Photo/Illutration Yanagiya Kosanji, rakugo master designated a living national treasure, in 2020 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Yanagiya Kosanji, a famed “rakugo” comic storyteller designated a national treasure, died at his home in Tokyo on Oct. 7. He was 81.

He was known for telling amusing stories about the peculiarities of human beings without relying on eccentricity to carry his performance.

From the early days in his career, rakugo fans and fellow performers recognized him as a skilled, old-school performer of classics.

Kosanji, whose real name is Takezo Koriyama, was born in the capital’s Shinjuku Ward.

When he was a senior in high school, he performed at a “yose” vaudeville competition show for amateur rakugo storytellers on a radio program. He won 15 weeks in a row.

In 1959, he became a disciple of the Fifth Yanagiya Kosan and was given the rakugo name Kotake.

In 1969, he was promoted to a “shinuchi” full-fledged master of storytelling for overtaking 17 other performers who became disciples before him.

He then assumed the rakugo name of the Tenth Yanagiya Kosanji.

He was also known for having various hobbies, such as riding motorcycles, photography and haiku.

From 2010 to 2014, he chaired Rakugo Kyokai, an association of rakugo performers, and helped promote young performers.

In 2014, he was designated a Living National Treasure, the third rakugo performer to ever be honored as such.

He led and represented the Edo rakugo industry after it lost star performers such as Kokontei Shincho and Danshi Tatekawa.

He received many awards and medals of honor.

In 2017, he underwent spinal surgery. Within about three weeks, he was back on the stage performing.

Since then, he had been putting on a solo show across Japan. His last performance was on Oct. 2, at a theater in Fuchu, western Tokyo.

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