Akane-banashi (2026) s01e06 Episode Script
Terakoya
ORIGINAL STORY BY
YUKI SUENAGA AND TAKAMASA MOUE
THE 20TH KARAKU CUP
This year marks the 20th Student
Rakugo Competition, the Karaku Cup.
Traditionally, the rules allowed
for students over 18
enrolled in junior college, college,
or trade schools to take part.
Yes. That's what I've been told.
But at my request,
I had them expand the entrants
to include high school students.
It's not often that I get the chance
to see Rakugo performed by amateurs,
more so by the younger generation.
If possible, I wanted to see performances
by a wider range of Rakugoka.
I asked them to humor me.
Oh, is that right?
Not what you expected, maybe?
I get that a lot, you know.
"I thought you were scarier!" And so on.
I may not seem like it, but I'm
in the business of making people laugh.
Come now, don't be so nervous.
Relax, relax!
F-Forgive me!
All right, so why did you decide
to serve as a judge this year?
It's the 20th anniversary event,
so it's a turning point.
Most of all, I'd like to show the younger
generation how wonderful Rakugo can be.
Most young people have never seen Rakugo.
And you know, I find that quite alarming.
I see.
So you have a keen interest in promoting
Rakugo to the younger generation.
Of course I do.
Just think about it.
A form of entertainment
that can't draw new audiences.
Do you think it has a future?
The world is flooded
with ways to amuse yourself.
In order to make sure that the cultural
flames of Rakugo are never extinguished,
we must do whatever we can.
Oh, right.
I'd like to hear the younger generation's
thoughts on Rakugo today.
Why not set up some time
for a conversation
between myself and the winner?
What? Do you really mean that?
Of course!
All right, let's offer the winner
the chance to talk to me as a bonus.
Amazing!
I see.
You're stretching
your boundaries as usual.
And so you're here to get permission
from the master
to take part in this tournament.
That's right.
Take my advice.
You should either go home
or help me clean the yard.
What's with those choices?
Well, this Karaku Cup is a competition
for amateurs, right?
Taking part in this
is the same as telling the world,
"I'm not a professional. I'm an amateur!"
Not to mention,
I think it's an ungrateful thing.
And you gotta talk
to Master Issho if you win, right?
I call that torture!
Just forget about it.
That's what my objective is.
Objective? To talk to Master Issho?
What would you even talk about?
His reason for expelling Dad.
You…
- Thank you.
- Huh?
I know that you're trying
to dissuade me because you care,
but I don't know when I'll ever
get another chance like this!
So…
- I'm sorry!
- H-Hey!
I know this is nothing to be proud of.
Still, I don't want to let
this chance slip away!
So I have to get Master to…
I have no problems if you enter.
A-Are you sure about that?
Didn't I just say so?
Besides, Guriko already said
everything I wanted to say.
What?
S-So you were listening?
How could I help but overhear
those booming voices?
Well, even if I hadn't heard you,
my answer would've been the same.
Remember what Masaki-chan said?
It's no use trying to stop you.
Master.
That said, in return for allowing you
to compete in the Karaku Cup,
I'll be giving you one condition.
That's "Jugemu".
Win that competition with "Jugemu".
"Jugemu."
Something wrong? Not confident enough?
Uh, no, I can do it!
I'll win that tournament with "Jugemu"!
Now that that's settled,
throw yourself into practice.
Right!
Please excuse me!
KARAKU CUP
This is so not your style.
You're as reckless as ever, aren't you?
The key to this story
is how many laughs you can get
by repeating a single catchphrase.
In other words…
AKANE
He was telling me to win it
with just a right cross.
He gave you permission?
I'm sorry about before.
I just totally lost it.
Hey, no.
Well, if the master's okay with it,
then it's all good.
Still, telling you
to perform "Jugemu" is pretty harsh.
There are people who may not know Rakugo,
but have heard of "Jugemu".
That's how famous it is.
It doesn't get that many laughs
because it's so familiar.
That's why it's hardly ever called for
as a performance.
To be honest, it's not a story you should
be performing to win a contest.
Still, I just told the master
that I'd win with "Jugemu".
I'll just have to do it.
Oh, is that right?
Then there's no way around it, huh?
- Come on!
- Huh? Where?
To see Koguma Ani-san. Here!
Koguma Ani-san? Why?
Why are you asking?
Koguma Ani-san is the Shiguma School's
"Terakoya", the grassroots teacher.
I mean, he scored in the 95th percentile
and went to Tokyo University!
Todai?
- And he was in Rakugo clubs, no less!
- What?
Rakugo clubs!
He's the perfect guy for the job, right?
He'll be at the library
at this time of day.
Let's go pick his brain.
He'll be able to help you in some way.
No, I'm not doing that.
- Please, isn't there any way?
- Please help her out, Ani-san!
I don't want to.
I don't know what's happening,
but competing in an amateur competition
when you've been accepted
as an apprentice is just ignorant.
Unheard of.
Unbelievable.
Incomprehensible.
Um, he's nothing like I thought he'd be.
When Ani-san speaks up,
he pulls no punches.
- Are you listening?
- Yes! Sorry!
In the first place,
isn't it Kyoji's job to mentor you?
Shirking his duties. What is he thinking?
With all due respect,
just because he's not here,
you shouldn't drop the honorifics.
Idiot!
Koguma Ani-san is Kyoji Ani-san's
elder fellow apprentice!
Huh?
Both age-wise and career-wise,
Koguma Ani-san has seniority!
AGE 29 11TH YEAR
AGE 28 9TH YEAR
Sorry for not showing respect.
S-Sorry, so sorry!
It's all right. It doesn't bother me.
Go talk to Kyoji Ani-san, why don't you?
Please don't say that!
Help me out, please!
I want to win the Karaku Cup,
no matter what!
What do I care about…
Please reconsider!
Fine, then. I'll do it.
- Huh?
- Huh?
What are you waiting for?
I have a Rakugo performance later.
If you want to do this, let's go.
I see.
That explains it.
Then let's start
by showing me your "Jugemu".
Huh? Y-You mean right here?
Well, how can I give you advice
unless I see it?
Understood. I'll give it a shot.
JUGEMU
Hey, honey. What are we going to do?
It's been seven days
since our baby was born.
Ah, time for a memorial service?
How silly of you.
It's the name-giving ceremony.
Name-giving?
"Jugemu."
Hachigoro visits the monk to consult him
on a name for his son.
The monk gives Hachigoro
a list of auspicious names.
And because Hachigoro stuck them
all into a single, long name,
all hell breaks loose.
He hit me on the head,
and now I have all these lumps!
What's that? You're telling me
that my Jugemu jugemu
goko-no-surikirezu
kaijari-suigyo no suigyomatsu…
The key to this story is, above all,
your enunciation.
Meaning what you need to pull it off
is dialogue skill.
To utter long lines without stumbling,
pronouncing each syllable and phrase
clearly, rhythmically, at a good tempo.
…got hit on the head?
What? Our Jugemu jugemu goko-no-surikirezu
kaijari-suigyo no suigyomatsu
ungyomatsu furaimatsu kuu-neru
tokoro ni sumu tokoro
yaburakoji no burakoji paipo-paipo-paipo…
Wait, but with this performance…
…gurindai no ponpoko-na no ponpoko-pi
no chokyumei-no-chosuke did such a thing?
Huh? Kin-chan, let's see those lumps.
Huh?
What? I don't see any lumps!
Well, his name was so long,
the lumps healed up!
Yeah, that was amazing.
Performing that to the end right here.
You've got nerves of steel.
Huh? But Ani-san, you said…
What I meant was for you to show me
a video of you practicing.
You suddenly launched into it,
so I was taken aback.
Then you should've stopped me!
So embarrassing!
What did you think?
To be honest,
if she's going up against students…
That's naïve.
"Jugemu" is a basic Rakugo story.
It's for Rakugo beginners to learn.
And most of the Karaku Cup audience
are, like the participants,
members of Rakugo clubs at college
or high school, so they know Rakugo.
In other words…
most of the audience can perform "Jugemu".
They've learned "Jugemu" by listening
to the masters, so they're discerning.
It won't be easy to get laughs
from an audience like that.
And one more thing.
At the Karaku Cup, you'll be judged twice,
in the preliminary round and the final.
DOCUMENT SCREENING
Though there'll only be
professional judges in the final,
most of the audience
will be the same people.
Needless to say, the other participants
will change their stories between rounds.
But if you were told to win with "Jugemu",
that means you'll be performing that
for both, right?
Right.
You're already at a disadvantage
with "Jugemu",
and now you have to perform the same story
in the preliminary and final rounds.
By the second time, the audience's
reaction will be more lackluster,
and that will affect the judging.
If you want to win the Karaku Cup, you'll
need to perform a story that's difficult
or a story where you can add
playful touches.
"Jugemu" is not suited for that.
But knowing the master, I'm sure
he chose "Jugemu" for a reason.
But you're right, it's going to be tough.
What should I do?
Will it help to polish my enunciation?
Look, do you know
the original ending for "Jugemu"?
What? It's not the one I just performed?
No. In the original ending…
Jugemu dies.
When Jugemu grows up,
he and his friend
fall into a river and drown.
His friend was able
to call for help right away,
but because Jugemu's name was too long,
it took him too much time
to call out, and he perished.
Hoping for his happiness,
the name his parents chose
ended up killing him.
It's a story laden with irony about, "How
you can have too much of a good thing."
I never knew that.
You don't study enough.
Aren't you interested in the stories?
Don't you want to understand them better?
Well, I…
It struck me just now,
listening to your Rakugo.
Your enunciation is still just sounds.
They're not words yet.
That's it for my advice.
Now you need to brood
and think over it yourself.
"Study hard and often,
lest it slip through your fingers."
- Excuse me.
- What?
I'm sorry.
I'm really grateful for your help,
but I was wondering why you did this
for me when you really didn't want to?
You sure study hard, Koguma.
It's fine.
It seems like I'm the type
to hold a grudge after all.
Okay, I'm going now.
From this point on, do as you will.
Sorry about this, Ani-san. Thank you!
Wait.
Sorry, I have one more request.
STUDIO THREE
I didn't think you'd ask Ani-san
to let you study his Rakugo.
Well, it really bothers me.
What did he mean, they're not words yet?
I just don't have a clue yet.
And that's why you want
to watch and learn, right?
You really are predictable.
Is that wrong?
No, it's absolutely right.
The only Rakugoka I know who researches
stories like that is Koguma Ani-san.
You'll learn from his performance,
and you'll see that Koguma Ani-san…
is a totally different person onstage.
KOGUMA ARAKAWA
Welcome. Thank you for joining me tonight.
That's Koguma Ani-san?
He's like a totally different person!
"To be a Zenza is to be less than human."
In this day and age,
that's a rather anachronistic to say.
But becoming a fully-fledged Rakugo
performer requires rigorous training.
And it was even harsher in the past.
Back in the Edo period, there was
a Rakugoka named Karaku Sanshotei.
He's known as the earliest
professional Rakugoka.
Now at the time,
Karaku was extremely popular.
The Karaku Cup is named after him.
Didn't you know that?
Yes, I did.
What kind of story is this?
This is a story called "Foxes of Imado."
FOXES OF IMADO
"Foxes of Imado."
Through Karaku Sanshotei's apprentice,
the Zenza, Ryosuke,
describes the performances
of customs from the Edo Period,
as well as a commotion that arises
due to the harshness of training.
FIRST GENERATION
KARAKU SANSHOTEI
Oh, really?
- Make sure you listen up.
- They worried about it.
At the time, Zenza received no salary.
But you had to take pride in being
an entertainer back then,
so it was strictly forbidden
to have any side jobs.
The only money a Zenza made
was from selling lots for prizes
at Rakugo performances.
The prizes were Kinkato,
candies made of just sugar and water.
He's performing this story
because of what he just told you.
Ani-san's probably trying
to tell you something.
Many took on side jobs
behind their masters' backs,
and Ryosuke was one of them.
Ryosuke lived in Imado, in Taito Ward.
What an unusual story.
In Rakugo, the story normally advances
through the characters' conversations.
But this story
is being driven by narration.
It was the wife of a neighbor
across the street who told him
about a side job painting these foxes.
This wife was a former courtesan
from Senju and quite attractive.
Because she was from Kotsukappara,
a former execution site,
- Senju was called "Kotsu" at the time.
- That's why, compared to other stories,
there aren't many "humorous exchanges"
that're typical of Rakugo.
She was the wife,
- or "sai", from Kotsu, the "Kotsu-no-Sai".
- Still, it's well worth the listen.
Now, after the performances,
the Zenza would gather
and start counting their revenue
from the lots, cha-ching, cha-ching.
And a yakuza happened to pass by
and thought to himself,
"Aha! Karaku's apprentices are gambling!"
It was a misunderstanding.
At the time, gambling with dice
was very popular in Edo.
The more I listen, the more I discover
things I'd never known before.
The world inside the Rakugo story expands.
Kitsune, a game using three dice.
How entertaining knowledge can be.
I never knew that Rakugo
could be entertaining in this way!
The dice, or "sai", used in gambling
were often made of deer bone.
They were known as "Kotsu-no-Sai".
This is awesome.
This kind of historical story
is hard to memorize,
and I bet you'd have to do
tons of research to pull it off.
That's not only true for this story.
What?
Koguma Ani-san always does a deep dive
into the historical background,
the customs, and even the settings
of the stories he performs.
Why would he do that?
It's probably in his nature.
He was always a pretty negative person.
He said that unless he did his homework,
he'd be too uncomfortable to perform
with confidence.
But the biggest reason is…
By digging into the stories,
I can understand them better.
I might even find a way
to make them more entertaining.
Give me a reason
why you wouldn't research.
Using the knowledge he consumed
voraciously to enhance his stories.
That's the Rakugo style
of Koguma Arakawa, the "Terakoya".
So you're Ryosuke, huh?
Listen, I hear
you're secretly getting foxes.
So where are they?
Oh, uh, the ones I finished
are in that cupboard.
Cupboard?
What the hell are these?
Um, they're foxes.
I don't mean these!
I'm talking about Kotsu-no-sai!
Oh, Kotsu-no-sai is the neighbor's wife
across the street.
KOGUMA ARAKAWA
Koguma.
Why don't you pull back your bangs?
What?
"Foxes of Imado."
You sure picked
an unusual story to perform.
I'd never seen it before.
Not really. I was just setting an example.
I wonder if she got it.
There are lots of things you can use
in Rakugo if you learn about them.
But that depends on how much you want it.
Now then, let's see what happens.
So you're competing in the Karaku Cup.
All right, then I'll fill out
all the paperwork.
Iwashimizu-sensei, you'd do that for me?
It's not for you.
The school should have
a good grasp of who's entering.
Sure, of course!
Oh, one more thing.
Are there any books about the Edo Period
that you'd recommend?
Books? May I ask why?
I'm not sure how I can make use of it yet.
But I can't move forward unless I learn.
That's just a feeling I have.
I have no idea
what you're trying to tell me.
Sorry.
But being fond of books,
I'm an avid reader myself.
As for what to recommend…
Just one would be fine!
I can't narrow it down.
There are too many.
Would a historical volume do?
But the novels of Shugoro Yamamoto
are a must.
No, an illustrated reference and a book
on dietary habits
- would be intriguing.
- No, really, one book will do.
It's no use racking my brain.
Let's head to the library.
- Huh?
- What are you standing there for? Hurry.
KARAKU CUP
Wow, compared to last year, there are
triple the amount of applications!
Not only that, but we're being flooded
with requests from all the media outlets.
This year's Karaku Cup is unbelievable!
Really, who knew
it would blow up like this?
It's pandemonium day in and day out!
Hey, pandemonium's a good thing!
Let's hope the hype keeps building up…
and maybe a super rookie
carrying the hopes
of the Rakugo industry
could arrive on the scene.
You really like to say that, don't you?
Oh, yes, and I'll repeat it over and over.
You see, I believe that it's possible
to start a movement to elevate Rakugo
to equal heights as the current manzai
and comedy sketch booms.
And it's always young talent
who creates booms!
There you go again.
In that sense, this year's Karaku Cup
is something
I'm really looking forward to.
Issho Arakawa, the undisputed best
of his generation,
leading a lineup of top-tier judges.
The up-and-coming Futatsume,
Kaisei Arakawa, as the emcee.
Then three times as many diamonds-
in-the-rough are set to gather here.
With all that, don't tell me
that nothing will happen!
Jugemu jugemu goko-no-surikirezu
kaijari-suigyo no suigyomatsu
ungyomatsu furaimatsu kuu-neru…
Mark my words.
This year's Karaku Cup
is going to be special!
Akane Small Talk!
Do you know when and how Rakugo started?
No!
From the Muromachi Period
to the early Edo Period,
there were attendants called "Otogishu",
employed by shoguns and daimyo
as storytellers.
One of them was the monk of Seiganji
in Kyoto, Anrakuan Sakuden.
- Have you heard of him?
- No.
It's said that Sakuden compiled
comical tales told by the "Otogishu",
and Rakugo's origins
can be traced back to that book.
Do you know who the first Rakugoka was?
SEIGANJI, KYOTO
ANRAKUAN SAKUDEN
No.
A man named Tsuyu-no-Gorobei
would tell Tsuji-banashi, or crossroad
stories, in Kyoto during the Edo Period.
This Tsuyu-no-Gorobei is called
the founder of Kamigata Rakugo.
At around the same time,
Buzaemon Shikano in Edo
and Hikohachi Yonezawa in Osaka
were making names for themselves.
Huh? What's the matter?
Oh, it's just that
I haven't said anything but "no" today.
Is that a problem?
No.
YUKI SUENAGA AND TAKAMASA MOUE
THE 20TH KARAKU CUP
This year marks the 20th Student
Rakugo Competition, the Karaku Cup.
Traditionally, the rules allowed
for students over 18
enrolled in junior college, college,
or trade schools to take part.
Yes. That's what I've been told.
But at my request,
I had them expand the entrants
to include high school students.
It's not often that I get the chance
to see Rakugo performed by amateurs,
more so by the younger generation.
If possible, I wanted to see performances
by a wider range of Rakugoka.
I asked them to humor me.
Oh, is that right?
Not what you expected, maybe?
I get that a lot, you know.
"I thought you were scarier!" And so on.
I may not seem like it, but I'm
in the business of making people laugh.
Come now, don't be so nervous.
Relax, relax!
F-Forgive me!
All right, so why did you decide
to serve as a judge this year?
It's the 20th anniversary event,
so it's a turning point.
Most of all, I'd like to show the younger
generation how wonderful Rakugo can be.
Most young people have never seen Rakugo.
And you know, I find that quite alarming.
I see.
So you have a keen interest in promoting
Rakugo to the younger generation.
Of course I do.
Just think about it.
A form of entertainment
that can't draw new audiences.
Do you think it has a future?
The world is flooded
with ways to amuse yourself.
In order to make sure that the cultural
flames of Rakugo are never extinguished,
we must do whatever we can.
Oh, right.
I'd like to hear the younger generation's
thoughts on Rakugo today.
Why not set up some time
for a conversation
between myself and the winner?
What? Do you really mean that?
Of course!
All right, let's offer the winner
the chance to talk to me as a bonus.
Amazing!
I see.
You're stretching
your boundaries as usual.
And so you're here to get permission
from the master
to take part in this tournament.
That's right.
Take my advice.
You should either go home
or help me clean the yard.
What's with those choices?
Well, this Karaku Cup is a competition
for amateurs, right?
Taking part in this
is the same as telling the world,
"I'm not a professional. I'm an amateur!"
Not to mention,
I think it's an ungrateful thing.
And you gotta talk
to Master Issho if you win, right?
I call that torture!
Just forget about it.
That's what my objective is.
Objective? To talk to Master Issho?
What would you even talk about?
His reason for expelling Dad.
You…
- Thank you.
- Huh?
I know that you're trying
to dissuade me because you care,
but I don't know when I'll ever
get another chance like this!
So…
- I'm sorry!
- H-Hey!
I know this is nothing to be proud of.
Still, I don't want to let
this chance slip away!
So I have to get Master to…
I have no problems if you enter.
A-Are you sure about that?
Didn't I just say so?
Besides, Guriko already said
everything I wanted to say.
What?
S-So you were listening?
How could I help but overhear
those booming voices?
Well, even if I hadn't heard you,
my answer would've been the same.
Remember what Masaki-chan said?
It's no use trying to stop you.
Master.
That said, in return for allowing you
to compete in the Karaku Cup,
I'll be giving you one condition.
That's "Jugemu".
Win that competition with "Jugemu".
"Jugemu."
Something wrong? Not confident enough?
Uh, no, I can do it!
I'll win that tournament with "Jugemu"!
Now that that's settled,
throw yourself into practice.
Right!
Please excuse me!
KARAKU CUP
This is so not your style.
You're as reckless as ever, aren't you?
The key to this story
is how many laughs you can get
by repeating a single catchphrase.
In other words…
AKANE
He was telling me to win it
with just a right cross.
He gave you permission?
I'm sorry about before.
I just totally lost it.
Hey, no.
Well, if the master's okay with it,
then it's all good.
Still, telling you
to perform "Jugemu" is pretty harsh.
There are people who may not know Rakugo,
but have heard of "Jugemu".
That's how famous it is.
It doesn't get that many laughs
because it's so familiar.
That's why it's hardly ever called for
as a performance.
To be honest, it's not a story you should
be performing to win a contest.
Still, I just told the master
that I'd win with "Jugemu".
I'll just have to do it.
Oh, is that right?
Then there's no way around it, huh?
- Come on!
- Huh? Where?
To see Koguma Ani-san. Here!
Koguma Ani-san? Why?
Why are you asking?
Koguma Ani-san is the Shiguma School's
"Terakoya", the grassroots teacher.
I mean, he scored in the 95th percentile
and went to Tokyo University!
Todai?
- And he was in Rakugo clubs, no less!
- What?
Rakugo clubs!
He's the perfect guy for the job, right?
He'll be at the library
at this time of day.
Let's go pick his brain.
He'll be able to help you in some way.
No, I'm not doing that.
- Please, isn't there any way?
- Please help her out, Ani-san!
I don't want to.
I don't know what's happening,
but competing in an amateur competition
when you've been accepted
as an apprentice is just ignorant.
Unheard of.
Unbelievable.
Incomprehensible.
Um, he's nothing like I thought he'd be.
When Ani-san speaks up,
he pulls no punches.
- Are you listening?
- Yes! Sorry!
In the first place,
isn't it Kyoji's job to mentor you?
Shirking his duties. What is he thinking?
With all due respect,
just because he's not here,
you shouldn't drop the honorifics.
Idiot!
Koguma Ani-san is Kyoji Ani-san's
elder fellow apprentice!
Huh?
Both age-wise and career-wise,
Koguma Ani-san has seniority!
AGE 29 11TH YEAR
AGE 28 9TH YEAR
Sorry for not showing respect.
S-Sorry, so sorry!
It's all right. It doesn't bother me.
Go talk to Kyoji Ani-san, why don't you?
Please don't say that!
Help me out, please!
I want to win the Karaku Cup,
no matter what!
What do I care about…
Please reconsider!
Fine, then. I'll do it.
- Huh?
- Huh?
What are you waiting for?
I have a Rakugo performance later.
If you want to do this, let's go.
I see.
That explains it.
Then let's start
by showing me your "Jugemu".
Huh? Y-You mean right here?
Well, how can I give you advice
unless I see it?
Understood. I'll give it a shot.
JUGEMU
Hey, honey. What are we going to do?
It's been seven days
since our baby was born.
Ah, time for a memorial service?
How silly of you.
It's the name-giving ceremony.
Name-giving?
"Jugemu."
Hachigoro visits the monk to consult him
on a name for his son.
The monk gives Hachigoro
a list of auspicious names.
And because Hachigoro stuck them
all into a single, long name,
all hell breaks loose.
He hit me on the head,
and now I have all these lumps!
What's that? You're telling me
that my Jugemu jugemu
goko-no-surikirezu
kaijari-suigyo no suigyomatsu…
The key to this story is, above all,
your enunciation.
Meaning what you need to pull it off
is dialogue skill.
To utter long lines without stumbling,
pronouncing each syllable and phrase
clearly, rhythmically, at a good tempo.
…got hit on the head?
What? Our Jugemu jugemu goko-no-surikirezu
kaijari-suigyo no suigyomatsu
ungyomatsu furaimatsu kuu-neru
tokoro ni sumu tokoro
yaburakoji no burakoji paipo-paipo-paipo…
Wait, but with this performance…
…gurindai no ponpoko-na no ponpoko-pi
no chokyumei-no-chosuke did such a thing?
Huh? Kin-chan, let's see those lumps.
Huh?
What? I don't see any lumps!
Well, his name was so long,
the lumps healed up!
Yeah, that was amazing.
Performing that to the end right here.
You've got nerves of steel.
Huh? But Ani-san, you said…
What I meant was for you to show me
a video of you practicing.
You suddenly launched into it,
so I was taken aback.
Then you should've stopped me!
So embarrassing!
What did you think?
To be honest,
if she's going up against students…
That's naïve.
"Jugemu" is a basic Rakugo story.
It's for Rakugo beginners to learn.
And most of the Karaku Cup audience
are, like the participants,
members of Rakugo clubs at college
or high school, so they know Rakugo.
In other words…
most of the audience can perform "Jugemu".
They've learned "Jugemu" by listening
to the masters, so they're discerning.
It won't be easy to get laughs
from an audience like that.
And one more thing.
At the Karaku Cup, you'll be judged twice,
in the preliminary round and the final.
DOCUMENT SCREENING
Though there'll only be
professional judges in the final,
most of the audience
will be the same people.
Needless to say, the other participants
will change their stories between rounds.
But if you were told to win with "Jugemu",
that means you'll be performing that
for both, right?
Right.
You're already at a disadvantage
with "Jugemu",
and now you have to perform the same story
in the preliminary and final rounds.
By the second time, the audience's
reaction will be more lackluster,
and that will affect the judging.
If you want to win the Karaku Cup, you'll
need to perform a story that's difficult
or a story where you can add
playful touches.
"Jugemu" is not suited for that.
But knowing the master, I'm sure
he chose "Jugemu" for a reason.
But you're right, it's going to be tough.
What should I do?
Will it help to polish my enunciation?
Look, do you know
the original ending for "Jugemu"?
What? It's not the one I just performed?
No. In the original ending…
Jugemu dies.
When Jugemu grows up,
he and his friend
fall into a river and drown.
His friend was able
to call for help right away,
but because Jugemu's name was too long,
it took him too much time
to call out, and he perished.
Hoping for his happiness,
the name his parents chose
ended up killing him.
It's a story laden with irony about, "How
you can have too much of a good thing."
I never knew that.
You don't study enough.
Aren't you interested in the stories?
Don't you want to understand them better?
Well, I…
It struck me just now,
listening to your Rakugo.
Your enunciation is still just sounds.
They're not words yet.
That's it for my advice.
Now you need to brood
and think over it yourself.
"Study hard and often,
lest it slip through your fingers."
- Excuse me.
- What?
I'm sorry.
I'm really grateful for your help,
but I was wondering why you did this
for me when you really didn't want to?
You sure study hard, Koguma.
It's fine.
It seems like I'm the type
to hold a grudge after all.
Okay, I'm going now.
From this point on, do as you will.
Sorry about this, Ani-san. Thank you!
Wait.
Sorry, I have one more request.
STUDIO THREE
I didn't think you'd ask Ani-san
to let you study his Rakugo.
Well, it really bothers me.
What did he mean, they're not words yet?
I just don't have a clue yet.
And that's why you want
to watch and learn, right?
You really are predictable.
Is that wrong?
No, it's absolutely right.
The only Rakugoka I know who researches
stories like that is Koguma Ani-san.
You'll learn from his performance,
and you'll see that Koguma Ani-san…
is a totally different person onstage.
KOGUMA ARAKAWA
Welcome. Thank you for joining me tonight.
That's Koguma Ani-san?
He's like a totally different person!
"To be a Zenza is to be less than human."
In this day and age,
that's a rather anachronistic to say.
But becoming a fully-fledged Rakugo
performer requires rigorous training.
And it was even harsher in the past.
Back in the Edo period, there was
a Rakugoka named Karaku Sanshotei.
He's known as the earliest
professional Rakugoka.
Now at the time,
Karaku was extremely popular.
The Karaku Cup is named after him.
Didn't you know that?
Yes, I did.
What kind of story is this?
This is a story called "Foxes of Imado."
FOXES OF IMADO
"Foxes of Imado."
Through Karaku Sanshotei's apprentice,
the Zenza, Ryosuke,
describes the performances
of customs from the Edo Period,
as well as a commotion that arises
due to the harshness of training.
FIRST GENERATION
KARAKU SANSHOTEI
Oh, really?
- Make sure you listen up.
- They worried about it.
At the time, Zenza received no salary.
But you had to take pride in being
an entertainer back then,
so it was strictly forbidden
to have any side jobs.
The only money a Zenza made
was from selling lots for prizes
at Rakugo performances.
The prizes were Kinkato,
candies made of just sugar and water.
He's performing this story
because of what he just told you.
Ani-san's probably trying
to tell you something.
Many took on side jobs
behind their masters' backs,
and Ryosuke was one of them.
Ryosuke lived in Imado, in Taito Ward.
What an unusual story.
In Rakugo, the story normally advances
through the characters' conversations.
But this story
is being driven by narration.
It was the wife of a neighbor
across the street who told him
about a side job painting these foxes.
This wife was a former courtesan
from Senju and quite attractive.
Because she was from Kotsukappara,
a former execution site,
- Senju was called "Kotsu" at the time.
- That's why, compared to other stories,
there aren't many "humorous exchanges"
that're typical of Rakugo.
She was the wife,
- or "sai", from Kotsu, the "Kotsu-no-Sai".
- Still, it's well worth the listen.
Now, after the performances,
the Zenza would gather
and start counting their revenue
from the lots, cha-ching, cha-ching.
And a yakuza happened to pass by
and thought to himself,
"Aha! Karaku's apprentices are gambling!"
It was a misunderstanding.
At the time, gambling with dice
was very popular in Edo.
The more I listen, the more I discover
things I'd never known before.
The world inside the Rakugo story expands.
Kitsune, a game using three dice.
How entertaining knowledge can be.
I never knew that Rakugo
could be entertaining in this way!
The dice, or "sai", used in gambling
were often made of deer bone.
They were known as "Kotsu-no-Sai".
This is awesome.
This kind of historical story
is hard to memorize,
and I bet you'd have to do
tons of research to pull it off.
That's not only true for this story.
What?
Koguma Ani-san always does a deep dive
into the historical background,
the customs, and even the settings
of the stories he performs.
Why would he do that?
It's probably in his nature.
He was always a pretty negative person.
He said that unless he did his homework,
he'd be too uncomfortable to perform
with confidence.
But the biggest reason is…
By digging into the stories,
I can understand them better.
I might even find a way
to make them more entertaining.
Give me a reason
why you wouldn't research.
Using the knowledge he consumed
voraciously to enhance his stories.
That's the Rakugo style
of Koguma Arakawa, the "Terakoya".
So you're Ryosuke, huh?
Listen, I hear
you're secretly getting foxes.
So where are they?
Oh, uh, the ones I finished
are in that cupboard.
Cupboard?
What the hell are these?
Um, they're foxes.
I don't mean these!
I'm talking about Kotsu-no-sai!
Oh, Kotsu-no-sai is the neighbor's wife
across the street.
KOGUMA ARAKAWA
Koguma.
Why don't you pull back your bangs?
What?
"Foxes of Imado."
You sure picked
an unusual story to perform.
I'd never seen it before.
Not really. I was just setting an example.
I wonder if she got it.
There are lots of things you can use
in Rakugo if you learn about them.
But that depends on how much you want it.
Now then, let's see what happens.
So you're competing in the Karaku Cup.
All right, then I'll fill out
all the paperwork.
Iwashimizu-sensei, you'd do that for me?
It's not for you.
The school should have
a good grasp of who's entering.
Sure, of course!
Oh, one more thing.
Are there any books about the Edo Period
that you'd recommend?
Books? May I ask why?
I'm not sure how I can make use of it yet.
But I can't move forward unless I learn.
That's just a feeling I have.
I have no idea
what you're trying to tell me.
Sorry.
But being fond of books,
I'm an avid reader myself.
As for what to recommend…
Just one would be fine!
I can't narrow it down.
There are too many.
Would a historical volume do?
But the novels of Shugoro Yamamoto
are a must.
No, an illustrated reference and a book
on dietary habits
- would be intriguing.
- No, really, one book will do.
It's no use racking my brain.
Let's head to the library.
- Huh?
- What are you standing there for? Hurry.
KARAKU CUP
Wow, compared to last year, there are
triple the amount of applications!
Not only that, but we're being flooded
with requests from all the media outlets.
This year's Karaku Cup is unbelievable!
Really, who knew
it would blow up like this?
It's pandemonium day in and day out!
Hey, pandemonium's a good thing!
Let's hope the hype keeps building up…
and maybe a super rookie
carrying the hopes
of the Rakugo industry
could arrive on the scene.
You really like to say that, don't you?
Oh, yes, and I'll repeat it over and over.
You see, I believe that it's possible
to start a movement to elevate Rakugo
to equal heights as the current manzai
and comedy sketch booms.
And it's always young talent
who creates booms!
There you go again.
In that sense, this year's Karaku Cup
is something
I'm really looking forward to.
Issho Arakawa, the undisputed best
of his generation,
leading a lineup of top-tier judges.
The up-and-coming Futatsume,
Kaisei Arakawa, as the emcee.
Then three times as many diamonds-
in-the-rough are set to gather here.
With all that, don't tell me
that nothing will happen!
Jugemu jugemu goko-no-surikirezu
kaijari-suigyo no suigyomatsu
ungyomatsu furaimatsu kuu-neru…
Mark my words.
This year's Karaku Cup
is going to be special!
Akane Small Talk!
Do you know when and how Rakugo started?
No!
From the Muromachi Period
to the early Edo Period,
there were attendants called "Otogishu",
employed by shoguns and daimyo
as storytellers.
One of them was the monk of Seiganji
in Kyoto, Anrakuan Sakuden.
- Have you heard of him?
- No.
It's said that Sakuden compiled
comical tales told by the "Otogishu",
and Rakugo's origins
can be traced back to that book.
Do you know who the first Rakugoka was?
SEIGANJI, KYOTO
ANRAKUAN SAKUDEN
No.
A man named Tsuyu-no-Gorobei
would tell Tsuji-banashi, or crossroad
stories, in Kyoto during the Edo Period.
This Tsuyu-no-Gorobei is called
the founder of Kamigata Rakugo.
At around the same time,
Buzaemon Shikano in Edo
and Hikohachi Yonezawa in Osaka
were making names for themselves.
Huh? What's the matter?
Oh, it's just that
I haven't said anything but "no" today.
Is that a problem?
No.