The 100th Kenshin-ko Festival Actor Ken Matsudaira plays the role of Lord Kenshin!

2025.1.31

Uesugi KenshinJoetsu City松平健謙信公祭

Actor Ken Matsudaira, 71, will play the role of Lord Kenshin at the 100th Kenshin-ko Festival to be held in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, on August 23 (Sat.) and 24 (Sun.) this year.

Photo courtesy of Miki Promotion Inc.

Ken Matsudaira comment
I am very honored to participate in the 100th “Kenshin-ko Festival,” which is a commemorative event. Even in the age of warring factions, Lord Uesugi Kenshin was a brilliant and wise leader and a great general. I have played many heroes in period dramas over the years, but this is the first time I have played Kenshin. I would like to play the role of the great Lord Kenshin, who is still widely loved not only by the people of Echigo-Tsumari but also by many others, while thinking back to the days gone by.

Photo courtesy of Miki Promotion Inc.

According to the Kenshin-ko Festival Support Committee, they decided to invite a guest to play the role of Kenshin-ko in order to celebrate this milestone year and to promote the Kenshin-ko Festival, Joetsu City, and the spirit of righteousness throughout Japan. The selection process was based on the following criteria: the guest must be well known throughout Japan regardless of age or gender, and must have experience in sword fighting, acting, and horseback riding, The decision was made to select Ken Matsudaira, who is loved by people of all ages for his appearances in numerous period dramas including “Rorenbo Shogun,” his breakthrough role in “Matsuken Samba,” and his activities as a YouTuber. The city has been in discussions with Matsudaira since last November, and recently signed a contract with the city.

Ken Matsudaira will appear as Lord Kenshin in a procession on Saturday, August 23, and in a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima.

Ken Matsudaira Profile
■Date of birth: November 28, 1953
■Place of birth: Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
■Height: 177 centimeters
■Hobbies: Walking, cars
■Occupation: Actor, singer, TV personality, YouTuber