Hayashiya Masozō Appointed 13th President of Rakugo Association

Hayashiya Masozō has been appointed as the 13th president of the Rakugo Association ^[3].

The appointment places a veteran performer at the helm of one of Japan's most traditional performing arts organizations. His leadership comes at a time when the association must balance the preservation of classical storytelling with modern appeal.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, the 63-year-old performer ^[2] addressed his transition into the leadership role. Masozō spoke about his long-standing attachment to the stage name "Kobupira," describing it as a personal identity he nurtured over time. He said, "It is like a friend, very dear, so I will absolutely never let anyone else inherit it. It feels like something I raised."

Masozō also shared a lighthearted anecdote regarding his first phone call to fellow performer Shunputei Shota after receiving the appointment. He said the timing of the call was unfortunate, as Shota was in the middle of a medical procedure.

"When I became president, I called Shota-san," Masozō said. "That day, Shota-san was having a wisdom tooth pulled, and he could not really understand what I was saying."

Despite the close relationship between the two performers, Masozō suggested that his ascent to the presidency was an unexpected turn of events. He said, "I do not think he ever imagined that I would become the president."

The Rakugo Association serves as the primary governing body for traditional comic storytelling in Japan, overseeing the training, and certification of performers. As the 13th president ^[3], Masozō will be responsible for the strategic direction of the craft and the management of its practitioners.