名古屋歌舞伎ファンクラブ会長離任の挨拶 Farewell Speech by the President of the Nagoya Kabuki Club

名古屋歌舞伎ファンクラブ会長離任の挨拶（架空）

 Farewell Speech by the President of the Nagoya Kabuki Club（fiction)

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much for coming. I am honored to see so many kabuki fans here. Today, I am going to retire from the position of the president of the Nagoya Kabuki Fan Club, which has lasted for nearly 20 years.

I remember the day when our club started with only five members. Though the number was small, our love for kabuki was as passionate as the love between Okaru and Kanpei. Fortunately, the number of the fans gradually increased, and now it boasts more than 100.

Our club has supported Misonoza Theater mainly in three ways. First, we have been publishing the Misonoza Newsletter. It introduces what to see in the coming kabuki performances, covers interviews with kabuki actors and jyoruri chanters. It also includes opinions of the fan club members.

Secondly, we have solicited donations for Misonoza from companies in Tokai area. Seven years ago, Misonoza was immersed in a financial crises, and was near-bankrupt, but thanks to the desperate efforts of the fans and the donations from companies and businesses, Misonoza weathered through it.

I cried for joy when I knew that Misonoza, not only overcame the crisis, but would be reconstructed. During the five years when Misonoza was being reconstructed, we were just like fish out of water, unable to see kabuki plays, but last April the construction was completed, and kabuki resumed.

Thirdly, we have visited high schools in Nagoya to ask the principals to let the students see kabuki. Today N, H, and K high school students come to Misonoza and see kabuki every autumn. Kabuki is not only for middle and elderly people. It is also for young people. By increasing the number of kabuki fans among young people, I hope our fan club will prosper.

The only regret I have in retiring the office is the decrease of the kabuki audience in Nagoya. One of the reasons for this may be the expensive prices of kabuki seats. I recently discussed this problem with the president of Misonoza. I also advised him to introduce cheap standing-room-only tickets.

Lastly, I am going to walk down the hanamachi runway to the exit and pass the torch of the presidency to Mr. Ryuta Kaitani. I believe he will do his best to continue our activity and increase young kabuki fans, and ultimately prosper Misonoza Theater.

Thank you all and goodbye.