Pia Corporation’s subscription video streaming service “Pia Rakugo Zanmai,” which offers unlimited access to rakugo stage performance videos, began streaming the third performance in its “Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose” series on Thursday, May 14. The series was launched to commemorate the service’s second anniversary. “Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose” is a rakugo event in which promising young rakugo performers present the pieces they most want audiences to see right now. The third performance was held on Saturday, April 18, at Rakugo Cafe in Jimbocho, featuring Yanagiya Komon, Shofukutei Chako, Sanyutei Hanakin, and Shunputei Ikkyu. The program includes signature pieces, personally recommended new works, and pieces appearing on Pia Rakugo Zanmai for the first time, each specially selected for this occasion. ＜Pia Rakugo Zanmai Yose Vol. 3＞ ・Shunputei Ikkyu, “Yakan Name” ・Sanyutei Hanakin, “Fuji Mairi” ・Shofukutei Chako, “Sore Dake wa Yamero!” ・Yanagiya Komon, “Yodanme” Recording date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 Venue: Rakugo Cafe, Jimbocho Streaming start: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Messages from the performers: Shunputei Ikkyu says rakugo is an art enjoyed through the audience’s imagination, but when he performs “Yakan Name,” he can present it almost like a live-action version. He describes it as a story full of laughter, anger, and tears, and a piece he especially wants first-time viewers of Shunputei Ikkyu to enjoy. Sanyutei Hanakin says he climbed Mount Fuji for the first time in his life when learning and debuting “Fuji Mairi,” and performs while recalling the scenery he saw then. He enjoys the contrast between a religious pilgrimage to Japan’s highest mountain and the story’s talk of stolen geta sandals and attractive women. It was also a story his master, Sanyutei Kinyu, excelled at when young. Shofukutei Chako says his new rakugo piece “Sore Dake wa Yamero!” is one he personally likes very much, though no one has ever told him they like it, and he asks audiences to watch with an