Nakamura Utaemon VI

Nakamura Utaemon VI
Nakamura Utaemon in 1951
Born
Fujio Kawamura

(1917-01-20)January 20, 1917
DiedMarch 31, 2001(2001-03-31) (aged 84)
Other namesNakamura Kotaro III

Nakamura Fukusuke VI

Nakamura Shikan VI
Years active1922–1996
Known forOnnagata-roles
ChildrenNakamura Baigyoku IV (adopted son)
Nakamura Kaishun II (adopted son)
FatherNakamura Utaemon V
RelativesNakamura Fukusuke V (older brother)

Nakamura Utaemon VI (中村歌右衛門 (6代目), January 20, 1917  March 31, 2001) was a Japanese kabuki performer and an artistic director of the Kabuki-za in Tokyo. He was a prominent member of a family of kabuki actors from the Keihanshin region.

Nakamura Utaemon was a stage name with significant cultural and historical connotations. The name Utaemon indicates personal status as an actor. Such a title can only be assumed after the death of a previous holder, under restrictive succession conventions.

He was considered the greatest onnagata of the post-War period, and was heralded as a "a divine messenger given to kabuki from heaven" during his naming ceremony.