Today, November 3, is Culture Day. This time, the En'uchi editorial staff went undercover at an event that proposes a new way to enjoy rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art.

We visited "Bia Yose," a Kirin Beer event held at the end of October. The event was open only to members of "Bia-no-wa," a fan community for the company's "Grand Kirin" beer brand.


The content of the event was a novel combination of craft beer and rakugo. A rakugo stage was set up at the venue where members were selected by lottery, and each rakugo storyteller "served" a rakugo story that perfectly matched the production method and flavor of the beer he or she was telling.

The five rakugo storytellers who took the stage that day were Komichi Yanagitei, Harunosuke Tachikawa, Ichinosuke Harufutei, Kotchira Yanagitei, and Ikushi Tachikawa. With the exception of Komichi, who is currently breastfeeding, everyone was assigned a "Ichiban Shibori" or Grand Kirin flavor.


Grand Kirin, a standard product, is characterized by its strong bitterness from the unique dip-hop process and a gorgeous aroma that comes back after drinking. The "young ace of rakugo" Harufutei Ichinosuke performed "Horinouchi," a story about a young rakugo master. He plays the role of the ever-so-frustrating protagonist with the same individuality as the beer.


Grand Kirin Jugoya no Tsuki" (*seasonal product), an IPA style beer with a fruity and gorgeous aroma, was paired with "Nomeru" by Yanagitei Kotchira, whose theme was a comparison of wits. The small punchline matched the light taste of the beer.


Also, Grand Kirin Dip Hop Weizenbock, a new product scheduled to be released on November 8, made an early appearance. It features a mellow, unfiltered finish, a unique spicy aroma, and a higher alcohol content. The rakugo story "Ido no chawan" by Master Ikushi Tachikawa, which has a pleasant aftertaste, will pleasantly soak into your moderately intoxicated head.


I have only seen rakugo on TV before, but watching it in front of my eyes, the passion that comes across is quite different. The craft beer, which becomes more flavorful as time goes by, was a perfect accompaniment to the rakugo, even more so than I had imagined.

After the performance, there was a scene where the rakugo storytellers and audience members compared drinks, and it was refreshing to see them talking in an open and friendly manner, which is not something you often see. Personally, I enjoyed the event so much that I want to go every week. I heard that the theme of every Biwa event changes, and I look forward to the second one!


The day's events can be viewed on Nico Nico Live from past videos (free membership registration is required). Why don't you enjoy it with a beer in your hand? *Because of the alcohol content of the program, those under 20 years old are not allowed to watch.