Rakugo storyteller Sanyutei Takasuke (real name: Kurihara Shiro) passed away on August 27 at 2:40 pm due to COVID-19. He was 54 years old. 

Takasuke joined Sanyutei Enka in 1983. As a zenza (first rank), he went by the name 'Sanyutei Kachiwari.' In 1989, he was promoted to futatsume (second rank) and succeeded the name 'Sanyutei Kafuu.' Then in 1998, he was promoted to shinuchi (full-fledged master of storytelling) and succeeded the name 'Sanyutei Takasuke.'

Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.