Kikugoro was in competence with Kichiemon NAKAMURA I who performed Matsuzo, and combined with the lines made up of the famous meter, their exchange was so extreme as though they were having a big argument.
芸を競い合う仲だった中村吉右衛門(初代)が勤める松蔵とのやりとりは、名調子の台詞もあいまって火花を散らすような凄さだったという。