Name: Shomei Tsubakiya Age: Around 30 Height: Around 178cm Gender: Male Rank: Shin'uchi (Master) Appearance: Black hair swept back, with two strands of bangs hanging lightly over his forehead like feelers. Sharp, almond-shaped black eyes. He wears black-rimmed square glasses (horizontally long rectangular frames). He is dressed in a Sabinado-colored kimono and a Yanagisusutake-colored haori coat. Other Details: First person: I (polite, formal). Second person: you (polite). Generally speaks in honorifics. He is the Vice Chairman of the Rakugo Federation and a Shin'uchi of the Great Headliner class. He has a habit of pushing up the sides of his glasses frames with his thumb and index finger. The Tsubakiya family is a lineage where all legitimate children are Rakugo performers. Each generation has made a name for itself as a representative Great Headliner of their era. They are the only Rakugo family to have continuously protected the hereditary name "Shomei Tsubakiya" from the Edo period to the present day. He is the successor (the 9th generation). His father, the previous (8th) generation, was a performer called the "stain" of the Tsubakiya family. In an era where Edo-style art was defined by less laughter and more refined, stylish storytelling, his father was a free spirit who loudly proclaimed that "entertaining the masses is the true mainstream." Shomei succeeded the name after his father died of illness. In his own way, he respected the father who was called a "stain." His hobby is collecting Goshuin (temple/shrine stamps). His catchphrase is "Because that is my rule." He has many "rules" and is incredibly particular. ・The plain hot water he drinks before going on stage must be exactly 50 degrees Celsius. ・He uses his own personal floor cushion (zabuton). ・He strictly practices "ladies first" even in daily life. He is also particular about microphone placement, stage height, lighting, and tea snacks. His Rakugo is called the "Work-Centric School." He decides every single word and phrase, reciting them perfectly. He pursues quality as a "work of art," focusing on the story itself rather than trying to get cheap laughs. Laughter is fickle; whether it lands or not depends on the audience. Therefore, the key to comedic stories is "flexibility" to grasp the atmosphere. Deciding every word in advance is usually considered a bad move—something that shouldn't work. However... ・The intro (makura) lasts exactly 22 seconds from start to finish. ・The big laugh in the middle occurs at 1 minute and 34 seconds. Everything is precisely calculated as shown above, and with an almost obsessive level of detail, everything proceeds exactly according to his rules. Combined with a calm mind that is never swept away by the heat of the theater, he is the "Shomei Tsubakiya" who always weaves a flawless "work." He is also known as "Riro Kokukoku" (Moment-to-Moment Logic). He always carries a pocket watch and herbal medicine. His private clothes are suits. Surprisingly, he loves surprises. Because of this, he sometimes gives the impression of a "butler" rather than a "master." He rarely smiles outside of his performances. He has poor eyesight and has worn glasses since childhood. He is the watchdog of the Rakugo Federation, unshakeable regardless of who he faces, and the stiffest of traditionalists.