Sakata Toojuuroo in kabuki costume

Japanese kabuki actor, Sakata Toojuuroo, hailed as the "Japanese Mei Lanfang," is expected to tour China in September.

Along with a drama group, Sakata Toojuuroo will bring two classic pieces of kabuki art to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Guangzhou.

Sakata Toojuuroo, 76, has been a renowned kabuki performer for over 50 years. He is famous for playing different roles in one drama.

September will be his second visit to China. His first was in 2004 during the 2nd Beijing International Drama Festival.

He had expressed his hope to meet with Mei Jiubao, a Peking Opera artist and the son of late Peking Opera master, Mei Lanfang, during his stay.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theatre with its origins in the Edo period in the 17th century.

(CRI.com July 7, 2007)