Human-drama story Edo
Shibahama
芝浜・しばはま
The story
Katsugoro, a fish peddler who has drunk his life away, finds a wallet stuffed with gold on the beach at Shiba one morning. His wife, fearing the money will only fuel his ruin, insists he merely dreamed it. Shamed and sobered, he swears off drink and works honestly for three years, until one New Year's Eve his wife finally tells him the truth.
What to listen for
A tender, warm-hearted masterpiece traditionally performed at year's end. Its final exchange is one of the most famous moments in all of rakugo.
Background
New Year's Eve was the day all debts came due in Edo-period Japan, making it the most emotionally loaded night of the year. Shiba is a district of old Tokyo (Edo) that once faced the bay.
Notable performers
立川談志三遊亭圓楽
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