Ichikawa Suisen III was a Japanese actress and dancer associated with the Shochiku era of Kabuki in Japan. Born as Horikoshi Kikue (堀越喜久榮) in Tsukiji, Kyobashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan, she comes from a family deeply rooted in Kabuki tradition. Her father was the fifth-generation Ichikawa Shinnosuke, a kabuki actor, and she was the second daughter of the ninth-generation Ichikawa Danjuro, also known as Ichikawa Asagiume. She was also the niece of the second Ichikawa Suisen.

In June 1929, she made her stage debut at Kabuki-za in "Modorikago," assuming the name Ichikawa Kobai (川紅梅). She later joined the Japan Actors' School and subsequently became a member of Shochiku New Theatre, performing in both Honryu Shochiku and Shinsei Shochiku after its division. In May 1957, she succeeded to the name Ichikawa Suisen III at Shinbashi Enbujo and assumed leadership of the Ichikawa school. She played a significant role in Shochiku New Theatre, eventually becoming its vice general after the passing of Hanayagi Shotaro.

(Source: MyDramaList) Edit Biography