Kondo Kenzo

He is a shite actor of the Hosho school of Noh. He was born in Tokyo. He trained under the 16th Hosho Kuro from the age of 11, and became the leading figure of the Hosho school after Matsumoto Nagashi and Noguchi Kanesuke. He was recognized as a holder of an important intangible cultural property in 1966, a member of the Japan Art Academy in 1976, and a Person of Cultural Merit in 1985. His style of performance is solid and clear, but he also excels in dramatic expression. He recovered from a serious illness and is the oldest performer on stage, having performed beyond the age of 90. His books include Saru ogase, Koshikata, and Noh - My Life. His juniors include Takahashi Susumu, Tanaka Ikunosuke, Matsumoto Shigeo, and Kanai Akira. Kondo Kennosuke (1928-2015) is his eldest son.

[Masuda Shozo]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

能の宝生(ほうしょう)流シテ方。東京生まれ。11歳から16世宝生九郎の下で修業、松本長(ながし)、野口兼資(かねすけ)に次ぐ宝生流の重鎮となる。1966年（昭和41）重要無形文化財保持者に認定、1976年日本芸術院会員、1985年文化功労者。堅実で清冽(せいれつ)な芸風で、一方ドラマチックな表現にも秀でる。大病後再起し、90歳を超えて舞台を勤めた最長老。著書に『さるをがせ』『こしかた』『能――わが生涯』などがある。後輩に高橋進、田中幾之助(いくのすけ)、松本恵雄(しげお)、金井章ほか。近藤乾之助(けんのすけ)（1928―2015）は長男。

［増田正造］

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