Kids Web Japan

Yohei's mother claims her son's personality changed after he began studying kabuki. "He used to be a really shy," she recalls. "But now he doesn't hesitate to say what's on his mind in front of other people. Performing on stage probably boosted his confidence."

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  Yohei, front row left, and his family in front of his house.
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  Yohei on his way to school with his best friend Tsutomu.

Yohei also plays the Chichibu daiko and is a member of the basketball team at school. He says his favorite school subject is science. A peek in his room reveals a large collection of stamps and coins, which he says he inherited from his father. He also likes collecting Pepsi bottle caps and manga.

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  A large collection of coins.
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  Yohei keeps his room clean and tidy.
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  Rehearsing the Chichibu daiko (fourth from right).