Rodayu Toyotake

He entered the company in 1967 and called himself Rodayu Toyotake, and took the stage for the first time the following year. Following the exuberation of his grandfather, the voice of Toyotake Wakatayu (Living National Treasure), and the dignity of his master, Koshijidayu Takemoto (Living National Treasure), he is fascinated by his rigid and juicy storytelling.
It began with the National Theater Encouragement Award in 1971, the Bunraku Association Award in 1978, and the Bunraku Excellence Award at the National Theater Bunraku Prize in 2003.
In April 2017, he succeeded to the name of Rodayu Toyotake. In 2017, he was awarded the JXTG Music Award in the Japanese Music Category (award given to people who have made significant contributions to Japanese music culture = former Mobile Music Award). In 2018, he was awarded the Bunraku Excellence Award at the National Bunraku Theater. In April Reiwa, he was promoted to “Kirigatari”, which is considered to be the highest rank of tayu in Ningyo Joruri Bunraku. He has been familiar with poetry and novels since his teens, and his book is “Rodayu Toyotake, The Sixth” (co-authored with Tsuyoshi Katayama). We approach the Joruri world from the viewpoint of literature and music.
He has also worked on new works represented by “Gospel in Bunraku”, and in recent years he has been active in a wide range of fields, such as challenging collaborations with Noh, Kyogen, Rakugo, Classical, Opera, contemporary poetry, etc.

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