The man who cried 48 times returns—live, unscripted, and somehow even more devastating.
This special performance was held to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the release of the film Tora-San. The event was a must-see for fans and non-fans alike, featuring rakugo stories reminiscent of the world of Tora-san, a new rokyoku based on the secret story of the birth of Otoko wa Tsuraiyo, and a rare talk show featuring director Yamada and other speakers sharing their thoughts. Rokyoku ‘Tora-san no Shussei’ (The Birth of Tora-san) Tamagawa Tafuku Rakugo ‘Matsuyama Kagami’ by Yanagitei Kochiraku Rakugo ‘Kasa Go’ by Hanaroku Yanagiya ‘Ohanashi’ (talk show) Yoji Yamada, Chieko Baisho, Osamu Akimoto, hosted by Hanamitsu Yanagiya. (7 September 2024 at Yurakucho Yomiuri Hall) Organised by Shochiku Co.
Acting
Chieko Baisho—still luminous, still breaking hearts 55 years later.
Production
Rakugo and rokyoku woven into cinema history—rare fusion form.
Direction
Yoji Yamada reflecting on 49 films with the man he created.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Yoji Yamada directed all 49 Tora-san films across 26 years, making it the longest-running film series by a single director in history.
Rakugo 'Kasa Go' deliberately echoes Tora-san's romantic failures through classical form—yanagiya Hanaroku reportedly rehearsed with Yamada's early scripts open beside him.
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