Ryu Kotaro
Ryu Kotaro
Ryu Kotaro is a rare species of superstar among many Asakusa district performers. He has been in the entertainment world since kindergarten age, and has virtually captured the hearts of the many Japanese older and younger women. He did his first performance in the age of three, apparently against his own will. Her performed many female roles, and according to his own words, it was fun to dress up. He studied in conservatory under Bando Tamasaburo, who apparently was great tutor for him.
Ryu Kotaro mostly dresses up as a geisha or as a woman and he moves and sings with such elegance that it was really hard to tell him from a woman at first. His eyes and movement has such seduction and energy that it makes young man like me, question whether I'm really straight.. And he truly is beautiful in beautiful kimono and white makeup. His singing goes right to the heart of the audience.
But it's not only his makeup and beautifully, perfectly made kimono, but there is something more. A pure love for what he is doing. His humour is captivating and everyone is soon giggling so hard that tears come. He constantly interacts with the audience, and even me, a rare foreigner, felt accepted and totally welcome there.
At the end of his show, he makes fun of the various Ryu Kotaro products there are available in Asakusa, including Ryu Kotaro CD's, stationery and a towel! And audience applauses, and then applauses some more. Until he emerges, one more time.
He published "Kotaro Ryu Collection 1 " CD in 2005 January that is available from cdjapan site. Sadly not yet in iTunes Music Store.
