His style was that of Kikugoro (VI) who was not blessed with a successor to the lead roles, and along with Baiko ONOE (VII), Sadanji ICHIKAWA (III) and Uzaemon ICHIMURA (XVII) they formed the Kikugoro Theater and successfully transmitted the kabuki skills of Kikuyoshi's age.
芸風は、立役の後継者に恵まれなかった六代目菊五郎のそれをよく受継ぎ、尾上梅幸(7代目)、市川左團次(3代目)、市村羽左衛門(17代目)らとともに菊五郎劇団を支え、菊吉時代の歌舞伎を伝えることに大きな功績があった。