KIZUNA hosts Sayohime English Rakugo Show (24 October 2019)

發表日期

2019/11/05

The KIZUNA event for October, held on Thursday the 24th at j-Pod (International Seminar House), was an English rakugo show featuring Sayohime, a female performer active mainly in the Kansai region. She has regularly appeared in KIZUNA's rakugo events for the past several years, each time with great success.

The October 2019 event began with Sayohime outlining the origins of the storytelling art. She then explained the concept of ochi (punchline) and how to use a sensu (folding fan) and a tenugui (hand towel) on stage. Finally, she demonstrated some of the hand and body gestures used to bring different characters and emotions to life.

Following this introduction, Sayohime performed two stories in English. The first one was "I Hate Sushi", a version of the classic story, "I Hate Manju ", adapted for international audiences. The second one was "Matsuyama Mirror", a humorous folk story set in a village where few have ever seen a mirror. Her powerful performance vividly conveyed the hilarity 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 voices, gestures, and facial expressions to achieve Japanese-style humor.

Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese performing art and mingle with other participants, laughing and having fun together in an enjoyable crossing of cultures.