My latest work “Toshusai Sharaku in Noh Costume”

How can I draw the face of this mysterious man?
Sometimes artists leave traces of themselves in their own works. I sought the only clue there.
Do many people know faces of supporting actors?
Do portraits depict how actors actually look? Even if they do not, does anyone see the difference?
I should not be the only one who has a strange feeling about this portrait of Nakamura Korezo.

Sharaku and Korezo have something in common.
Both are around the same age, look alike, and they are close friends.
When the actor gets this role, Sharaku comes up with the idea to appear in his work as Korezo.
They look at each other with a secret sense of satisfaction.

I made up this bizarre tale in my imagination.

Tsuruya Koukei, October 31, 2025