Kabuki Actor Tsurumatsu Nakamura Arrested for Property Damage; Apology Offered, Name Succession Delayed

“He was such a hard worker”

“I deeply apologize for causing concern and trouble. I will respond to the victims with all sincerity.”

On the evening of January 19, a large number of reporters had gathered in front of Kuramae Police Station. Just after 7 p.m., a man in a black suit with the top button fastened and a dark navy tie appeared. His eyebrows were neatly groomed, and his sharp, determined face drew attention. He was the kabuki actor Tsurumatsu Nakamura, also known as Daiki Shimizu, 30 years old.

In the early hours of January 18, he had been arrested on the spot for property damage after breaking the door of a restaurant in Taito Ward, Tokyo.

“Shimizu allegedly entered a kebab restaurant in Nishi-Asakusa, Taito Ward, around 12:50 a.m. on the 18th. He reportedly used the restroom without permission, was reprimanded by staff, and then began acting violently. During the incident, he is suspected of kicking and breaking the wooden door near the entrance. When questioned, he reportedly said he doesn’t remember because he was drunk” (reporter from a national newspaper social affairs desk).

The following morning, Shimizu’s custody was transferred to the public prosecutor’s office, and he returned to Kuramae Station just after 6 p.m. in sweatpants. At that time, his hair fell over his forehead, his expression was blank, and he walked into the building hunched over. The opening scene described above took place less than an hour later.

When Shimizu emerged from the building in a suit, he noticed over 30 reporters. For a moment, his eyes darted left and right, showing signs of agitation. Nevertheless, he quickly straightened his expression, spoke words of apology, and bowed his head. When asked by reporters, “Do you admit the misconduct?” he did not answer and got into the waiting car.

Shimizu is not from the traditional kabuki family (the rikien), but a kabuki actor from an ordinary family. He joined a theater troupe and, in 2005, at the age of 10, was discovered by the late 18th Kansaburo Nakamura (passed away at 57) and became a heyako (apprentice). He was considered the hope of the Nakamura family, following Kankuro Nakamura VI (44) and Shichinosuke Nakamura II (42). It had been announced that he would succeed the name Maizuru Nakamura I during the “Saruwaka Festival February Grand Kabuki” at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za, opening on February 1.

At the time, Shimizu was performing in the “New Year Asakusa Kabuki” at Asakusa Public Hall, but the organizer, Shochiku, announced his suspension. His agency also announced a temporary suspension on its official website on the 21st. As a result, his name succession was postponed. Regarding the incident, they stated:

“On the early morning of January 18, Tsurumatsu Nakamura, in a drunken state, visited the affected establishment. A misunderstanding during ordering caused a trouble, and he kicked open the automatic door at the entrance of the store.”

They also clarified:

“This is not a dispute over borrowing or using the restroom, as some reports suggested.”

A member of the kabuki world lamented:

“I’ve never heard that he had a problem with drinking, so perhaps the pressure of the name succession was a factor. But the timing is just terrible. In 2005, Shichinosuke Nakamura II was arrested on the spot for obstructing a public officer after getting drunk, riding a taxi without paying, and assaulting the responding police officer. He received a three-month suspension then.

Tsurumatsu’s case is almost the same, so postponing the name succession may have been unavoidable. His popularity was rising due to the movie ‘National Treasure,’ and female fans were beginning to actively support him. He was truly a hard worker, rising from an ordinary family to be considered a promising young talent. It’s truly unfortunate. He will have to rebuild trust from scratch, but this is also a significant blow to the kabuki world.”

It is expected that the investigation will continue while he remains at home.