SOYU RAKU RAKU NIGHT LIVE Vol.46

Collaboration of Music and Rakugo

This is the first production in this popular series of music and Japanese comedic storytelling designed to introduce the Rakugo comedic style to an audience that does not speak Japanese.

The first half of this concert will be swing and dixieland jazz by Eiji Hanaoka (clarinet), Ken Aoki (banjo), Susumu Takeda (vibraphone), and Jin Kato (double bass). The second half is a collaboration of music and Rakugo, telling a traditional story with the help of illustrations and English subtitles. There will also be a performance of Daikagura.

Rakugo is a traditional kind of Japanese comedy in which performers tell a story. The origins of Rakugo go back almost 400 years. The performer usually wears a kimono and sits on stage on a “zabuton” cushion. Rakugo performers tell stories by themselves, acting out all parts and using only a fan and a hand-towel as props. A lot is left to the audience's imagination. Takemaru Katsura will tell the Rakugo story “Tanusatsu” about a man and a raccoon dog.

Daikagura is a traditional Japanese performing art. This old form of entertainment was originally a ritual performance at Shinto shrines that evolved and became especially popular during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Daikagura involves juggling, throwing, and balancing props. One trick is spinning things on an umbrella, for example balls or teacups. Michiyo Kagami will perform Daikagura.

SOYU RAKU RAKU NIGHT LIVE Vol.46

Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Recital Hall in Ueno Park

19:00-20:30, doors open at 18:30

Tickets are 1,000 yen and can be bought in advance online at the Tokyo Bunka Kainan Box Office here http://www.t-bunka.jp/tickets/. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Concert flyer: http://www.t-bunka.jp/img/00011138/files/251544756758.pdf

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan access and information: http://www.t-bunka.jp/index.html