Nakamura Kan'emon III

was a Japanese actor and political activist. Best known in Japan for performing in kabuki theatre, he co-founded , Japan's oldest and largest repertory theatre company, in 1931. He also appeared in numerous films, most notably Humanity and Paper Balloons, The 47 Ronin (1941), Kwaidan (1964), Samurai Banners (1969), and Under the Flag of the Rising Sun (1972).

After World War II, Nakamura joined the Japanese Communist Party and was targeted during the Red Purge. In 1952, following a violent confrontation with authorities during a Zenshinza tour, he fled to China, living in exile until 1955. While abroad, he served as deputy leader and acting chairman of the Japanese delegation at the 1952 Asia and Pacific Rim Peace Conference in Beijing. Upon his return to Japan, he resumed acting and leadership of Zenshinza, guiding the company until his death in 1982.

Life and career Nakamura was born on February 2, 1901, in Shitaya, Tokyo (now Taitō, Tokyo). His father, , was a kabuki actor and theatre manager who encouraged his son to pursue a stage career. In 1906, at the age of five, Nakamura made his debut at his father's theatre, portraying a crow tengu in the play Yamauba. In November 1911, he and his father became disciples of Nakamura Utaemon V, and Nakamura adopted the stage name . Nakamura (wearing glasses) returns to Japan in November 1955 after three years of exile in China, greeted by and supporters. In May 1952, while touring Hokkaido, Zenshinza was prevented from using a reserved school gymnasium in Akabira by local authorities and police-supported groups. The ensuing confrontation, which became known as the Akabira Incident, led to arrests, injuries, and an arrest warrant for Kan'emon III on charges of trespassing and assault. He evaded capture for over a week, at one point appearing on stage disguised as the exiled priest Shunkan, before fleeing Japan clandestinely on a fishing boat. He reached the People's Republic of China, where he lived in exile from 1952 to 1955.

During his exile, Kan'emon participated in the October 1952 Asia and Pacific Rim Peace Conference in Beijing, serving as the acting-chief of the Japanese delegation after the original delegates were denied passports by the Japanese government. The Central Intelligence Agency referred to him as "Kanemou Nakamura" in a report on the conference.

He returned to Japan on November 6, 1955, arriving at Haneda Airport to a large welcoming crowd. Through mediation by prominent supporters, the outstanding warrant was withdrawn. He was later tried for trespassing and illegal departure, receiving a six-month suspended sentence. He resumed acting immediately, later appearing in films such as Kwaidan (1964). He also wrote several autobiographial books thereafter. a position he held until his death in Tokyo on 21 September 1982, aged 81. He was buried at Tama Cemetery. Shinsengumi (1937) The Abe Clan (1938) Banzuiin Chobei (1940) Monument to the Girl's Corps (1968) Samurai Banners (1969) Tengu-to (1969) Shinsengumi (1969) Gekieiga Okinawa (1970) Inn of Evil (1971) Under the Flag of the Rising Sun (1972) Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman (TV 1974–1979) Yokomizo Seishi shirizu (TV 1977) Amagi goe (1978) Shura no tabishite (1979)