Meiji Era One-hit-wonder Entertainers 4 Rare Performers Japan

by Shigetoshi Nagamine

$75 · Offered by eBay

Meiji Era One-hit-wonder Entertainers 4 Rare Performers Japan Key Features ✔ Discover the fascinating history of Meiji-era entertainment with this rare and insightful book, "Meiji Era One-hit-wonder Entertainers: The Four Rare Performers of Japan." This comprehensive volume delves into the lives and performances of four legendary entertainers—円遊 (Enyu), 万橘 (Mantou), 円太郎 (Entaro), and 談志 (Danshi)—who captivated the Japanese public during a tumultuous period marked by a devastating cholera epidemic. Known collectively as the "Rare Arts Four Kings," their unique acts, including "Steteco" dance, "HeraHera" dance, trumpet performances, and comedic sketches, sparked nationwide enthusiasm despite remaining shrouded in mystery and controversy within the traditional rakugo scene. ✔ This book explores the origins, cultural significance, and societal impact of their performances through a detailed analysis of contemporary media such as newspapers, magazines, and ukiyo-e prints. It offers a vivid portrayal of urban popular culture, street entertainment, and the everyday lives of the people during early Meiji Japan. The author, Shigetoshi Nagamine, a renowned scholar in publishing and popular culture history, provides a richly researched narrative that uncovers why these one-hit-wonder entertainers gained such fleeting yet intense popularity. ✔ Key features include a thorough examination of the birth and evolution of their acts, the societal reactions, and the eventual decline of their fa

• Condition: Fine

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