Yanagiya Kosan, the first "rakugo" comic storyteller recognized as a living national treasure, died early Thursday of heart failure at his home in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, his family said. He was 87.
Yanagiya, whose real name was Morio Kobayashi, was born in Nagano. He was known for his cheerful performances and amiable appearance, and was particularly adept at acting out scenarios involving traditional craftsmen.
Rakugo is a traditional form of comic storytelling in which one performer depicts scenes and events mainly using only vocal and facial expressions.