Demaru Katsura or Katsura Demaru, Japanese fashion with the family name first, is the stage name of Tsuneo Sanada. He was born in Osaka, Japan on September 7, 1964, which makes him a Virgo. He is 181 centimeters tall.
In August 1985, he began an apprenticeship under Zakoba Katsura. For two years he studied manners and correct behavior, as well as learning rakugo stories from his master. During that apprenticeship, he was also a babysitter, cleaner and general gofer in Zakoba's household. It is the custom for someone learning rakugo to take on menial tasks as well. In Japanese it is called shugyo suru or very hard practice. This is a sign of humility and serves to break down and build up character, like boot camp or an EST seminar. Rakugoka have to learn very old fashioned dress and manners. For example, one Edo era custom is to kneel down and slide open the interior doors in a house. Of course a modern person doesn't bother with the kneeling. Rakugoka also wear kimonos to perform in, which takes some getting used to.
