on November 7th.
July, 18th Showa, played a performance Noh is Manchuria. Rename Kagehide to Rokunosuke. In this year, “Umewaka” magazine was suspended due to the war’s time under administrative special law.
March 30th ,19th Showa、the father is Rokuro was retired and Rokunosuke had inherited family, become the 55th Umewaka Rokuro.
March 10, 20th Showa、Under Tokyo air raid, Umayabashi stage was burned down. On the April 9, Under the demand of Information Bureau, he joined Nohgaku Performers Association as a Kanze school Umewaka.
He joined a lot of each roles and solve the Kanzen Umewaka problem. August 20, give birth to Masayuki_the eldest son.
June 21st Showa、Performed solo Sanban Noh in Kyoto. On September 7, the eldest on Masayuki died (1 year old)
February 22nd Showa, Performed solo performance Sanban on the Tokyo Tamagawa stage. On October、The issue of Kanzen School Umewaka, first stage at “Kurama Tengu”cherry blossom viewing.(Over the procedures of the association), it was reignited and become inoperable.
February 23rd Showa、Start performing as a three roles in GHQ’s Kankoku performance. February 16, give a birth to the second son Yoshimasa (currently Rokuro)
On October, performed Noh in announcement of Rokuro Name on the Tamakawa stage and become 55th Umewaka Rokuro
May 5, 25th Showa、Rename to family register Rokuro.。
April 29, 26th Showa、The first time to perform on “Kurama Tengu” Cherry blossom viewing stage.(3years old)
March 12, 27th Showa、Emiko Mitsume died.(17years old). With the entry into force of the peace treaty, the GHQ recommendation will be invalidated and it will be impossible to perform on Augaust.
January 28,29th Showa (47 years old), Return to Kanze school by Rokuro’s decision (46years old). On March 9, performed “Kumano” Noh every day during festival that show off the returning of Kanze school.
Juanuary 29, 30th Showa (48 years old) Become the Umewaka Rokuro Supporter Association.
April 8, 31st Showa、the first time to perform “Tokusa” in separate meeting of Umewaka. October 28, danced the Chiban memorial solo performance Sanban Noh.
November 23, Danced “Yashima-Yumi-ryu/ Soukou” in the 1st Asahi Goryu Noh. Since then, “Kibito” premiered at Umewaka Betsukai and performed continuously until the 22nd in 1952.
March, 32nd Showa、inaugurate director of Nohgaku performing arts association. November 7, he received the Minister of Education Award at the 12th Arts Festival for “Funa Benki- Shige Front and Back Replacement/ White Ceremony.
December, Became a member of the Japan Nohgaku Performers Association, a technology holder with the comprehensive designation of Noh important Intangible cultural properties.
August 16,34th Showa、2nd generation Umewaka Miroru was died. (82years old).
October 23, he received the Osaka City Cultural Festival Art Award at the Mid-Autumn Festival “Ohara Miyuki ”.
October 8, 35th Showa, received the Osaka Noh Festival Encouragement Award at the Osaka Festival for “Yama Uba- Shiroto”.
36th Showa、
Held a solo performance Noh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of stage in various places and dedicated “Hagoromo”to Ise Jingu on April 7.
August 5, 6, performed in Umewaka Noh School Hall Stage. October 2, he opened the Umewaka Noh Academy. (54years old)
February, 37th Showa, Nagauta Yoshizumi Jiyasu and Jiuta Mai Takehara Han form “ Kisaragikai” was corporate.
Hold the first performance on the 10th, and two performance thereafter.
July 10, 39th Showa、Published the book “For those who start Japan traditional Song” from Ikeda Bookstore.
April 25, 40th Showa、the first time to perform Umewaka Minoru 7th anniversary Noh “Obasute”.
August 31, traveled to Europe as a member of the Tokyo Noh Orchestra at the Athens Festival in Greece. November 15, Reissue of the magazine “Umewaka”.
January 15,42nd Showa, Became a member of the Japan Art Academy.60years old).
April 2,performed Noh “ Sagi” for inauguration celebration and on the 9th , he danced Yuzuki Hana Sanban Noh and performd in various places thereafter.
June 43rd Showa, participated in the Mexican International Art Festival as a member of the Noh Orchestra. Honorary citizen of New Orleans.
60th birthday celebration Noh was held in various places from the same month. The first time to perform “Higaki”in Tokyo on November 10th (61years old).
Senptember 14, 44th Showa, Dance solo performance Sanban Noh in Kyouto to commemorate the first 60th anniversary of the festival.
November 14, 46th Showa, Premiered “Tomonaga-Shoho”with the 13th anniversary of the second generation. (65years old)
March 4~11, 48th Showa, Hold Umewakakai 100th Anniversary festival in various places afterwards.
November, released all 15 volumes of “Umewaka Rokuro’s Solo Song Name Ginshu” (66years old).
September 25, 49th Showa, Dissolve Umewaka Rokuro supporters Association and Umewaka Rokuro Appreciation Party was launched. November 10, he performed Noh “Kikuido-Yumainoraku”as a 2000th song celebration. (67years old)
February 50th Showa (1975) Hold 17th anniversary Noh of Minoru 2nd in various places.June 30th, received a Academi Award. November 8th, premiered “Sekiji Komachi”and performed on all current songs.
November 27, 51st Showa, Received the Medal with Dark Blue Awards.
September 52nd Showa、Performed old rare celebration in various places. October 30, perform as a dancer “Mai”at the Tokyo Betsukai. It was the final performance. November 3, Received the Order of the Sacred Treasure.
January 6, 53rd Showa, Admitted to Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital for kidney disease. June 14, the eldest daughter Akiko Takenaka was died. (45years old). He discharged in July, the admitted to and discharged.
54th Showa (1979) of February 18, 7:24, he was died due to renal failure. (71years old). He was Kaoru Omichi Torushin Householder and then 18 days to be ranked 5th