1.
kōdan; traditional storytelling performance; dramatic narrative recitation
A traditional Japanese performing art in which a solo performer narrates historical tales, war stories, or dramatic episodes, punctuating the story by striking a small wooden table with a fan. One of Japan's major oral storytelling traditions.
A traditional oral storytelling art that developed during the Edo period. The performer (講談師) sits at a small lectern (釈台) and narrates dramatic stories, using a folding fan (張り扇) to strike the table for emphasis and rhythm.
Common collocations
- 講談を語る: to perform kōdan
- 講談師: kōdan performer/storyteller
- 講談調: kōdan style (dramatic narrative style)
- 講談の寄席: variety hall featuring kōdan
Content
Stories typically feature samurai, historical battles, revenge tales, and famous incidents. Unlike 落語 (comic storytelling), 講談 tends toward dramatic and heroic narratives rather than comedy.