Art Encouragement Prize for Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
1 appearances
-
Edition 59 (2009) award
Katsura Bunchin
かつら ぶんちん
Katsura Bunchin
Pen Names:
Katsura Chingen-sai（Used as an alternate stage name for special performances）
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- 1948-12-10 （Tamba-Sasayama, Hyōgo, Japan）
- Nationality
- Japan
- Languages
- Japanese
- Residence History
- Tamba-Sasayama, Hyōgo (birthplace) → Osaka Prefecture (base of activities)
Career
- Occupations
- rakugo performer, talent, television presenter, actor, lecturer
- Active Years
- 1969-
- Affiliations
- Yoshimoto Kogyo
- Memberships
- Kamigata Rakugo Association (director, later advisor)
- Influenced By
- 3rd Katsura Kobunshi, Katsura Beichō, 2nd Katsura Shijaku
- Influenced
- Katsura Rakuchin, Katsura Chinnen, Katsura Bunshun, Katsura Bungorō
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka Sangyo University | — | — | — | — | Japan |
Osaka Sangyo University
Country:
Japan
Founded a rakugo study circle while at university
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Kansai Comedy Awards (Gold Prize) | — | 落語 | Kansai Comedy Awards Committee | 受賞 |
| 1983 | Kansai Comedy Awards (Grand Prize) | — | 落語 | Kansai Comedy Awards Committee | 受賞 |
| 1983 | Sakuya Konohana Prize (Popular Performing Arts) | — | 落語 | City of Osaka | 受賞 |
| 2009 | Arts Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) | — | — | Agency for Cultural Affairs | 受賞 |
| 2010 | Order of the Purple Ribbon | Contributions to rakugo | 落語 | Cabinet Office (Medal with Purple Ribbon) | 受章 |
| 2014 | Osaka Citizen's Commendation (Cultural Merit) | — | 文化功労 | City of Osaka | 受彰 |
Kansai Comedy Awards (Gold Prize)
1981
Category:
落語
Organization:
Kansai Comedy Awards Committee
Result:
受賞
Kansai Comedy Awards (Grand Prize)
1983
Category:
落語
Organization:
Kansai Comedy Awards Committee
Result:
受賞
Sakuya Konohana Prize (Popular Performing Arts)
1983
Category:
落語
Organization:
City of Osaka
Result:
受賞
Arts Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
2009
Organization:
Agency for Cultural Affairs
Result:
受賞
Order of the Purple Ribbon
2010
Work:
Contributions to rakugo
Category:
落語
Organization:
Cabinet Office (Medal with Purple Ribbon)
Result:
受章
Osaka Citizen's Commendation (Cultural Merit)
2014
Category:
文化功労
Organization:
City of Osaka
Result:
受彰
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
An Encouragement to Rakugo Studies
1993 BookA collection based on lectures given at Kansai University; essays and lectures on rakugo, culture and learning.
rakugo theorycultural commentaryeducation
Bunchin Essays
2000 BookAn essay collection presenting observations and viewpoints as a rakugo performer.
essaysperforming arts commentary
Bibliography
- An Encouragement to Rakugo Studies (1993)
- An Encouragement to Rakugo Studies, Part 2 (1990)
- Bunchin Essays (2000)
- Collected rakugo recordings and DVDs
Adaptations
- TOKYO MER: Ran Emergency Medical Room (TV drama appearance)
- Asa ga Kita (morning drama; guest appearance)
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- intellectual, explanatory deliverymixes humor with eruditionincorporates new-wave performance elements
- Recurring Motifs
- aging societyhigh-tech and contemporary satirestories featuring historical figures
Legacy
Recognized as an innovator and popularizer of Kamigata rakugo. Expanded rakugo's reach through television and university lectures and devoted effort to mentoring younger performers.
Academic Societies
- Kansai University (part-time lecturer; guest lectures)
In Popular Culture
- Frequent regular and guest appearances on many television programs and dramas
- Known for large-scale solo performances and notable staging
Quotes
-
At times I felt my material had gotten ahead of the audience. The pencil's tip had been sharpened too much.
Source: Interview (date unknown)
Trivia
- Owns a small private aircraft (Gyroflug) and has flown himself to performances.
- Obtained private pilot license in 1990 and an instrument rating in 1994.
- Has a strong fear of reptiles; famously panicked on set when snakes/iguanas appeared.
- At one point held many regular TV shows — reportedly up to around 17 concurrently.