New theater to open for junior comic storytellers

New theater to open for junior comic storytellers

TOKYO, Japan - Master "rakugo" comic storyteller Kokontei Shinsuke (C) holds a banner for his soon-to-be opened "Kanda Renjakutei" theater in Tokyo with "futatsume," or junior rakugo tellers, on Oct. 1, 2014, to give them more opportunities to perform before spectators.

Legendary 'rakugo' family mementos draw fans to Tokyo shop

Legendary 'rakugo' family mementos draw fans to Tokyo shop

TOKYO, Japan - Yasuji Ogawa poses for a photo at his shop ''Tamaru'' in Tokyo's downtown Yanaka district on April 21, 2010. The shop, dedicated to the legendary rakugo storyteller Kokontei Shinsho V and his sons Kingentei Basho and Kokontei Shincho, is packed with rare mementos of the family.

Noted rakugo artist Kokontei Shincho dies at 63

Noted rakugo artist Kokontei Shincho dies at 63

TOKYO, Japan - Kokontei Shincho, a master of traditional Japanese rakugo comic storytelling, is seen in this photo taken in November 1993. He died Oct. 1 of liver cancer at his home in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. He was 63.

Noted rakugo artist Kokontei Shincho dies at 63

Noted rakugo artist Kokontei Shincho dies at 63

TOKYO, Japan - Kokontei Shincho, a master of traditional Japanese rakugo comic storytelling, is seen in this photo taken in November 1993. He died Oct. 1 of liver cancer at his home in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. He was 63.

Comedians form Article 9 advocacy group opposing gov't security bills

Comedians form Article 9 advocacy group opposing gov't security bills

Comedian Hiro Matsumoto (3rd from R), "rakugo" comic storyteller Kokontei Kikuchiro (4th from L) and other comedy performers attend an inaugural event of their group advocating the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution in Tokyo on Sept. 5, 2015, in an attempt to oppose the government's package of national security bills allowing Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Legendary 'rakugo' family mementos draw fans to Tokyo shop

Legendary 'rakugo' family mementos draw fans to Tokyo shop

TOKYO, Japan - Yasuji Ogawa poses for a photo at his shop ''Tamaru'' in Tokyo's downtown Yanaka district on April 21, 2010. The shop, dedicated to the legendary rakugo storyteller Kokontei Shinsho V and his sons Kingentei Basho and Kokontei Shincho, is packed with rare mementos of the family. (Kyodo)