Shigeyama Ippei (茂山逸平)
Ippei SHIGEYAMA (June 12, 1979 -) is a Kyogen performer and actor (Kyogen: a genre of the Japanese traditional performing arts - a kind of farce).
Born in Kyoto City
Graduated from Higashiyama Junior High School and Higashiyama Senior High School
Left Japanese History Major, College of Letters, Ritsumeikan University in mid-course
Has been learning under his father Shime SHIGEYAMA, the second, his grandfather Sensaku SHIGEYAMA, the fourth, and his great-grandfather Sensaku SHIGEYAMA, the third
Made his debut on the stage playing a role of a kid in 'Narihira-mochi' (業平餅: ARIWARA no Narihira and the Rice Cakes) in 1983
In 1994 he formed 'Hanagata Kyogen Shonen-tai' (which means 'young Kyogen stars' team') with his elder brother Motohiko SHIGEYAMA and his cousin Shigeru SHIGEYAMA. Since 2000, he has been involved in the activities of Shin・Gi・Tai - Kyoikuteki Koten Kyogen Suishin Junbi Kenshu Renma no Kai (TOPPA!) (Spirit, Technique and Strength - A Group for Training and Practice for the Preparation of the Promotion of Educational Classic Kyogen) which he organized in that year together with Senzabro SHIGEYAMA, Masakuni SHIGEYAMA, Motohiko, Shigeru and Doji SHIGEYAMA.
He has made a remarkable showing too as an actor appearing in NHK's morning drama series "Kyo - Futari" and "Audrey (morning drama series)" and NHK historical drama "MUSASHI" (NHK General TV) and others.
He had suspended activities since September 17, 2006 due to making a visit to France as a trainee under the overseas study program for upcoming artists of the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
September 2007: Returned to Japan
2008: Married
January 2009: The eldest son was born.