An Argument for Rakugo as Literature1.

Unlike the arts of nō, kabuki and bunraku, Japan's comic storytelling art rakugo rarely gets termed 'literature'. This has to do with the fact that it's an oral tradition without formal scripts and because intellectuals have long viewed rakugo as uncouth, unsophisticated variety entertainment. Still, some label rakugo a 'classical' art. Truth be told, many still are not sure what to make of rakugo, so it's often relegated to the margins. But rakugo is many things, literature included. The art is intimately linked to conventional written literature, both early modern and modern. Yet some become alarmed or offended at the suggestion that rakugo is literature. This is strange considering that rakugo makes up an immense body of work and serves as an extraordinary vessel for a good deal that has otherwise vanished with history--adages, customs, jokes, home remedies, poems, prejudices, profanity, recipes, songs, stories, wisdom, words and more. This article aims to challenge misguided perceptions about rakugo and how Japanese literature should be defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]