Tōchūken Kumoemon

Tōchūken Kumoemon (桃中軒 雲右衛門) (October 25, 1873 – November 7, 1916) was a popular rōkyoku recitalist in Meiji Japan.

His immense popularity helped rōkyoku break into the mainstream.

At his height, he performed Chūshingura productions to sell-out crowds at some of the biggest theatres in Tokyo and Osaka.

[1] Tōchūken's style of reciting left a lasting impression on rōkyoku, and indirectly also on enka, especially the music of Haruo Minami and Hideo Murata.

[2] Tōchūken was a contemporary of legendary musician-activist Soeda Azenbō.