 Upon his return from Edo the first time, in 1693, he performed for the first time alongside "tachiyaku" Sakata Tōjūrō I, in the premiere of "Butsumo Mayasan Kaichō" by famous playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon.Ayame and Tōjūrō would perform as partners countless times over the course of their careers.Performing primarily in Kyoto, with some brief stints in Osaka, Ayame acted in countless plays, and became very well regarded in the Kamigata theatre world.