Learning Japanese from the news / 10 rakugo-ka promoted to shinuchi status
Rakugo Kyokai, the largest among four organizations in the Kanto region representing rakugo-ka — the storytellers of rakugo, Japan’s traditional comedic storytelling — promoted as many as 10 members this spring to shinuchi status. Rakugo-ka with such status are regarded as full-fledged performers. It is rare for 10 rakugo-ka to be promoted to shinuchi status at one time. The last time this happened was 14 years ago.
To become a rakugo-ka, an individual needs to be a disciple of a rakugo master first and undergo training. If they develop their skills sufficiently enough to be recognized by their masters and seniors, they are allowed to perform rakugo on stages called “koza” in storyteller’s theaters, which are called “yose,” in front of audiences.
After attaining the status of shinuchi, rakugo-ka are allowed to play the role of “tori,” which means they can perform at the end of a day’s shows at the yose. The last performer of a day attracts great attention from the audience.
Sanyutei Tsukasa, one of the 10 rakugo-ka who were promoted this time, became a disciple of his master in 1998. He was upbeat, saying, “As there are many rivals, I’m considering how I can stand out.”