Yoshida Naramura

Yoshida Naramura was a notable "ryukoka", or streetcorner singer of the late nineteenth century in Japan. The type of singing practiced by Naramura diffused throughout the country, and its origin can be traced to the Osaka metropolis. [http://www.japan-101.com/art/music_of_japan.htm] Whether Naramura himself was responsible for the diffusion of this unique musical type, or whether we was only a part of the tradition is uncertain, but it can at least be said that he achieved a degree of notoriety as a singer of this genre.