Let’s Enjoy Rakugo in English

Rakugo (literally “fallen words”) is a form of Japanese verbal entertainment with a history of more than 300 years.

While staying in a seated, kneeling position on stage, the lone performer (rakugoka) uses only a paper fan (sensu) and a small cloth-like towel (tenugui) as props, and imparts a long and complicated comical story. You can then listen to commentary on the history of Edo from expert Robert Campbell with the help of a movie depicting a digitally recreated version of old Edo. You can also try your hand at performing using a sensu and tenugui after the show.

Performance schedule:
1:30pm Doors open
2:00pm Rakugo in English by Katsura Kaishi
2:30pm Explanation about the Edo period by Robert Campbell
2:45pm Rakugo experience using a fan and tenugui
3:00pm Opinion exchange and photo session

The performance takes place within the Tokyo National Museum grounds. Admission is free and with pre-registration on the website, you’ll also get free admission to the museum (usually 620yen).

(Greg Lane)