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), also known by his stage name Katsura Bunshi VI (六代 桂 文枝), is a famous Japanese TV host and rakugo artist. Rakugo is a special kind of Japanese storytelling. A single storyteller sits on stage and tells a long, funny story. They use only a fan and a small cloth as props.
His earlier stage name was Katsura Sanshi (桂 三枝). He received this name from his teacher, Katsura Bunshi V. The name "Sanshi" came from him being the third student ("san" means three) of his teacher. In 2012, Sanshi took on his teacher's famous name, becoming Katsura Bunshi VI.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Shizuya Kawamura was born in Sakai, Osaka on July 16, 1943. Even from a young age, he showed a talent for making people laugh. He worked hard to become a successful entertainer.
Education and First Steps
After finishing high school in Osaka, Sanshi went to Kansai University. He studied business there. At university, he quickly became popular because of his funny stories and humor. Even though he wasn't a professional yet, he already had many fans. After university, he joined the school of Katsura Bunshi V. Later, he signed with a talent agency called Yoshimoto Kogyo. This was the start of his professional career.
A Star on Television
Katsura Bunshi VI, then known as Sanshi, became a very popular master of ceremonies (MC) on Japanese television. He hosted several well-known shows.
Punch De Date
From 1973 to 1985, Sanshi hosted "Punch De Date." This was a TV show where people in the audience tried to find a match for love or marriage. It was a fun show where people met each other on TV. The show's opening phrase was very famous. It meant that even strangers could find love through the show.
Shinkonsan Irasshai
Another popular show he hosted was "Shinkonsan Irasshai." This program featured newly married couples. Sanshi's unique voice and style made his opening phrase "Irasshai!" (which means "Welcome!") his special trademark. Everyone knew him for it.
Film and TV Appearances
Katsura Bunshi VI has also used his voice and acting skills in movies and TV shows.
Movies
- Porco Rosso (1992): He was the voice of Mr. Piccolo in this animated film.
- Notomitori Samurai (2018): He played the role of Tanuma Okitsugu.
Television Series
- Sanada Maru (2016): He appeared in this historical TV series as Sen no Rikyū.
Recent Work and Contributions
Katsura Bunshi VI is still very active in the entertainment world. He helps lead the Kamigata Rakugo Kyoukai. This is a group for rakugo artists and performers in the Kansai region of Japan. He is also a director at Yoshimoto Kogyo, his talent agency.
In the world of rakugo, he is famous for creating "New Rakugo" (called "創作落語" in Japanese). This means he writes and performs new, original rakugo stories. He has also been a guest professor at Kansai University.
The Sanshi School of Rakugo
Katsura Bunshi VI has taught many students, who are called deshi (apprentices). He gives them stage names that include "san" (meaning three). This is a nod to his own former name, Sanshi. Some of his students include Katsura SANpo, Katsura SANpu, Katsura SANpatsu, and Katsura SANshain.
Awards and Recognition
- 2006 Osaka Culture Prize — Culture Special Prize: He received this special award for his contributions to culture in Osaka.
