Katsura Bunshi VI facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Katsura Bunshi VI |
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| Birth name | Kawamura Shizuya |
| Born | 16 July 1943 Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Japan |
| Medium | Stand up, television |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Genres | Rakugo |
Shizuya Kawamura (河村 靜也, Kawamura Shizuya), also known by his stage name Katsura Bunshi VI (六代 桂 文枝, Rokudai Katsura Bunshi), is a famous Japanese TV host and rakugo performer. Rakugo is a traditional Japanese way of storytelling.
Before he became Katsura Bunshi VI, he was known as Katsura Sanshi (桂 三枝, Katsura Sanshi). He got this name from his teacher, Katsura Bunshi V (五代目 桂 文枝, Godaime Katsura Bunshi). Katsura Bunshi V was a very famous rakugo master after World War II. The "san" in Sanshi's name came from him being his teacher's third student. The "shi" came from the second part of his teacher's stage name. In 2012, Sanshi took on his teacher's stage name, becoming Katsura Bunshi VI.
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Early Life
Sanshi was born in Higashi-ward, Sakai, Osaka, Japan. His birthday is July 16, 1943. Sadly, his father passed away when he was only 11 months old. Even with this difficult start, he worked hard in entertainment and became very successful.
Youth and Career Start
After finishing Ichioka Commercial High School in Osaka, Sanshi went to Kansai University. He studied commerce there. He quickly became popular at the university because of his funny stories and humor. Even though he wasn't a professional yet, people loved his performances.
After university, Sanshi joined the artistic school of Katsura Bunshi V. Later, he signed with Yoshimoto Kogyo, a big entertainment company. This was the start of his professional career.
TV Host Career
Sanshi became a well-known master of ceremonies (MC) for several TV shows.
Punch De Date
This was a TV show where people in the audience tried to find a match for love and marriage. It was made by Kansai Telecasting Corporation. The show aired from 1973 to 1985. Sanshi hosted it with Kiyoshi Nishikawa. The show's opening phrase was very famous. It meant that even strangers could find love and amazing matches on "Punch De Date."
Shinkonsan Irasshai
This TV show featured newly married couples on their honeymoon. Sanshi's special way of speaking and his unique voice made the opening phrase "Irasshai!" (Welcome!) his famous trademark.
Film and TV Appearances
Sanshi has also lent his voice and acting skills to movies and TV shows.
Films
- Porco Rosso (1992), he voiced the character Mr. Piccolo.
- Notomitori Samurai (2018), he played Tanuma Okitsugu.
Television
- Sanada Maru (2016), he played Sen no Rikyū.
Recent Work
Sanshi is an important member of the Kamigata Rakugo Kyoukai. This is a group for rakugo artists and performers in the Kansai region. He is also a director at Yoshimoto Kogyo.
In the world of rakugo, Sanshi is famous for his "New rakugo." This means he creates new stories and styles for this traditional art. He has also been a guest professor at Kansai University, sharing his knowledge with students.
Sanshi's Students
Sanshi has many students, also called apprentices or deshi. He gives them stage names that include "san," which means "number 3" in Japanese. Some examples of his students' names are Katsura SANpo, Katsura SANpu, Katsura SANpatsu, and Katsura SANshain.
Awards and Recognition
- 2006 Osaka Culture Prize — Culture Special Prize
