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January 2026 Issue Long Interview Published

2025年12月22日 12:24

January 2026 Long Interview
“The Karma of a Rakugo Performer” Interview with Director Kyosuke Enozono

We have published the full interview on note, which could not fit into the monthly schedule flyers for the Seventh Art Theater and Theater Seven.

1. How did you meet Master Kairakutei Black and what inspired you to film him?

While helping a quirky, shut-in friend reintegrate into society, I became interested in Rakugo and the Rakugo world, where eccentrics are accepted. I began filming with the theme of 'the main battlefield for social misfits.' After researching and considering my options, I decided that Master Kairakutei Black was the only person for the lead role, and I went to see him for the first time on the last day of the Heisei era at a yose performance called 'Kichiku Dai-Hentai Special'.

2. Please share one episode from the filming process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was also sued for helping with a live stream of Master Kairakutei Black's Rakugo performance. As I continued filming while juggling the roles of both filmmaker and involved party, I realized I was sitting right next to Master Black in the defendant's seat at the Tokyo District Court, in the perfect angle.

3. What are your thoughts on 'places' like yose theaters and mini-theaters?

During the advance screenings of this film in Tokyo, there is a scene that receives applause every single time. Even for someone like me, who has walked the path from projectionist to cinema manager, this is a sight I have never seen before. I think it is perhaps a moment where the yose and the mini-theater harmonize, and strangely enough, I find myself tearing up every time.

4. Please tell us the highlights of this film.

I hope you will take a look at the element of the 'unserious' existence within a serious society. And I hope that the feeling of laughing off even hell will help viewers enjoy their own lives.

Opening at the Seventh Art Theater from Saturday, January 10th!

■ Seventh Art Theater Website

We look forward to seeing you there!