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Katsura Kiccho

かつら きっちょう

Katsura Kiccho

Pen Names: Katsura Kiccho（Stage name used as a rakugo performer）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1954-11-18 （Sakai, Osaka, Japan）
Died
2005-11-08 （Amagasaki, Hyōgo, Japan (hospital)） age 50
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Rakugoka (comic storyteller), Actor, Stage performer
Active Years
1974-2005
Affiliations
Beicho Office
Memberships
Kamigata Rakugo Association
Influenced By
3rd Katsura Beichō (master), 3rd Katsura Meinosuke
Influenced
Katsura Asakichi, Katsura Kichiya, Katsura Yonekichi, Katsura Shinkichi, Katsura Kichibō, Katsura Sankichi, Katsura Kichinojō

Education

Osaka Prefectural Imamiya Technical High School
Country: Japan
Joined the rakugo club in high school; appeared on amateur performance programs

Awards

NHK Newcomer Performing Arts Award (Excellence Prize)
1988
Organization: NHK
Result: 優秀賞
Sakuya Konohana Prize (7th)
1989
Organization: Sakuya Konohana Prize
Result: 受賞
Osaka Prefectural Theater Encouragement Award
1992
Organization: Osaka Prefectural Theater
Result: 受賞
National Engei Hall Flower-Form Entertainment (Gold Prize)
1993
Organization: National Engei Hall
Result: 金賞
National Engei Hall Flower-Form Entertainment (Grand Prize)
1994
Organization: National Engei Hall
Result: 大賞
Kansai Comedy Awards (30th)
2001
Organization: Kansai (Kamigata) Comedy Awards
Result: 受賞
Art Encouragement Prize (Newcomer)
2001
Organization: Art Encouragement Prize (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Result: 受賞
Hyōgo Prefecture Arts Encouragement Award
2002
Organization: Hyōgo Prefecture
Result: 受賞
Kansai Comedy Awards (Special Lifetime Achievement, 34th)
2005
Organization: Kansai (Kamigata) Comedy Awards
Result: 特別功労賞（追贈）
Kamigata Performing Arts Hall of Fame Induction (26th)
2023
Organization: Kamigata Performing Arts Hall of Fame
Result: 殿堂入り（追贈）

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Yowaboshi (The Weak Monk)

Rakugo (dramatic piece)

One of Kiccho's signature pieces, a dramatic rakugo focusing on human pathos; notably performed at his final live appearance.

human emotiontragedydramatic rakugo

Shichidamme (Seven Scenes)

Rakugo (dramatic piece)

A dramatic rakugo piece showcasing theatrical skills; highly regarded on the Kamigata stage.

human feelingtheatrical structure

Tako Shibai (Octopus Play)

Rakugo (dramatic piece)

A dramatic piece noted for its stage-like presentation; part of Kiccho's regular repertoire.

dramatic rakugocomedy and theatricality

Bibliography

  • Otoshibanashi 'Kichoan' (CD series, 5 volumes)
  • Kichoan: Legacy Stories (memorial CD, limited)
  • Selected Kichoan (DVD, 2 volumes)
  • Rakugo Kenkyukai: Katsura Kiccho Complete Collection (7 discs)
  • Kosuke Ueda: 'Kichoan: Katsura Kiccho Dream Stories'

Adaptations

  • Film appearance in 'Ote' (1991)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Kamigata rakugo style emphasizing dramatic piecesSkillful timing and vocal modulation
Recurring Motifs
dramatic rakugohumanity/emotionreinterpretation of classics

Health

  • Stomach cancer
    1999-2005
    Diagnosed in 1999 and underwent surgery; cancer recurred in 2004. Continued performing while receiving treatment but ultimately died in 2005 following heart failure.

Legacy

Regarded as a promising successor within the Katsura/Beichō school, Kiccho left a legacy for dramatic rakugo performances and mentorized many younger performers. He has been commemorated posthumously, including Hall of Fame recognition.

Archives

  • Kichoan related materials (CDs, DVDs, publications)

In Popular Culture

  • Appearance in the film 'Ote' (1991)

Quotes

  • I have lost a comrade.
    Source: Master Katsura Beichō (comment on the news of Kiccho's death) (2005)

Trivia

  • Real name: Hirohisa Ueda.
  • Final performance was 'Yowaboshi' on 2005-10-27 at the National Bunraku Theatre.
  • Master was 3rd Katsura Beichō; he trained many direct disciples.
  • Diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1999 and died in 2005 after a period of illness.