Onoe Shoroku as Kudo Suketsune in the play

Kudo Suketsune is the principal antagonist of the Soga Brothers cycle, the lord whose killing of their father sets the vendetta in motion and against whom the brothers' lifelong revenge is directed. As a villain figure in jidaimono, the role carries particular theatrical demands: Suketsune must project authority and menace simultaneously, occupying a position of power that makes his eventual fate dramatically significant. Onoe Shoroku, known for his mastery of aragoto-influenced roles requiring physical presence and vocal power, would bring commanding force to the character. Kokei's rendering would likely show Shoroku in the formal dress of a high-ranking lord — heavy kamishimo, severe facial expression — with the graphic clarity of outline and flat color area that defines his [yakusha-e](/glossary/yakusha-e) approach. The incomplete title suggests the play name was omitted from the available record, but the role and its dramatic context are well established in the kabuki repertoire.