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THE 20TH KARAKU CUP

SIXTH STORY TERAKOYA

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 jugemu goko-no-surikirezu…

"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…

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.

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 training that rigorous.

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.

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.

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!

NEXT EPISODE KARAKU CUP

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?

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.