Comic story Edo & Kamigata
Tenshiki
転失気・てんしき
The story
A country temple priest does not actually know the meaning of a certain fancy-sounding word (it is really just a genteel term for breaking wind), but rather than admit it, he bluffs and pretends he does. To cover himself, he sends his young acolyte, Chinen, out to quietly find out what it means.
What to listen for
A gentle jab at the universal folly of pretending to know what you don't. A classic warm-up piece for apprentice performers.
Background
'Tenshiki' is an old, prim-sounding word for flatulence, which is exactly why the vain priest is too embarrassed to admit he doesn't recognize it. In Buddhist temples, boy acolytes (kozo) served and trained under the head priest.
Notable performers
柳家花緑桂宮治
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