Rakugo performer Katsura Zakoba has handed away on June 12 on account of bronchial asthma on the age of 76.

Zakoba started his profession in 1963 beneath the mentorship of Katsura Beicho, shortly gaining reputation along with his witty and light-hearted performances. Throughout his profession, he was awarded the highest prize on the Kamigata Rakugo Grand Prize and obtained the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award within the Arts Selection Awards by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Zakoba was a well-recognized face on leisure packages like Shoten, bringing laughter into the properties of many. In 2017, he skilled a well being scare, struggling a stroke that led to a brief hospitalization. However, he made a comeback and continued acting at yose theaters and rakugo occasions.

His wake and funeral can be held privately by his household, with a public memorial service deliberate for a later date.

Source: 日テレNEWS