This essay discusses the performances of Hamlet by the Japanese director, NINAGAWA Yukio. Ninagawa has directed this tragedy six times, and among his Shakespearean productions, Hamlet is his most frequent. Each production was a turning point in his history as a director. Now he is 73 years old, and through his own experiences he has changed the theme and direction on Hamlet. However, his direction in 2003 was most significant.

At first this essay will briefly review the history of Ninagawa's five Hamlets and reexamine each performance. Then the 2003 Hamlet, which is the newest direction and most controversial performance among Ninagawa's Hamlet, will be investigated associating the direction with the text and the criticisms. From the view point of thanatology, this essay will discuss the depictions of Hamlet and Fortinbras. Thirdly, Ninagawa's consideration about his own age and senescence will be presented and its association with his direction will be pointed out. Finally, this essay will make clear his present state in his own career as a director.