Exhibitions, Shows Mark 100th Birthday of Legendary Storyteller Katsura Beicho; Late Performer Was Known as ‘God of Kamigata Rakugo' and ‘Living National Treasure'
Photos of Katsura Beicho's stage performances are seen during a special exhibition in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
Katsura Beicho gives a rakugo performance in Osaka in July 2001.
OSAKA — This year marks 100 years since the birth and 10 years since the death of legendary rakugo storyteller Katsura Beicho III (1925-2015). A number of plans have been made to pay tribute to the man and explore his achievements and character, including for rakugo performance events to be held by his disciples and for special exhibitions and publications to introduce people to the valuable materials he left behind.
Beicho is widely praised as 'the father of the Kamigata rakugo revival' which occurred in the Kamigata area around Kyoto and Osaka. He was named a holder of important intangible cultural property — a living national treasure — in 1996.
Beicho was born in modern-day Dalian, China, and grew up in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. While attending Daito Bunka Gakuin, now Daito Bunka University, Beicho began studying rakugo under novelist Iruru Masaoka, who was also a researcher of the culture of yose entertainment theaters.
In 1947, Beicho became a disciple of Katsura Yonedanji IV, aiming to become a rakugo performer and revive Kamigata rakugo, which was in danger of going into decline.
Beicho later gained popularity as a rakugo performer for his deft use of language and graceful way of speaking. He subsequently became known as one of the 'Big Four' along with Shofukutei Shokaku VI, Katsura Bunshi V and Katsura Harudanji III.
Even among this group, Beicho was particularly scholarly. He revived long-unperformed stories such as 'Jigoku Bakkei Moja no Tawamure' (A dead man enjoys eight views of hell), a story about the experiences of a man who dies and roams the afterlife.
He also published a number of books, including collections of his stories and essays, full of insights into Kamigata rakugo. Beicho also created many audio recordings of his performances. In recognition of his contribution to the world of Kamigata entertainment, Beicho was awarded the Order of Culture in 2009, making him the first rakugo storyteller to receive this honor.
Precious draft
In Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, where Beicho lived, a special exhibition, entitled 'Katsura Beicho: Hanashika no Sugata' (Katsura Beicho: The image of a rakugo storyteller) was held earlier this year at the Amagasaki Cultural Center. About 190 items connected to the performer were put on display, including photos of his performances taken by the exclusive photographer for Beicho and his disciples.
Messages from his master Yonedanji gave a window into Beicho's youth. One postcard expresses Yonedanji's frustration about a performance by Beicho, saying, 'Even given the condition you were in, your performance was extremely dissatisfying.' But another letter from Yonedanji offers encouragement: 'When you are young you have to be conceited.'
The Yomiuri Shimbun
A draft of a rakugo story called 'Inu no Kuyami' (Condolences for your dog) is displayed at a special exhibition in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Beicho also created new stories while exploring and performing classical stories. A draft of a story called 'Inu no Kuyami' (Condolences for your dog) written on a piece of straw paper was displayed at the exhibition. The sheet of paper was filled with plot points and phrases from the story — whose existence had not been known when Beicho was alive — in tiny writing.
'His study of Kamigata entertainment and exchanges with people of culture from both eastern and western Japan contributed to his big achievements in reviving Kamigata rakugo,' the center's official in charge of the exhibition said. 'He displayed great skill, putting the extensive knowledge he gained from these activities back together and expressing it all in the form of rakugo stories.'
Memories of Beicho
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The front cover of 'Katsura Beicho ga Nokoshita Takaramono' (Treasures left by Katsura Beicho)
In February, a book titled 'Katsura Beicho ga Nokoshita Takaramono' (Treasures left by Katsura Beicho) was published by Tankosha Publishing. The book is split into two parts. In the first, 'Mono-Hen' (Things), rakugo researcher Koji Ozawa, who had a close relationship with Beicho and has been sorting out papers left behind by Beicho at his residence, writes about these documents, which number roughly 40,000.
In the second chapter, 'Hito-Hen' (People), 13 of Beicho's disciples relate memories of their master. During his life, Beicho fostered 22 direct disciples, including such famous entertainers as Tsukitei Kacho, Katsura Shijaku and Katsura Zakoba. Including second-generation and later performers and those who are now deceased, his family of followers comprises a total of 90 rakugo storytellers.
The chapter also includes a discussion between second-generation disciple Katsura Nanko and two other performers, Katsura Bunchin and Shofukutei Tsurube, who were acquainted with Beicho despite being members of a different family. This section of the book gives the reader a glimpse of how Beicho was loved beyond the boundaries of rakugo families.
Memorial rakugo tour
Beicho's disciples are going on a nationwide tour of performances to pay tribute to their master. The tour began on March 19, the anniversary of Beicho's passing, and will include performances in 19 locations, including ones in Okayama, Fukuoka and Ibaraki prefectures, with the last shows scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9 at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. In addition to his disciples' performances, video of Beicho performing will be shown and roundtable discussions between the disciples will be held.
These performances are filled with the disciples' fervent hopes that, in a time when there are more and more people who have never heard a rakugo performance by Beicho, audiences will learn a little about the 'God of Kamigata rakugo.'
***
Eldest son speaks about Beicho
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Katsura Yonedanji V, Beicho's eldest son, talks about his father.
The Yomiuri Shimbun spoke with 66-year-old Katsura Yonedanji V, the eldest son of Beicho, about memories of his father and the future of Kamigata rakugo. The following is excerpted from the interview.
From the time I was small, my father gave me opportunities to get in touch with art forms such kabuki and kyogen, but he never once taught me about rakugo. When I told him I wanted to join his family of rakugo performers, having been encouraged by people such as my elder disciple [Katsura] Shijaku, he accepted my wish, bitterly saying 'I will teach you just one story, because it would be unbecoming for the son of a rakugo performer to be unable to tell at least one story.' I found out later that he admitted to his disciples that if I became a rakugo performer he would favor me.
The actual training was as strict for me as it was for the other disciples. Beicho often told his disciples, 'You need to do it just as I tell you.' When I was just starting out, I would try performing in ways I thought would be more interesting, only to find that they didn't work well. I realized that Beicho's way of performing had come about through repeated trial and error from the time he was young. I thought, 'Those things he said to us really meant a lot.'
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of young people pursuing careers in Kamigata rakugo has declined to one or two per year. It is frightening to think about what the situation will be a decade from now. I think all rakugo storytellers, including myself, have to make ourselves ever more charming and aim to be star storytellers. That's how we'll create the rakugo world of tomorrow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yomiuri Shimbun
20 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
‘Go! Go! Chuggington' Marks 15 Years on Terrestrial TV in Japan; Actor Navigates Children Through World of Chuggington
The Japanese version of the British CG-animated series 'Chuggington' is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Fuji TV. The series focusing on the adventures of anthropomorphic trains called Chuggers has been enjoyed in more than 170 countries and regions. The Yomiuri Shimbun recently interviewed actor Takeshi Tsuruno, who serves as the 'navigator' of Japanese program 'Go! Go! Chuggington,' and producer Mei Ando about its charms. Chugging along steadily The series was first broadcast in Japan on the BS Fuji satellite channel in 2009 but was moved to Fuji TV's terrestrial channel since 2010. Chuggington refers not to a character but the name of the town in which both the human and train characters live. The lead characters are a trio of young trains: Wilson, who is always full of energy but can be a bit careless; Brewster, who is powerful and whom everyone relies on; and Koko, who is very fast and loves adventure. Other train characters include Action Chugger, who always comes to the aid of those in trouble; Frostini, who makes ice cream and is beloved by all in Chuggington; and Jackman, who is brave and has a strong sense of episodes tell stories of friendship in which the three lead characters grow through adventures while being supported by senior trains, while occasionally experiencing failure. As navigator, Tsuruno introduces viewers to the Chuggington world at the beginning of each episode. He said that did not think too much about it when he first took on the role. 'I never imagined this series would continue for such a long time,' Tsuruno said. 'I feel that the 15 years have passed very gradually,' he said. 'I don't feel that I've done anything outstanding, more that I've chugged along for 15 years like a train that stops at every station. 'The starting time of 6:15 a.m. on Sundays is also perfect. It's like a reward for children who wake up early.' Tsuruno may have turned 50 this year, but he definitely looks sprightly dancing in his red and yellow costume on the program. 'I feel that my personality changes a little bit on the program. I get very motivated,' Tsuruno said. 'It makes me feel really alive. I think the persona [of navigator] has been really important for me.' Relatable characters 'For the Japanese broadcasts, scenes are prepared where Mr. Tsuruno teaches keywords and important information at the beginning, so there won't be anything preventing children joining in who are watching the program for the first time,' Ando said. The scenes are unique to each episode, rather than the same one reused time and time the end of many episodes, a song and dance are performed, and children are encouraged to join in. The key to the popularity of the series is the Chuggers themselves with their unique personalities. In the Japanese version, about 30 have appeared to date. 'Wilson and all the other characters have unique personalities,' said Ando. 'So, children who watch the series may find characters whose personalities are very similar to their own and empathize with them.' Ando has a 5-year-old child who she says is being positively influenced by the program. 'In the Chuggington stories, the characters repeatedly face difficult situations and receive help from others to overcome them, teaching children that they can move forward,' Ando said. Both Tsuruno and Ando chose Pete, a 150-year-old steam locomotive, as their favorite character. Pete often calls Wilson and his friends by the wrong names. 'He has built a reputation in which he is celebrated by others even after 150 years,' Tsuruno said. 'He says, 'I will work hard so that I will still be celebrated when I turn 200.' I think about what an energetic old man he is.' Even though the show just marked its 15th anniversary of being broadcast on the Fuji Television channel, Tsuruno said he already has a dream about the 20-year mark. 'I think it would be great if there were original Japanese Chuggington characters,' he said. 'For example, it would be cool if Enoden [a local train in Kanagawa Prefecture] could make an appearance. If it happens, there could be good opportunities for collaboration, such as the release of related merchandise or wrapping trains with a design featuring characters from the show.' Recently, the series also began streaming on Netflix and other platforms, leading to an increase in the number of viewers. 'It is important for us to continue in an earnest manner. If we do that, our dreams will also get bigger,' Tsuruno said. He said that he will make public appearances and encourage children to pursue their dreams. The series is broadcast on Fuji TV and elsewhere from 6:15 a.m. on Sundays. The series can also be streamed on platforms including FOD, TVer and Netflix.
Yomiuri Shimbun
18-07-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
‘A Different Man' Offers Unexpected Look into Physical Appearances, Human Nature
About 20 years ago, 'Hito wa Mitame ga Kyuwari' (Appearances matter 90% for people) became a bestselling book in Japan. With its eye-catching title, the book discusses the importance of non-verbal communication. The author, Ichiro Takeuchi, used 'mitame,' meaning appearance, as an umbrella term not only for looks, but also various non-verbal information about someone, such as facial expressions, demeanor and tone of voice. Still, preoccupations with looks persist no matter what. But why? A Different Man, a new film written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, shakes up viewers' preconceptions through its unexpected setting. Protagonist Edward (played by Sebastian Stan of 'The Apprentice' and the 'Avengers' franchise) has severe facial disfigurements; living alone in his New York apartment, he dreams of becoming an actor, but cannot find a way forward. He spends his days unable to express himself, always concerned about how others look at him. He has a crush on a new neighbor, aspiring playwright Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), but cannot act on his feelings. One day, however, Edward's appearance undergoes a dramatic change. An experimental treatment he has undergone at the suggestion of a doctor has worked, and he starts a new life under a new name. Everything is going fine until Oswald (Adam Pearson), a man who looks exactly like Edward's former self, comes along. Can we become someone we want to be if our appearance changes? If not, why? Through Edward's story, the film depicts the tragic nature of always wanting what we cannot have. Stan skillfully portrays Edward's inner conflict with the help of special effects makeup in the film's first half, and his own face in the latter half. The ensemble, with Pearson's Oswald as the epitome of non-verbal communication and Reinsve naturally embodying a woman unbound by societal values, are also outstanding. In showing the consequences of obsession with appearance and surprising twists, the film shares some elements with 'The Substance,' starring Demi Moore. Both introduce fictitious advanced medical treatments – but as real-world cosmetic procedures pervade society at an incredible speed, the horror comes from the stories not seeming completely fantastical. Stan and Moore both won the 2025 Golden Globe awards for best performance in a motion picture in the musical and comedy category for these film roles. The fact that they won in this category may mean that people saw the inherent ludicrousness of human nature reflected in both performances. But I can't just laugh it off. Onda is a Yomiuri Shimbun senior writer with expertise in film.
Yomiuri Shimbun
06-07-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Botanical Garden Hosts Nighttime Immersive Event in Kyoto
Old & New video KYOTO — The Kyoto Botanical Gardens in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, is holding an event called 'Light Cycles Kyoto,' in which its Conservatory greenhouse is filled with sound and dynamic lights at night. The immersive event allows visitors to experience the fascination of plants at night. This is the second time the facility has held such an event. When it held a similar event from October to December last year to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the number of annual visitors in the fiscal year exceeded 900,000 for the first time in 30 years. The current event will continue for a much longer period, from May to the end of March next Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe lighting in the greenhouse makes it look like people are either standing in the light of the rising sun or the setting facility is the oldest public botanical gardens in Japan. The greenhouse has existed since its opening, but the current one, which opened in 1992, is the third generation. The greenhouse has a distinctive shape that evokes the silhouette of Kinkakuji temple reflected on a pond and the Kitayama mountain range. About 25,000 plants of about 4,500 species are displayed indoors. As the pathway is a circuit with no steps, the scenery changes in succession, allowing visitors to appreciate various forms of vegetation as they make their rounds. With biodiversity as the keyword for the event, the greenhouse is divided into four zones and suffused with light and sound. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic sights and smells of a wide variety of plants at Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe Orchids & Bromeliads Garden room creates a mysterious atmosphere with sound and event is cosponsored by Kyoto Prefecture, the organizing committee and Mitsui Fudosan Co. The gardens opened a century ago thanks to donations from the Mitsui family, a wealthy merchant family. The company still has links with the family and strongly supports the significance of the current event, which aims to pass on the attraction of the botanical gardens to future Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe Dry Tropics Garden room is illuminated at to organizers, the event is an attempt to show respect for nature and to examine the relationship between people and nature. Moment Factory, a company headquartered in Canada, took charge of the event's planning and production. The organizers say it intends to 'visualize the voices' of plants at night, which are different from during the daytime, and create an opportunity for the next generation to develop a deeper connection with Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe Conservatory greenhouse of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is illuminated at night.'I came here for the first time in about 10 years, and it felt like a fresh experience. The combination of light, sound and plants was impressive,' said a female university student in her 20s from Kita Ward, Kyoto, who attended the event with her boyfriend. Advance tickets, which can be purchased until the day before admission, cost ¥2,300 for high school students and older, and ¥1,100 for elementary and junior high school students. Same-day tickets are available at the venue but may be sold out.
