In Japan’s world of rakugo, abuse is often regarded as part of an apprentice’s education. That attitude is changing, however, as the times change. A recent lawsuit – the first of its kind in the rakugo world – alleged that such “education” is tantamount to workplace harassment. And a Japanese court has agreed.
The long road to rakugo success
Rakugo is a traditional Japanese performing art in which a solo performer sits and delivers humorous or emotionally resonant stories. Rakugo originated in the late Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. A group called the otogishū entertained feudal lords by engaging in conversation and relaying news of the time.
Rakugo took shape from these performances during the Edo period. Performers have since passed it down as a traditional storytelling practice.
The journey to becoming a rakugo performer begins with the first step: becoming an apprentice to a rakugo master. This apprenticeship creates a lifelong master-apprentice relationship, making it difficult to change masters later.
Next, apprentices train as Zenzaminarai (opening act apprentices) for about four years. During this time, they carry their master’s belongings, handle household chores, master rakugo, and learn the intricacies of kimono handling. This phase is extremely demanding, both physically and mentally.
The third step is becoming a Zenza (opening act performer). At this stage, apprentices attend daily performances, prepare the backstage area, serve tea, and play the drum before the show starts. They receive only one day off each month, and this rigorous routine continues for about four years.
Following this, they enter a decade-long training period as Futatsume. Finally, after completing their time as Futatsume, apprentices achieve the rank of Shinuchi (master performer), qualifying them to perform in the final slot of the lineup. Aspiring rakugo performers strive to reach the Shinuchi level, enduring the challenges of their training along the way.
First-ever harassment lawsuit ends in partial settlement
In October 2022, rakugo apprentice Yoshihara Bajaku (42) filed a lawsuit against his former mentor, Sanyūtei Enka (65), in the Tokyo District Court, seeking 3 million yen (USD $20,088) in damages for workplace harassment.
Bajaku claimed that between 2010 and 2022, Enka slapped him for being absent from the dressing room. He also says Enka physically assaulted him for not cleaning his kimono. He then shouted at him to “disappear from my sight.”
Enka admitted to hitting and yelling at Bajaku. However, he argued that these actions didn’t warrant legal penalties, given their relationship and the reasons behind his anger.
In January, the court ruled that some of Enka’s actions, such as slapping, exceeded “socially acceptable boundaries” and constituted workplace harassment. As a result, it ordered Enka to pay 800,000 yen (USD $5,357) in damages.
The court also noted that the inherent power imbalance in the rakugo master-apprentice relationship poses a risk of harassment. However, it dismissed other claims due to insufficient evidence. Later, Enka appealed to the Tokyo High Court, and Bajaku filed a counter-appeal, but Enka withdrew his appeal on September 1, ending the case.
Enka’s lawyer said, “His disciple initiated this lawsuit, and Enka acknowledges his role in causing it. He didn’t want the case to drag on and cause further inconvenience to the public or the Rakugo Association.”
According to the Rakugo Association, they are unaware of any other cases in which a disciple has sued their master for workplace harassment. This lawsuit marks the first of its kind in the history of the rakugo world.
The dilemma of the master-apprentice relationship
At the time, Bajaku was a Futatsume (a rank just below the final phase of training) in his 13th year as an apprentice. His promotion to Shinuchi (master performer) was imminent.
Because of the power harassment, he wanted to change his mentor within the Rakugo Association. However, switching to another master means starting over as a Zenza (opening act, the second phase of training).
According to the Rakugo Association, traditionally, an apprentice can transfer to another master if their current master allows it or expels them. Bajaku requested his mentor Enka to facilitate this. However, Enka was reluctant to comply.
After Bajaku was successfully expelled, he began working for a new master, Asama Yoshihara (75). This year, Bajaku confirmed that Asama would promote him to Shinuchi next year.
Asama says that, during his own apprenticeship, he witnessed several young apprentices give up their careers after their mentors beat them. Some were hospitalized.
“There’s been a longstanding culture of education and training that crosses the line,” Asama said. “It’s absurd to view power harassment as the norm.”
The Rakugo Association stated that it cannot directly intervene in issues concerning the master-apprentice relationship. However, in response to Bajaku’s request for measures to address harassment, it has implemented harassment awareness training. In 2022, it also established a consultation desk to address such issues.
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Sources
パワハラ防止、落語界も急務 弟子が師匠を提訴、一部認める判決確定 毎日新聞
落語家の階級 落語芸術協会
落語ってなに？ー落語はじめの一歩ー 落語芸術協会
