Japanese comedian Tatekawa dies at 75

Danshi Tatekawa, master storyteller of Japan's traditional "rakugo" comic stories who inspired many comedians, has died at the age of 75, reports said Wednesday. He died Monday after a long battle with cancer, according to major media, including national broadcaster NHK and Jiji Press. Tatekawa, whose real name was Katsuyoshi Matsuoka, was known for his sharp tongue, dark humour, and free-spirited ways on and off the stage. He was a major influence on many Japanese comedians, including Takeshi Kitano, acclaimed filmmaker and comedian, who learned rakugo storytelling under him. (AFP)