Japanese kabuki star detained in connection with mother's suicide
Entertainment
Rescue workers discovered Ichikawa's 76-year-old father, a kabuki actor, and his 75-year-old mother
(Web Desk) - After both of his parents were found unconscious at his house last month, one of the most well-known kabuki actors in Japan was detained on suspicion of aiding his mother's suicide on Tuesday, according to local media.
Public broadcaster NHK and other outlets confirmed Ennosuke Ichikawa's arrest, citing police sources, as they displayed footage of a car seemingly transporting him from a hospital to a police station.
The 47-year-old Ichikawa - a star of the traditional type of theatre who has appeared in London, Amsterdam, and the Paris Opera House - was detained.
At his residence in the capital, rescue workers discovered Ichikawa's 76-year-old father, a kabuki actor, and his 75-year-old mother comatose.
Both were eventually determined to be dead, and according to the sources, authorities are also looking into his father's death.
On that day, Ichikawa was found unconscious at his house and transported there for questioning before being taken to the hospital.
According to NHK, the suspect admitted to police that his parents had taken sleeping drugs and that the family had "discussed dying and being reborn".
Additionally, it was claimed that Ichikawa's home had a note that appeared to be a suicide note.
Ichikawa, whose real name is Takahiko Kinoshi, first appeared in kabuki in 1980 and has since grown to be one of the nation's most well-known actors.
According to his website, he has previously been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for dancing performance.
