Rakugo Is Jazz
Rakugo is often compared to jazz. Just as different jazz musicians interpret and arrange the same jazz standard in their own ways, each rakugo performer brings their own interpretation and approach to a story.
Our first three rakugo playlists — Summer Classics, Winter Classics, and Spring Classics — focused on koten rakugo, the traditional stories passed down since the Edo period, the rakugo equivalent of jazz standards. For this fourth installment, we're taking a different approach, turning our attention to shinsaku rakugo — original stories newly created by contemporary rakugo performers, the equivalent of original compositions.
-New Creations-
The world of shinsaku rakugo is where many people first fall in love with rakugo. With contemporary settings and subject matter, along with more conversational language, these stories can be enjoyed in much the same way as modern sketch comedy or stand-up, making them an ideal entry point into the art form.
The first half features a selection of masterpieces by some of the genre's finest practitioners, led by Kyotaro Yanagiya. In the middle, we pair modern adaptations of classical rakugo stories with their original versions. The second half brings together classical stories with catchy or surreal worlds that appeal to fans of shinsaku rakugo as well. As in our previous editions, the final five performances invite you to compare different performers' interpretations of the same story.
The two performers we most wanted you to hear in this edition were Enjo Sanyutei and Shinosuke Tatekawa. Unfortunately, neither of their performances is available on Spotify, so we highly recommend checking them out on YouTube instead.
◆ Enjo Sanyutei (the First)
From the 1970s, when shinsaku rakugo struggled to gain recognition, through to his later years, Enjo continued to produce a stream of experimental, boundary-pushing stories imbued with a punk spirit. Revered as the “god of new rakugo,” he had an enormous influence on younger performers. So much so that many of today's rakugo storytellers who create new material could be considered “Enjo's children.” He passed away in 2021.
◆ Shinosuke Tatekawa
Gatten, Peyang, Ryukakusan — Shinosuke is a familiar face from Japanese television, too. Through his many original stories, combining masterful storytelling with an approachable style, he established a genre of his own known as “Shinosuke Rakugo.” He is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in today's rakugo world, both in popularity and skill. His performances of classical rakugo are equally superb.
◼︎Spotify Tracklisting
Part 1: Masterpieces of Shinsaku Rakugo (New Creations)
1. Shitaku-beya Gaiden / Utamusashi Sanyutei
2. Rakugo University / Kyotaro Yanagiya
3. The Man Who Presses Seven Pressure Points / Momoe Shunputei
4. The Distant Tanuki Udon (Written by Enjo Sanyutei) / Hikoichi Hayashiya
5. Tokyo Tower Love Story (Written by Naoki Muto) / Kyotaro Yanagiya
6. The Situation-Explaining Thieves / Momoe Shunputei
7. Newlywed Fantasia / Hakucho Sanyutei
8. Saito / Hikoichi Hayashiya
9. The Scorpion Song (Written by Masako Chiba) / Kyotaro Yanagiya
10. Sushi Shop Water Margin (Written by Kyotaro Yanagiya) / Momoe Shunputei
11. The Demon of Koshien (Written by Imasuke Kokontei VI) / Momoe Shunputei
12. The Grandchild Returns (Written by Hinako Yamazaki) / Kyotaro Yanagiya
Part 2: Modern Adaptations of Classical Rakugo
13. Tomikyu / Ichinosuke Shunputei
14. Tomi-Q / Hakucho Sanyutei
15. Tsuru / Yuba Sanyutei
16. Yakuza Tsuru / Kyotaro Yanagiya
17. Nakamura Nakazo / Iccho Shunputei
18. Ultra Nakazo / Kyotaro Yanagiya
Part 3: Classical Rakugo with a Shinsaku Feel
19. The Senki Bug / Gontaro Yanagiya
20. The Opposite-Powered Rickshaw / Hikoichi Hayashiya
21. Religious Debate / Ryuraku Sanyutei
22. The Grumbling Prayer / Kitahachi Yanagiya
23. The Document Writer / Gontaro Yanagiya
24. Soba Sei / Basho Kingentei
25. The Pot-Licking Woman / Kitahachi Yanagiya
Part 4: Classical Rakugo with a Shinsaku Feel (Comparative Listening)
26. Chanoyu / Shoshi Tatekawa
27. Chanoyu / Buncho Katsura
28. Okiku's Plates / Kenko Sanyutei
29. Okiku's Plates / Utamusashi Sanyutei
30. Kinmeichiku / Shoshi Tatekawa
31. Kinmeichiku / Shiraku Tatekawa
32. Chiritotechin / Karoku Yanagiya
33. Chiritotechin / Sankyo Yanagiya
34. Sokotsu Nagaya / Shiraku Tatekawa
35. Sokotsu Nagaya / Taihei Hayashiya
Playlist, cover art & comments by Mikiya Tanaka (ELLA RECORDS)
PROMOTIONAL ONLY
