KIZUNA hosts Sayohime English Rakugo Show (26 October 2018)

Published on

2018/11/09

The KIZUNA event for October, held on the 26th at j-Pod (International Seminar House), was an English rakugo show featuring Sayohime, a female performer active mainly in the Kansai region, and whose performances at KIZUNA have consistently drawn a large audience.

The 26 October event began with Sayohime explaining the art's origins and 300-year-plus history, the concept of ochi (punchline), and the use of sensu (folding fan) and tenugui (hand towel). She then demonstrated some of the hand and body gestures used to enact different characters and express emotions.

Following this introduction, she performed two stories in English, "Giving Compliments" and "Bridal Training”, both highlighting the funny side of the act of complimenting as practiced in Japan. Her powerful performance vividly conveyed the humor of the characters' dialogue, and elicited frequent laughter from the culturally diverse audience.

Next, she led a rakugo workshop, in which participants practiced two short stories in pairs, with some going on the stage to perform in front of the others. Under Sayohime’s instructions, the students learned how to use their voice as well as body and facial expressions to convey traditional Japanese humor.

Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese comic storytelling and mingle with other participants, laughing and having fun together.