Hosting the 2026 Exhibition III 'All About KABUKI Villains'
The Itsuo Art Museum will hold an exhibition from July 4 to August 30, 2026, focusing on the various 'villains' of Kabuki, utilizing its extensive collection of actor prints.
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The Itsuo Art Museum, operated by the Hankyu Cultural Foundation, is named after the pen name "Itsuo" of Ichizo Kobayashi (1873-1957), the founder of the current Hankyu Hanshin Toho Group. It opened in 1957 (and moved to its current location in 2009). The museum holds special exhibitions several times a year based on the 5,500 arts and crafts and approximately 22,000 Kabuki-related materials, such as actor prints, collected by Itsuo.
In Kabuki roles, a "Katakiyaku" means a villain. There are various types of these villains.
"Jitsuaku" literally means a truly evil character. "Kugeaku" refers to a villain of high noble status, such as a court noble. "Iroaku" is a villain with a chilling beauty and sex appeal. "Kunikuzushi" is a great villain capable of taking over a country. There are also "Charigataki," who are villains that elicit laughter.
When you line up these villains, you can also see the characteristics of their costumes that instantly identify them as "bad guys" the moment they appear on stage. Let's also look for the difference from characters who look evil at first glance but, as the story progresses, turn out to be deeply compassionate good people.
Villains are not just supporting characters who oppose the hero; they can also be main characters. Pay attention to the inexplicable charm that draws you in, even though they are cruel, ruthless, heartless, and fundamentally evil people!
Additionally, as related events, we will hold a lecture by Professor Ryuichi Kodama of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, and appreciation classes by the curator in charge. Furthermore, tea will be served at the chair-style tea room "Sokushin-an" located within the museum. The outline is as follows. Please do come and visit.
## Event Overview
- Exhibition Period: Saturday, July 4, 2026 - Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Closed: Every Monday (However, open on July 20, and closed on Tuesday, July 21)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)
- Venue: Itsuo Art Museum, 12-27 Sakaehonmachi, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture (10-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
- Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen (Various discounts/Groups: 500 yen), Students (High school and above): 500 yen (Discounts/Groups: 400 yen), Junior high school students and younger: Free
## Major Exhibits
(Original text ends here.)
In Kabuki roles, a "Katakiyaku" means a villain. There are various types of these villains.
"Jitsuaku" literally means a truly evil character. "Kugeaku" refers to a villain of high noble status, such as a court noble. "Iroaku" is a villain with a chilling beauty and sex appeal. "Kunikuzushi" is a great villain capable of taking over a country. There are also "Charigataki," who are villains that elicit laughter.
When you line up these villains, you can also see the characteristics of their costumes that instantly identify them as "bad guys" the moment they appear on stage. Let's also look for the difference from characters who look evil at first glance but, as the story progresses, turn out to be deeply compassionate good people.
Villains are not just supporting characters who oppose the hero; they can also be main characters. Pay attention to the inexplicable charm that draws you in, even though they are cruel, ruthless, heartless, and fundamentally evil people!
Additionally, as related events, we will hold a lecture by Professor Ryuichi Kodama of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, and appreciation classes by the curator in charge. Furthermore, tea will be served at the chair-style tea room "Sokushin-an" located within the museum. The outline is as follows. Please do come and visit.
## Event Overview
- Exhibition Period: Saturday, July 4, 2026 - Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Closed: Every Monday (However, open on July 20, and closed on Tuesday, July 21)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)
- Venue: Itsuo Art Museum, 12-27 Sakaehonmachi, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture (10-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
- Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen (Various discounts/Groups: 500 yen), Students (High school and above): 500 yen (Discounts/Groups: 400 yen), Junior high school students and younger: Free
## Major Exhibits
(Original text ends here.)