Top "rakugo" comic storyteller Danshi Tatekawa, known for his sharp tongue and for scoffing at the art's traditions, has died, sources said Wednesday. He was 75.
Tatekawa, whose real name was Katsuyoshi Matsuoka, became an apprentice of Yanagiya Kosan V in 1952 and was given the traditional name of Danshi Tatekawa in 1963.
He shot to fame after becoming the host of the popular "Shoten" TV comedy show.
Tatekawa left Rakugo Kyokai, a top performer group, in 1983 due to differences over its promotion system and started his own school.
He also served in the Diet after being elected to the Upper House in 1971 and four years later joined the Cabinet of Prime Minister Takeo Miki as a parliamentarian vice minister.
