Kowakare (Parting from a Child)

子別れ・こわかれ

The story

Kumagoro, a carpenter, drinks and womanizes until he drives his wife and young son out of the house. Years later, a reformed and sober man, he crosses paths by chance with his now-grown boy, Kame. Known by its nickname 'a child is the clamp that binds,' it is a story of a broken family finding its way back together.

What to listen for

A monumental human-drama piece that can run over an hour when told in full. Cherished for the ache and warmth of a father and son reunited.

Background

The nickname 'ko wa kasugai' means 'a child is the clamp (kasugai)', an iron staple carpenters drive between two beams to hold them together, an image doubly fitting for a carpenter's tale.

Notable performers

古今亭志ん生立川談春

#親子 #夫婦 #涙 #大ネタ