The Japanese word "engei" comprises traditional forms of entertainment, but popular, contemporary performing art is perhaps a better description.
Manzai comedy, daikagura acrobatics, and tezuma magic, as well as the nation's three major narrative performing arts -- rakugo comedy, kodan oral storytelling and rokyoku musical recitations -- are all considered to be forms of engei.
Although such traditional arts as noh, kyogen, kabuki and bunraku were originally forms of popular entertainment, they are too high-brow to fall under the umbrella of engei, which is typically ascribed to traditional forms of entertainment that can be easily enjoyed by the masses, even today.
Kodan, which involves a performer dramatically narrating tales, has recently been surging in popularity, some of which is no doubt thanks to the leading performer Kanda Hakuzan VI, 36.
Formerly known as "Kanda Matsunojo," a name he adopted when he became a disciple of the living national treasure kodan veteran Kanda Shori III, Hakuzan earned his new name after achieving the highest rank in the kodan tradition: "shin-uchi," or principal performer.
The name "Kanda Hakuzan" is significant in the world of kodan as it is considered the most prestigious among those who perform under the surname of Kanda. The name has been revived for the first time in 44 years.
Hakuzan has become so popular tickets for his performances sell out almost immediately after they are released for sale. He also regularly appears on TV and radio shows, in which his characteristically sharp wit shines through.
I asked him in an interview why he decided to change his name when he had achieved huge success performing as Matsunojo. "The lure of being able to take the name of Hakuzan was greater than continuing to perform under the name Matsunojo. It feels like drawing the sword that holds the key to reviving kodan," he replied.
On the evening of Feb. 11 at Suehirotei, a storytelling hall in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Hakuzan gave his first performance under his new name. Fans who were desperate to attend the auspicious occasion were said to have waited in front of the hall for tickets overnight.
I was there to witness his first performance as Hakuzan.
Over a period of 40 minutes, he narrated his favorite piece, "Nakamura Nakazo," which features a kabuki actor who was not born to an established kabuki family but achieved popularity through his skill, originality and ingenuity.
The performance brought tears to the eyes of some among the audience who may have perceived some of the overlap in the story with Hakuzan's rise to prominence. It was likely an unforgettable day for those lucky enough to watch the verite-style performance.
Fans are able to glimpse what went on behind the scenes at that memorable performance via videos the performer has posted on YouTube. Dubbed Hakuzan TV, the channel features videos that provide a novel way to learn about the traditional storytelling art form and offer a closer look at his energy-infused performances.
-- Morishige covers traditional performing arts.
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