In Kabuki, many actors were worshipped as heroes of the stage. Rikan and Shikan were two rival actors that dominated the stage from 1805-1821. It is noted that Shikan could have been more famous because his acting career was 17 years longer than Rikan’s. Shikan also toured in Edo, the major city in Japan at the time, while Rikan did not. This rivalry however, held an advantage for Rikan and Shikan in terms of increasing their publicity.
Throughout their careers, Rikan and Shikan refused to be seen on stage together, until one night when they were scheduled to perform in the same show. This performance of the two greatest kabuki actors at the time thrilled the fans, so the actors agreed to follow through. Before the performance however, Rikan suddenly died, never having the chance to act with Shikan, his rival.
Throughout their careers, Rikan and Shikan refused to be seen on stage together, until one night when they were scheduled to perform in the same show. This performance of the two greatest kabuki actors at the time thrilled the fans, so the actors agreed to follow through. Before the performance however, Rikan suddenly died, never having the chance to act with Shikan, his rival.