Heir (eldest son) - Onzoushi

Japanese: 御曹司(御曹子) - おんぞうし

A term used in the performing arts. Refers to the son of a nobleman (a nobleman or upper-class samurai) who has not yet reached adulthood. By extension, in the world of theater, it refers to the son of a high-ranking official. Kabuki actors held a low social position, but if they came from a prestigious family, many lived an extravagant lifestyle comparable to that of a daimyo. As a rule, the family's lineage, art, and name were protected by the eldest son, and the son was given special treatment in all respects and brought up with great care. He was an actor who was promised a high-ranking position from birth. [Oda Koji]

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

芸能用語。貴人(公家や上流武家)のまだ一人前にならない子息をさす。転じて芝居の世界では，大幹部の子息のことをいう。社会的には低い位置にあった歌舞伎役者ではあるが，名門となれば大名にも匹敵するような豪奢な生活をしていた者も少なくない。その家柄と家の芸と名跡（みようせき）は長男によって守られるのが原則で，その子息はすべてに別格の待遇を受けて大切に育てられる。生まれながらに大幹部を約束された役者である。【織田紘二】

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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