Osaka Tourism Symbol Characters, Special Supporters, Ambassadors

Osaka Tourism Ambassador

Bunzo Otsuki

Appointed March 2021
Noh actor of the Shite-kata Kanze School of Noh.
Born in 1942 in Osaka.
Bunzo Otsuki is the eldest son of prominent Noh actor Hideo Otsuki, under whom he apprenticed the traditional Japanese theater of Noh, and also studied under other actors such as Hisao Kanze.
First debuting on the Noh stage for a performance of "Kurama Tengu" in 1947, Bunzo Otsuki has since performed in complex and skill-demanding productions, and has been actively involved in both classical and modern Noh plays.
Otsuki has received many awards celebrating his contributions to Japan through his art, including the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, the Japanology Prize, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. In 2016, Otsuki was designated a Living National Treasure, certifying him as a Preserver of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. He additionally received the Japan Art Academy Award, and in 2018 was chosen as Person of Cultural Merit.
Otsuki currently serves as a leader for several organizations in Osaka that cultivate and preserve the art of Noh, including the Otsuki Noh Theater.