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What tools are used in Rakugo? How to use a fan or tenugui, and tools specific to Kamigata Rakugo
Rakugo is a traditional Japanese performing art in which storytellers entertain their audiences with satire and humor. The charm of rakugo lies not only in its skillful storytelling, but also in its use of unique tools. In this issue, we will introduce some of the tools used in rakugo to make it easier for rakugo beginners to understand. We will also touch on the props used in Kamigata Rakugo, so if you are interested in learning more about the world of Rakugo, please take a look at this article.
Tools used in Rakugo
The tools used by rakugo performers are simple, but they are used effectively through the skillful storytelling and techniques of the rakugo artist. Here we introduce some of the typical tools used in rakugo.
folding fan
folding fanare tools frequently used by rakugo storytellers when they perform their stories. In the world of rakugo, they are sometimes referred to as "kaze. The main tool used in rakugo is the "kozafolding fancalled "takaza.folding fanand generally used in summerfolding fanIt differs from summerfolding fanis characterized by its larger size and sturdier construction than the Mainly plain white fans are used, with colored patterns and fancy designsfolding fanare not used.
Tenugui hand towel
Tenugui is used not only as a prop in rakugo stories, but also by rakugo storytellers to wipe sweat. Called "mandara" by rakugo storytellers, it is one of the most important tools used by rakugo storytellers to represent various things. In addition, each rakugo storyteller creates his or her own original tenugui, which are sometimes distributed as business cards when a rakugo storyteller is promoted to the rank of shinuchi. Each tenugui has its own unique color and design, and is popular among rakugo enthusiasts as a collection item.
Use of utensils in rakugo
Tools used in rakugo are sometimes used to imitate other objects in a rakugo story.folding fanThe use of a tenugui (a hand towel) and a rag (a cloth) in a rakugo performance is effective in making the situation easier to understand and in differentiating between the characters. In this section, we will discuss the following examples of rakugofolding fanand tenugui are used in rakugo.
folding fanUsage of
folding fanThe "kiseru" is used as a smoking pipe (kiseru), chopsticks, a pole, a fishing rod, a sword, a spear, an umbrella, an sake bottle, and so on. For example, when used as a smoking pipe, it is possible to play different characters depending on the way they smoke. For example, a samurai would smoke with his chest out, while a commoner would pick up the pipe and smoke. Depending on the storyteller's expression, the characters can be made to look like a variety of different things. Each storyteller has his or her own unique way of using the word, so paying attention to it will give you a different way to enjoy it.
How to use tenugui
Tenugui is used as a book, a letter, a cigarette case, a wallet, and so on. A tenugui folded vertically can be used as a wallet, or opened with both hands to show a person reading a book. A folded tenugui can be opened and used as a brush.folding fanto represent a person writing a letter smoothly,folding fanThe tenugui can also be used in combination with Tenugui is also often used for practical purposes, such as when wiping sweat.
Props unique to Kamigata Rakugo
In the Kanto region, where Edo rakugo is performed, the tenugui is not used, but in the Kansai region, Kamigata rakugo is used,folding fanIn addition to the "tenugui" and tenugui hand towel, other special props are used in Kamigata Rakugo in the Kansai region. This is said to be a remnant of Kamigata rakugo, which was performed outdoors as a street performance, and was used to attract the attention of passersby by making noise. Here we introduce some props unique to Kamigata Rakugo.
Kendai (stand)
A kendai is a small stand on which books are placed for viewing. There are no specific rules for its dimensions, and it has a simple structure with a wooden leg attached to the top board. In Kamigata rakugo, it is used as a writing desk, a bathtub, a futon, or a floor, or to make sounds by tapping it with a fan or a clapper. Since Kamigata rakugo was performed outdoors at festivals and other places crowded with many people, it was necessary to devise ways to attract people's attention. For this reason, the performers would make loud banging noises to make passersby stop in their tracks and listen to the performance.
Hiding the knees
A knee-hider is a small impulse placed in front of the gazai. Its width is larger than that of the podium in order to hide the parts that are not to be shown. The height is such that the top of the stand can be seen, in order to show the performer's gestures on the stand. Since rakugo is an art that uses the whole body, it is made one step lower so that the audience can see the performer's hands.
Kobyoshi (small beats)
As the name suggests, kobyoshi are small wooden clappers. They are used mainly when a scene changes in a story or when a change of mood is desired, and are used in pairs by striking them against a viewing stand to make a sound. As explained in the section on the viewing stand, because Kamigata rakugo is performed outdoors, it was necessary to make a loud sound to attract the attention of people on the street. Since rakugo storytellers had to speak louder than the sound of a small beat, it is said that it was also a vocal training for them. In order to make their performances lively and stand out, they sometimes used various musical instruments such as shamisen, flutes, and drums.
Let's pay attention to the tools that play an important role in the production of rakugo.
Tools used in Rakugofolding fanand tenugui hand towels used in rakugo. These tools play an important role in giving a sense of realism to the performance of the rakugo artist and the scenes of the story. Kamigata rakugo also uses unique tools that are not found in Edo rakugo and have established their own traditions. The craftsmen and merchants involved in the manufacture and sale of these tools also play a role in supporting the traditional art of rakugo. If you are interested in rakugo, please pay attention to the existence and use of these tools. Through these tools, you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of rakugo.