San'yūtei Enchō

San'yūtei Enchō (1871–1903) was a Japanese comedian and playwright during the Meiji era, renowned for revitalizing traditional rakugo storytelling. Rakugo is a form of comedic monologue where a single performer narrates amusing stories with minimal props, often playing multiple characters. Enchō innovated by incorporating contemporary themes and sharp humor, making rakugo more appealing to modern audiences. Despite his short life, he is remembered as a pioneering figure who modernized Japanese comedic arts, influencing the development of comedic performance and storytelling in Japan.