Japanese Literary Awards

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Takarai Bakin

たからい ばきん

Takarai Bakin

Pen Names: Takarai Kinsakura（Stage name used early after apprenticeship）, Takarai Kintsuru（Name used prior to becoming a top-ranked performer）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1903-11-09 （Utsumi (now Minamichita), Aichi Prefecture, Japan）
Died
1985-10-26 （Kichijoji / Bunkyo-ku area, Tokyo, Japan） age 81
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Religion
Buddhism
Residence History
Aichi Prefecture (birthplace) → Tokyo (career and later life)

Career

Occupations
Kodan performer, Author
Active Years
1925-1985
Affiliations
Kodan Association (held leadership positions)
Memberships
Kodan Association (founding/leading roles)
Influenced By
2nd Daishima Hakutaku

Awards

NHK Broadcasting Culture Award
1971
Organization: NHK
Result: winner
Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Award (Excellence Award)
1972
Category: 優秀賞
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs
Result: winner
Purple Ribbon Medal
1972
Organization: Government of Japan
Result: honor
Arts Festival Award - Minister of Education Award
1978
Category: 文部大臣賞
Organization: Arts Selection (Japan)
Result: winner
Broadcast Entertainment Awards (Special Prize)
1978
Category: 特別賞
Organization: Broadcast Entertainment Awards
Result: winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Saigo Takamori — Kodan Readings

1941 Kodan / Historical narrative

A kodan-style account presenting the life of Saigo Takamori.

HistorySamuraiHeroic biography

Kanei Three Horsemanship

1962 Kodan / Military tale

A kodan work compiling tales and anecdotes related to traditional horsemanship and martial arts.

Martial artsFolkloreHistory

Bakin Rides the Heavens: A Lecturer's Historical Journeys

1972 Essays / Kodan

An essay collection recounting travels and historical observations as a kodan performer.

TravelHistoryPerformance commentary

Bibliography

  • Saigo Takamori — Kodan Readings
  • Takarai Bakin Kodan Solo Performance
  • Kanei Three Horsemanship
  • Bakin Rides the Heavens: A Lecturer's Historical Journeys
  • Bakin Travels the Eight Provinces: A Lecturer's Historical Journeys
  • Bakin Walks Sixty-plus Provinces: A Lecturer's Historical Journeys

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Performance-oriented storytelling suited to kodanStrong, expressive delivery with pronounced intonation
Recurring Motifs
Military talesHistorical heroesMartial arts and horsemanship

Legacy

The 5th Takarai Bakin was one of the leading kodan performers of the Showa era, significantly impacting the art through performances, media appearances, publications and training successors. A large collection of his books and materials was donated to the National Engei Hall archives and is valued for research.

Museums

  • National Engei Hall — Archive / Reference Room (donated materials) Tokyo, National Engei Hall Opened in 1987

Archives

  • National Engei Hall archives (donated scripts, books, personal items)

In Popular Culture

  • Anecdote of the lavish residence nicknamed 'Bakin-gum Palace' built on land purchased from Machiko Hasegawa
  • Performed at the Imperial Palace for imperial celebrations

Trivia

  • Ran unsuccessfully for the House of Councillors (national district) in 1950, 1953 and 1956 (including candidacy under his real name, Ooiwa Kisaburou).
  • Built a large residence on land bought from cartoonist Machiko Hasegawa; the house was nicknamed 'Bakin-gum Palace'.
  • Performed at the Imperial Palace in 1971 for imperial celebrations.