Sorori Shinzaemon, the father of “Rakugo” storytelling, is laid to rest at Myoho-ji Temple. In the past, Sakai was flush with entertainers. “Sorori” is an adverb meaning “smoothly and quietly,” but this name originates from his work as a sword sheath maker. He made scabbards that fit “smoothly and quietly” on any blade, even without measuring the blades in question. Manufacturing labor was neatly divided among many experts, so you can imagine how skilled they were.

Sorori was a master of Rakugo. He was also an “otogishu,” a mediator who counseled daimyo, or feudal lords. According to one theory, Daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi employed around 3,000 otogishu. Of all these mediators, he was fond of Sorori’s unique knack for conversation. During wartime, otogishu inspired the daimyo’s allies, holding conferences to demonstrate their lord’s authority, and crucially, writing speeches. For Hideyoshi, who was born a farmer and climbed to the top, a silver tongue was sharper than any steel.

Here’s a story that illustrates Sorori’s sense of humor.

One time, Toyotomi Hideyoshi said to Sorori, “Tell me a funny story, like you always do.” His clever talk would always put Hideyoshi in a good mood. “You got me again, Sorori,” he’d say at the end, promising to make him pay for it. Sorori then asked Hideyoshi to do something truly baffling: “Permit me to smell your ear, my lord. But not now – at a time of my choosing.” Apprehensive though he was, Hideyoshi agreed.

Time passed. Military commanders from all over the country gathered around Hideyoshi for an important conference. Tension hung thick over the conference as it proceeded. But then, the door opened, and Sorori entered. The eyeballs of countless warlords followed him, but he approached Hideyoshi and said “My lord, it is time.” Hideyoshi was bewildered, but a promise was a promise. Sorori approached Hideyoshi, cupped his hand over his ear, and took a whiff of Japan’s “Great Unifier.”

The commanders watched in shock, wondering what Sorori had whispered to make the conference grind to such a halt. They jumped at shadows, wondering if he’d overheard something or seen through their motives. After all, Hideyoshi had just united Japan under one banner – it’s no surprise that every one of those commanders was wary of him.

They naturally rushed to Sorori, promising rewards if he told them what he said to Hideyoshi. The rewards increased with every elusive answer Sorori gave. Hideyoshi was wise to all of it. “Ah, he got me again,” he muttered.