Ichikawa Kodanji 4th was the actor most active in the Saruwaka-machi period. Even though Kodanji was not from a distinguished family, he was an unique actor who became a Zagashira [leading actor of company] because of his genuine ability. He was of small build and his face and figure were not particularly attractive, so he specialized in Buyo (dancing) and the special dramatic techniques called Keren. Realistic art techniques were his main drawing point.

The writer Kawatake Mokuami, who was active in the in the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate and in the Meiji period, provided many works that suited Kodanji's art and techniques.
Kawatake Mokuami specialized in writing works called "Shiranamimono" in which thieves appear, and he left many excellent works realistically depicting the lives of the common people of Edo. He effectively incorporated shichigo-cho (seven-and-five syllable meter) dialogue and music such as Kiyomoto. Mokuami remained active in the Meiji period, providing his works to Ichikawa Danjuro 9th, Onoe Kikugoro 5th and Ichikawa Sadanji 1st. Mokuami's works still comprise a large percentage of the current Kabuki repertoire.
Mokuami's most important works are "Sannin kichisa kuruwa no hatsugai" in which Ichikawa Kodanji played the leading role, "Aotozoshi hana no nishikie" [common name "Shiranami gonin otoko"], which put Onoe Kikugoro 5th on the road to success, and "Kumo ni magou ueno no hatsuhana" which Mokuami wrote after the Meiji period started to preserve the public morals of the Edo period, and a Buyogeki "Tsuchigumo."

> Representative repertoire items: "Sannin kichisa kuruwa no hatsugai"

> Representative repertoire items: "Aotozoshi hana no nishikie"

> Representative repertoire items: "Kumo ni magou ueno no hatsuhana"