Art Encouragement Newcomer Award of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
1 appearances
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Edition 53 (2003) award
Shofukutei Kakushō
しょうふくてい かくしょう
Shofukutei Kakushou
Pen Names:
Shofukutei Kakushō（Stage name used as a rakugo performer）
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- 1960-05-02 （Santō, Asago District, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (now Asago City)）
- Nationality
- Japan
- Languages
- Japanese, English
- Residence History
- Hyōgo Prefecture (birthplace) → Singapore (about 4 years) → London (about 4 years) → Osaka / Japan (base after returning)
Career
- Occupations
- Rakugo storyteller, Performance artist, Street performer
- Active Years
- 1984-
- Affiliations
- Yoshimoto Kogyo, Artists Without Borders (founder)
- Memberships
- Kamigata Rakugo Association
- Influenced By
- 6th Shofukutei Shōkaku
- Influenced
- Shofukutei Shōko, Shofukutei Shōri, Shofukutei Tsurukichi (puppet)
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyogo Prefectural Yoka High School | — | — | — | — | Japan |
Hyogo Prefectural Yoka High School
Country:
Japan
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | ABC Newcomer Comedy Grand Prix — Excellent Newcomer Award | — | 優秀新人賞 | Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | 受賞 |
| 1998 | International Puppet Festival — Special Prize | Puppet Rakugo performances | — | Hungary International Puppet Festival | 受賞 |
| 2003 | Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists (The 53rd) | — | 新人賞 | Agency for Cultural Affairs / Japan Arts Council | 受賞 |
| 2008 | Hanjotei Grand Prize (Creation Award) | — | 創作賞 | Hanjotei (theatre) | 受賞 |
ABC Newcomer Comedy Grand Prix — Excellent Newcomer Award
1993
Category:
優秀新人賞
Organization:
Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Result:
受賞
International Puppet Festival — Special Prize
1998
Work:
Puppet Rakugo performances
Organization:
Hungary International Puppet Festival
Result:
受賞
Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists (The 53rd)
2003
Category:
新人賞
Organization:
Agency for Cultural Affairs / Japan Arts Council
Result:
受賞
Hanjotei Grand Prize (Creation Award)
2008
Category:
創作賞
Organization:
Hanjotei (theatre)
Result:
受賞
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
3D Journey to the West
Puppet rakugo / Creative rakugoA creative rakugo adaptation of Journey to the West using puppets. Combines visual gags with narrative performance.
Adaptation of traditionVisual humorFamily/children entertainment
Atama-yama
Rakugo (using puppets)A rakugo piece based on a classic tale, performed with puppets. Emphasizes visual expression in Kamigata style.
Reconstruction of traditional rakugoPersonificationVisual gags
Toki Godzilla
Creative rakugo / ComedyA contemporary, satirical creative rakugo piece that uses exaggerated images (as suggested by the title) for comedic effect.
SatireIncorporation of modern cultureExaggerated expression
Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees
Creative rakugo / Puppet-theatrical stagingA creative rakugo inspired by historical tales, staged with puppetry to incorporate elements of traditional theater.
Historical adaptationFusion of traditional artsVisual staging
Bibliography
- 3D Journey to the West
- Atama-yama
- Toki Godzilla
- Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Colloquial, direct address to the audienceVisual-centered expression using puppets and sight gagsUse of brisk timing and comedic pacing
- Recurring Motifs
- Personified puppetsSight gags and propsFusion of tradition and popular cultureUniversal humor accessible to children
Legacy
Known as the founder of puppet rakugo, he reinvented visual rakugo and promoted Japanese comedic storytelling overseas. His work as a cultural exchange envoy, charity performances and international festival awards have earned him recognition at home and abroad.
Academic Societies
- Kamigata Rakugo Association
Archives
- National Diet Library: ID 00852570
In Popular Culture
- History of regular appearances on TV and radio
- Appeared in Wadayama Takeda Furniture commercial
- Asago City tourism ambassador (appointed 2012)
Trivia
- Regarded as the founder of puppet rakugo
- Has performed in over 48 countries and 150 cities (needs citation)
- Lived in Singapore and London for about four years each
- Founded the NPO 'Artists Without Borders' in 2006
- Appointed Asago City tourism ambassador in 2012