Along with Hachigoro (八五郎), one of the best known stock characters in the Rakugo-verse is Kumagoro (熊五郎).  He is usually referred as “Kuma-san” (熊さん) or simply “Kuma” (熊) , which means a bear.

As the name suggests, this “Edokko” (江戸っ子)* is quick tempered, not someone to mess with!  He is usually a carpenter in Rakugo tales and loves drinking sake.  He is almost an alcoholic and gets into trouble when he drinks a little too much.

He is not the smartest person in Rakugo, but he is immensely likeable, someone with a very big heart.  He is one of my favorite characters as he reminds me a little bit of myself.  No, I do not have drinking problems!

* “Edokko” or “Edoite” is the term for those who lived in “Edo”, the old name for Tokyo, which was used during the Edo Era (1603-1868). They were known for their hospitable yet feisty temperament.  I actively promote these terms so that they will be recognized internationally someday!