“Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose” Third Performance Begins Streaming on May 14

Pia Corporation’s subscription video streaming service “Pia Rakugo Zanmai,” which offers unlimited access to rakugo stage performance videos, began streaming the third performance in its “Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose” series on Thursday, May 14. The series was launched to commemorate the service’s second anniversary. “Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose” is a rakugo event in which promising young rakugo performers present the pieces they most want audiences to see right now. The third performance was held on Saturday, April 18, at Rakugo Cafe in Jimbocho, featuring Yanagiya Komon, Shofukutei Chako, Sanyutei Hanakin, and Shunputei Ikkyu. The program includes signature pieces, personally recommended new works, and pieces appearing on Pia Rakugo Zanmai for the first time, each specially selected for this occasion. ＜Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose Vol. 3＞ ・Shunputei Ikkyu, “Yakan Name” ・Sanyutei Hanakin, “Fuji Mairi” ・Shofukutei Chako, “Sore Dake wa Yamero!” ・Yanagiya Komon, “Yodanme” Recording date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 Venue: Rakugo Cafe, Jimbocho Streaming start: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Messages from the performers: Shunputei Ikkyu says rakugo is an art enjoyed through the audience’s imagination, but when he performs “Yakan Name,” he can present it almost like a live-action version. He describes it as a story full of laughter, anger, and tears, and a piece he especially wants first-time viewers of Shunputei Ikkyu to enjoy. Sanyutei Hanakin says he climbed Mount Fuji for the first time in his life when learning and debuting “Fuji Mairi,” and performs while recalling the scenery he saw then. He enjoys the contrast between a religious pilgrimage to Japan’s highest mountain and the story’s talk of stolen geta sandals and attractive women. It was also a story his master, Sanyutei Kinyu, excelled at when young. Shofukutei Chako says his new rakugo piece “Sore Dake wa Yamero!” is one he personally likes very much, though no one has ever told him they like it, and he asks audiences to watch with an open mind. Yanagiya Komon says he likes theater, especially kabuki, and tries to see it whenever possible. Because kabuki contains the foundations of performance and stagecraft, he finds it interesting how one’s eye gradually becomes more discerning. He chose “Yodanme” because it seemed less common in Pia’s lineup, and hopes viewers will enjoy it. About “Pia Rakugo Zanmai”: The service lets users watch rakugo stage performance videos anytime, anywhere on smartphones or computers through a flat-rate unlimited viewing model. It offers more than 3,000 pieces of content and features over 200 performers, ranging from rakugo masters to promising young talents. In addition to Living National Treasures, popular rakugo performers, and emerging artists, it also streams stage videos by kodan storytellers and rokyoku performers. Key features include: 1. Unlimited viewing of more than 3,000 rakugo stage videos on smartphones and computers; 2. Over 200 performers, from leading figures in rakugo to rising young artists; 3. A rich selection of premium content recorded at Shinjuku Suehirotei, a renowned hall of narrative arts; 4. New content added regularly. A first-month-free campaign is currently available for new members, allowing one month of free unlimited viewing from the date of paid membership registration. As of May 14, 2026, the Pia Rakugo Zanmai lineup includes more than 200 rakugo performers, kodan storytellers, and rokyoku performers. Please check Pia Rakugo Zanmai for details on each streamed work. Service inquiries: Pia Rakugo Zanmai, akugo-za mai@pia.co.jp. Media inquiries: Pia Corporation Public Relations Office, koho@pia.co.jp.