Taichi Saotome

His father is the head of the theatre troupe Gekidan Sujaku. Saotome grew up within the troupe, performing primarily in taishū engeki. Identified as having a natural talent as an onnagata (female impersonator), he has been trained in that field, and performs in female roles onstage.

In Zatoichi, Saotome played the child disguising himself as a geisha (Daigoro Tachibana). Though in a different troupe from Tachibana, they have frequently practiced and performed together. In Takeshis', Saotome played a young female impersonator and dancer. He played a bishōnen aesthetic, i.e. graceful, beautiful young men. He played Mori Ranmaru in a National Museum event called "Sengoku Fantasy", and on New Year's 2007, he played a young Horibe Yasubee in the NHK New Year's jidaigeki play. Saotome has appeared on stage. He created his official fan club in 2006. He said that he does not really understand his appeal, but is happy that people of all ages enjoy his performance.[1] His appearance on the variety show D no Gekijō in late January 2007 was one of a number of his events which have generated an overwhelming fan response. It was arranged that he would reprise the same performance, a dance in a flower-decorated kimono, at the Taishōkan, soon afterwards. The performance was sold out the next day. Saotome has expressed a desire to play men's roles and to perform in more mainstream or traditional theatre, saying that he has never much cared for playing female roles.[1] Saotome starred in the stage production of the otome game, Hakuouki in October 2010. He played vice commander, Hijikata Toshizo of Shinsengumi.

• This content is derived largely from the corresponding article on the Japanese Wikipedia, and from Saotome's official website (Accessed 2 March 2007).

• Official website (in Japanese)
• Taichi Saotome at IMDb