I’m still padding out the runtime with this sudden “Osaka Holiday” segment.
On a whim, I decided to enjoy some Kamigata rakugo for the first time in decades and made my way to Minamimorimachi.
Here it is.
Tenma Tenjin, also known as Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, is adjacent to Kansai’s only regular Rakugo venue, Tenma Tenjin Hanjo-tei.
I enjoyed the matinee performance here.
The program for the day. However, despite being originally from Kansai, I’m unfamiliar with Kamigata Rakugo, so I don’t know most of the story titles. I’ve only added the ones I’m reasonably sure I remember (no confidence).
Shofukutei Kyo-ya
Tsuyu no Mizuki
Katsura Fuku-ya
Kimura Rider (Guitar Monologue)
Shofukutei Hakushi
Tsuyu no Shinji “Gonbee the Raccoon Dog”
~Intermission~
Katsura Mameda “Hirabayashi”
Hayashiya Kikumaru “The Bathhouse Keeper”
Kita kyoichi & Kita Kyouji (Comedy Duo)
Katsura Fukudanjii “The Mouse Hole”
All the Rakugo performers were ones I was seeing live for the first time, so I had a slight worry before it started about whether I’d enjoy it. But it was a needless worry. From the very first story to the finale, I thoroughly enjoyed the generous spirit of Kamigata Rakugo.
I couldn’t take photos during the performances, so here’s a view of the stage from my seat during the intermission.
Ah, the stage really is something special. I haven’t been to Tokyo much lately, but I really want to get back into the swing of things and start going to Yose and Rakugo performances again.
I hear Hanjo-tei has started a subscription service for live performances! As someone who can’t exactly make it to Osaka that often, this sounds pretty appealing.
Anyway, the show ended on a high note. Stepping outside, performers who’d finished their sets were mingling with the audience (saying goodbye?), and I thought this kind of service was wonderful.
For some reason, this mysterious self-consciousness—“I’m an outsider here”—got in the way, and I ended up not saying anything to the storyteller. I should have just told them, “I had a great time”… How pathetic of me.
I really want to come back. Even if I can’t, I want to watch it via subscription. That’s how strongly I felt.
