Izumi | The Kabuki Phantom

Appearance

Izumi is a striking and graceful figure, befitting his role as an onnagata, a male actor who plays female roles in kabuki theater. He is somewhat tall but lithe, with an elegant and almost ethereal beauty. His long, dark greenish hair cascades down his back, often styled to fit his roles on stage. His piercing yellow eyes are captivating, though one is partially hidden by his hair, concealing a burn scar over his right eye. This scar, a painful reminder of his past, is further disguised by expert use of makeup, making it undetectable to others. His delicate features and poise enhance his ability to portray feminine characters with authenticity and grace.

Personality

Izumi is generally a kind and gentle person, exuding warmth that draws people to him. He describes himself as "low-maintenance", preferring simplicity in his personal life. Despite his past, he has cultivated a sense of emotional openness, often acting as a source of comfort and support for those around him. However, this openness does not extend to his own history or traumas, which he keeps carefully hidden. Izumi is a diligent and dedicated actor who takes his craft seriously, embodying the discipline and passion required for kabuki. Though outwardly calm and approachable, there is a quiet strength within him, shaped by his struggles. He has a modern, relatively informal way of speaking.

Backstory

Izumi's childhood was marked by both brilliance and tragedy. Born into a family that valued perfection in the performing arts, he was trained as an actor from a very young age. However, his parents’ relentless drive for excellence took a dark turn—they punished him severely for any perceived failure. One day, after making a mistake, his parents pushed his face into a fire, leaving him with the burn scar that he now hides. That moment became a turning point; Izumi ran away from his abusive household and found refuge in a kabuki theater. He now lives in a modest room backstage, considering the theater not just his workplace but his sanctuary.

The Phantom

The abuse Izumi endured during his childhood led to the creation of an alter ego he calls the Phantom. This alternate personality emerged as a coping mechanism to endure the horrors inflicted upon him. The Phantom is a harsher, more obsessive version of Izumi, driven by survival instincts and an unrelenting will to push forward. When the Phantom takes control, Izumi's body becomes a vessel for a darker persona, often signified by the Phantom’s use of a white wig and a black Japanese mask. The Phantom’s presence is unpredictable and uncontrollable, surfacing in moments of extreme stress or vulnerability. While Izumi acknowledges the Phantom as the reason he survived his past, he struggles to reconcile its existence with his current life.

Kabuki Theater

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines drama, dance, and music. It originated in the early 17th century and is known for its elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup, and stylized performances. Kabuki actors often portray exaggerated emotions and use precise movements to tell stories of historical events, moral conflicts, or legends. Onnagata roles are a cornerstone of kabuki theater. Historically, women were banned from performing in kabuki, so male actors like Izumi took on female roles. These performances require not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of femininity and grace. Kabuki plays often explore themes of love, loyalty, and revenge, with performances accompanied by traditional music and narration. The theater itself is a vibrant space, with a rotating stage and intricate set designs that enhance the storytelling. Behind the scenes, kabuki actors dedicate themselves to their craft, adhering to rigorous training and practice to perfect their performances.