Shōten (1966)

Overview

The show is based on the Ogiri style of rakugo, a form of traditional Japanese storytelling. The ogiri system sees a host put questions to a panel of fellow rakugo storytellers who must produce a funny or witty response. Shoten's format thus sees the host⁠—⁠currently Shunpūtei Shōta⁠—⁠pose questions to six storytellers (known as "ogiri members") seated left to right (as the audience sees them) as follows: San'yūtei Koyūza (sky-blue kimono), San'yūtei Kōraku (pink kimono), Hayashiya Kikuo (yellow kimono), Hayashiya Sanpei II (beige kimono), San'yūtei Enraku VI (purple kimono), Hayashiya Taihei (orange kimono).