Background
Denkichi Miyazaki was born in Kamigata in 1700.
電吉 宮崎
Denkichi Miyazaki was born in Kamigata in 1700.
Denkichi Miyazaki starts his career at an unknown date, performing under the name of Miyazaki Denzaburô. Later on, he takes the name of Miyazaki Denkichi. No authentic dates are available. Is said to have first played roles of young men in Kyoto, and then samurai roles. Became one of the three leading Kabuki actors of Edo, the others being Danjuro Ichikawa and Shichisaburo Nakamura.
Miyazaki Denkichi was an Edo stage giant during the Genroku period, sharing almost the same level of fame as the actors Ichikawa Danjûrô I, Nakamura Shichisaburô I or Nakamura Denkurô I. He was at his best in yatsushi, jitsugotoshi or budôgoto roles. His best role was Soga Jûrô Sukenari (sogamono), which he played in 17 new year dramas.
Quotes from others about the person
Zoë Kincaid in "Kabuki, the Popular Stage of Japan": "He was put in prison with other actors in connection with a scandal in a nunnery. The abbess of the institution was a favorite at the Shôgun's Court, and in consequence of her high position, and because the entrance of the despised play folks within her female fold was regarded as a laxity of moral practice that deserved high punishment, she was sentenced to death and the actors were imprisoned. Miyazaki Denkichi played on the stages of the three towns, but died in obscurity, very likely as a result of his irregular life."