In Photos: The life of late Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru
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Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru smiles at a press conference after finishing his last appearance in the Japanese comedy TV show "Shoten" at the Kojimachi studio of Nippon Television Network Corp. in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on May 22, 2016. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru, second from left in front, poses with other members of the Japanese comedy TV show "Shoten" for a commemorative photograph while shaking hands with Shunputei Shota, the new emcee, after Utamaru finished his last appearance on the show at the Kojimachi studio of Nippon Television Network Corp. in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on May 22, 2016. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru, center, leaves the stage to the applause of other members of the Japanese comedy TV show "Shoten" after his last appearance as emcee of the program at the Kojimachi studio of Nippon Television Network Corp. on May 22, 2016. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen in June 1967. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen in August 1980. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru helps publicize the activities of a police traffic patrol unit in April 1986. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen in Yokohama's Minami Ward on Nov. 26, 1999. -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru performs his favorite piece "Tsubozan" at a municipal hall in the city of Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, on Dec. 22, 2004. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen on April 27, 2007, after it was decided to honor him with the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette." (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru performs during the Hakata Tenjin rakugo festival at the main hall of the head office of the Bank of Fukuoka in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward on Nov. 1, 2008. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen at National Engei Hall in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on April 20, 2010, after it was decided he would become an ambassador to promote awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru performs at Sojo University in the city of Kumamoto on July 29, 2010. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru, second from left, plays a drum at a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the rakugo arts association. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen in the city of Yokohama on Oct. 31, 2011. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen in the city of Yokohama on Oct. 31, 2011. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru, left, poses with Sanyutei Koyuza for a photo on Aug. 31, 2015, in front of Hanashizuka, a monument for stories which were prohibited to be performed during wartime. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru, left, smiles with Shunputei Shota, who was taking over as emcee for the Japanese comedy TV show "Shoten," at a press conference after Utamaru completed his last appearance of the program in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on May 22, 2016. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru, chairman of the rakugo arts association, holds a certificate of commendation from the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology at an award ceremony at the ministry on May 31, 2016. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru performs with an oxygen inhaler in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on March 23, 2017. (Mainichi) -
Rakugo storyteller Katsura Utamaru is seen on March 23, 2017. (Mainichi)
