Born Hatsutaro, Sukeroku trained alongside Kikuhiko (later the Eighth Generation Yakumo Yurakutei) under the Seventh Generation Yakumo. He delivered rakugo with energetic, freestyle performances, emphasizing visual comedy and audience interaction—a stark contrast to Yakumo's precise, traditional method. This rebellious approach caused friction with the establishment, leading to his expulsion after he criticized prevailing methods as outdated.

Following expulsion, Sukeroku relocated to the countryside with the geisha Miyokichi. Their relationship was turbulent. They had a daughter, Konatsu, but Sukeroku grappled with depression and alcoholism, largely abandoning rakugo. His life stagnated until Yakumo sought him out years later, reigniting his performance passion. During a joint inn performance, Miyokichi slipped from a balcony; Sukeroku attempted rescue, resulting in both falling to their deaths.

Sukeroku's legacy persisted through his rakugo philosophy and family. His daughter Konatsu preserved his techniques, teaching them to Yakumo's apprentice, Yotaro. A decade after becoming Yakumo's student, Yotaro attained the shin'uchi rank and inherited Sukeroku's name, becoming the Third Generation Sukeroku Yurakutei. This succession embodied the continuation of Sukeroku's innovative spirit within rakugo's evolving tradition.

Sukeroku profoundly shaped Yakumo's artistic path. His unconventional style challenged Yakumo's perfectionism, aiding Yakumo's development of a more emotionally resonant approach. Their rivalry and friendship proved pivotal; Yakumo later urged their master to designate Sukeroku as the Yakumo heir instead. After Sukeroku's death, Yakumo preserved recordings of his performances and honored his vision of adapting rakugo for modern audiences.