Kanze Kiyokazu (観世清和)
Kiyokazu KANZE (May 21, 1959 -) is a leading traditional Japanese Noh drama performer (shite-kata) and member of the Kanze school (one of the 5 major Noh troupes). Kiyokazu is the 26th hereditary head of the KANZE family.
Kiyokazu is Motomasa KANZE's eldest son.
Kiyokazu studied under his father and in 1964 at the age of 4 treaded the boards in the world of Noh for the first time in the production of the Robin Hood like play 'Kurama Tengu.'
Graduated from the Special Course of the Department of Traditional Japanese Music in the Music Faculty of Tokyo University of the Arts. Inherited the role of head of the family in September 1990. In 1995 Kiyokazu papered in productions of: 'Matsura Sayohime' (Princess Sayo of Matsura) and 'Unoha' (Feathers of Cormorant). In 1995 was awarded the new face award of Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts. He has participated in many overseas performances starting with France in 1983, and followed by US, India, China and so on. Won the French award of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Executive trustee of the the Association for Japanese Noh Plays.
Administrative director of the Kanze Library
Administrative director of the Kanze Association
Kiyokazu's younger brothers are Yaemon YAMASHINA, aka Yoshinobu KANZE.