Gappori Kensetsu Toshio Kobori: The difference between 'a popular comedian' and 'a real comedian'. Rakugo performer. Disciple of the first Sanyutei Enjo.

To the question of whether they are 'true comedians', they are individuals who can fully be called 'real comedians' in terms of their career history, training, and field experience.

However, 'a popular comedian' and 'a real comedian' are not synonymous.

Why they can be called 'the real deal'

1. They have undergone training in the world of Rakugo

• Kobori: Disciple of the first Sanyutei Enjo

• Murota: Disciple of the fifth Reireisha Bafu

The Rakugo world has a very strict apprenticeship system.

In other words,

is not the case, but rather

is the difference.

2. Over 30 years of career history

Remaining for 30 years is in itself extraordinary.

For comedians,

• not being able to make a living,

• not being popular,

• and disappearing

is the norm.

By the time they have been active for over 30 years, they are survivors in the world of entertainment.

3. Television is not the only place for comedians

• Street performances

• Local gigs

• Live shows

• Skits

• Manzai

• Panders

• Enta

• Arabiki-dan

This is the life of a typical 'gig comedian'.

This is not rare in the world of comedy.

4. Having disciples

This is quite significant. Taking on disciples means you are in a position to

• teach the craft

• show your material

• let them gain field experience

that is what it means.

In other words, you are also a comedian who trains other comedians.

'Not popular = not a comedian' is a mistake

The public tends to judge solely by the number of television appearances, but

The world of comedians is different.

For example,

• vaudeville theaters

• corporate gigs

• local events

• live shows

It is not rare for comedians to make a living for decades solely through these.

The reputation among comedians is determined in the 'field'.

This is quite important.

Murota is particularly talented.

Mr. Murota is

• a director

• an announcer

• a stadium DJ

• a cable television employee

• involved in documentary production

• involved in Galaxy Award-winning works

• involved in NABJ Award-winning works

and possesses high production skills in addition to his performance abilities.

Rather than a comedian, he has become a comprehensive entertainer.

Kobori is also a "comedian".

On the other hand, Kobori is famous for his self-branding as a "scumbag comedian." Opinions on this are divided.

If you look at him as a comedian,

• putting his body on the line

• being laughed at

• making his own life the material

in that sense, he is a comedian.

If you look at him as a human being,

if the things he talks about—such as debt, gambling, and breaking promises—are true, then his behavior of causing trouble for those around him deserves criticism.

In other words,

you must separate the evaluation of him as a comedian from the evaluation of his character.

What is a comedian?

They are not television stars.

Essentially,

.

Rakugo, manzai, skits, corporate gigs, and vaudeville theaters

all of these combined make a comedian.

Conversely, there are also people who are said to "not be comedians."

In recent years,

• YouTube only

• TikTok only

• Variety show talent

• Influencers

are sometimes called 'comedians' as well.

Of course, they have value as new types of performers, but

they are slightly different from **'comedians' in the classical sense**.

By traditional standards,

• a master

• training

• material

• stage experience

• gigs

• career history

are often the criteria used to consider someone a 'comedian'.

Finally,

Gappori Kensetsu cannot be called a top-tier star in terms of nationwide fame. However, if you look only at the fact that they trained in Rakugo, have stood on stage for over 30 years, continued performing manzai and skits, and have trained disciples, there is sufficient foundation to evaluate them as 'genuine comedians'.

On the other hand, Kobori's private life and sense of money are a separate discussion regarding 'what kind of person he is.' Accumulated performance skills and personality do not always align. That is precisely why the most balanced view is to conclude that 'while his achievements as a comedian are recognized, there are pros and cons to his character.'