Ayame is famous for advocating that "onnagata" behave as women in all their interactions, both onstage and off. In "Ayamegusa", he is quoted as saying that "if actor does not live his normal life as if he was a woman, it will not be possible for him to be called a skillful "onnagata"." Following his own advice, Ayame cultivated his femininity throughout his offstage life, and was often treated as a woman by his fellow actors. His mentor, Arashi San'emon, and others are said to have praised him on many occasions for his devotion to his art.