Title: "Kabuki Prince Ichikawa Danko Praises BTS's V: A Tale of Artistic Inspiration and Global Influence

Japan’s kabuki prince, Ichikawa Danko, recently shared his admiration for BTS’s V, also known as Kim Taehyung. In an interview with Japan’s media outlet Sponichi, Danko expressed his deep respect for V's artistry and stage presence. He mentioned being inspired by V's ability to effortlessly transition between charm and intensity, particularly after watching him in the DNA music video.
Danko's admiration for V, fondly called "TaeTae," began with the DNA music video and extended to studying V's style, performances, and fashion as part of his creative process. He even shared a childhood memory of asking his mother to buy him the same black shirt V wore during a DNA dance practice. Danko praised V's commitment to performance and noted how V's music helped him cope with personal loss after his grandfather's passing in September 2023.
Following the interview's publication, fans flooded social media platforms with messages of admiration for V. They praised his global influence and ability to inspire artists across different cultures. The phrase "ARTIST OF ARTISTS TAEHYUNG" trended on social media, with fans celebrating V's impact on various artistic fields.
Despite recent controversies surrounding V's involvement with Coca-Cola and the Love Your W charity event, fans welcomed Ichikawa Danko's interview as a validation of V's artistry and global influence. They viewed Danko's praise as a positive contrast to the online criticism V has faced.
Ichikawa Danko, recognized as the next-generation successor of kabuki, holds the title of a "prince" in the Japanese traditional performing arts world. His grandfather was also a revered figure in kabuki and was known as a Japanese Living National Treasure for his revolutionary contributions to the art form.
Meanwhile, BTS's V made headlines when he attended the Celine Été 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week as a global ambassador for Celine. His appearance sparked massive social media buzz, with millions of mentions and engagements within a short period. V, along with his fellow BTS members, is currently gearing up for the group's comeback album set to release in Spring 2026.
In conclusion, Ichikawa Danko's admiration for BTS's V highlights the idol's significant influence in the global artistic community. V's ability to inspire fans and fellow artists across cultures continues to solidify his position as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.