Sanmeitei School

Sanmeitei School
Japanese Name	三明亭一門
Romaji Name	Sanmeitei Ichimon
Affiliation	Rakugo Federation
Occupation	Rakugoka
Leader	Enso Sanmeitei

Sanmeitei School (三さん明めい亭てい一いち門もん, Sanmeitei Ichimon^?) is one of the most prestigious Rakugo schools, alongside the Arakawa School.

The school is affiliated with the Rakugo Federation.

Etymology

• The surname Sanmeitei combines the kanji for "three" (三 / san), "bright/light" (明 / mei), and "pavilion" or "teahouse" (亭 / tei).

History

The Sanmeitei School upholds a long-standing tradition where each successive head adopts the name "Enso". Alongside the "Miroku" of the Kashiwaya School, the Sanmeitei head is considered one of the twin pillars of Edo Rakugo.

Ranks

Like other Rakugo schools, the Sanmeitei School follows a three-tier ranking system:

• Zenza – Opening act apprentices.
• Futatsume – Intermediate performers.
• Shin'uchi – Full-fledged Rakugoka and top-ranked storytellers.

Only Shin'uchi are recognized as full professionals in the art. Currently, the school has **three known Shin'uchi** members.

Rank Promotion

Promotion is based on experience, mastery, and approval by a senior Shin'uchi or master.

Members

Known members of the Sanmeitei School are:

Shin'uchi Rank
Enso Sanmeitei	Ensha Sanmeitei

Shin'uchi Rank
Karashi Sanmeitei

Navigation

Sanmeitei School
Shin'uchi Rank	Enso Sanmeitei
Zenza Rank	Karashi Sanmeitei
Unknown Rank	Ensha Sanmeitei