Japanese for Laughs: Japanese RAKUGO Demonstration

Join us at the Japan Foundation, Toronto for the opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of traditional Japanese comedy!

In this three-part event, veteran rakugo (Japanese comedic story-telling) performer, Yanagiya Sankyo, will give a special demonstration about how Japanese comedy is performed, and then local students studying Japanese who received special training from Yanagiya Sankyo will try their hand at making you laugh. To top it all off, Yanagiya Sankyo and his apprentice, Yanagiya Kyonosuke, will also give you a taste of authentic rakugo with a bonus performance!

No Japanese ability required – English subtitles will be provided!

What is Rakugo?

Rakugo is a traditional comedic storytelling performance. The performer sits on a cushion on the stage and tells a story which may involve several characters. He may stand up on his knees but never on his feet. His only props are a fan and a tenugui (Japanese towel).

Performer Profiles

Yanagiya Sankyo

Yanagiya Sankyo
Born in 1948, he became an apprentice to Yanagiya Kosan V in 1967 and received a shin’uchi rank in 1981. He is a veteran rakugo performer who can portray the subtle emotions of a character during a performance. He is currently a board member of the Association of Rakugo Performers.

Yanagiya Kyonosuke
Yanagiya Kyonosuke was born in 1971 and became an apprentice of Yanagiya Sankyo in 1993. He also received a shin’uchi rank in 2007. Like his teacher, Sankyo, Kyonosuke concentrates on classical stories (Koten) and has an orthodox performance style.

Want an extra dose of rakugo?

There will be a rakugo performance by Yanagiya Sankyo and Yanagiya Kyonosuke co-presented by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) the following day on Sunday, February 12th!

For details please visit: http://jccc.on.ca/event/rakugo-traditional-comic-story-telling/