leading male role in kabuki
Refers specifically to the principal male character type in kabuki, often the hero or central figure. The term is also used metaphorically for a leading figure in any group or undertaking.
He is famous as a leading male role actor in kabuki.
このプロジェクトでは彼が立役を務めた。
He played the leading role in this project.
女形 is a kabuki actor who specializes in female roles, while 立役 is an actor who plays male, heroic roles.
Standard kanji spelling for the kabuki leading male role.
Variant spelling with okurigana; also common.
Compound of 立 (tachi, 'standing' or 'leading') and 役 (yaku, 'role'). The term originates from kabuki theater, where the leading male actor often had a prominent standing position on stage.