I experienced rakugo for the first time in my life. And it was in English!
Katsura Sunshin
The rakugo storyteller’s name is Katsura Sunshine. He is Canadian. He is the first foreign rakugo storyteller in the Kamigata Rakugo Association and performs rakugo in English all over the world. It’s incredibly interesting.
If you have a certain level of English proficiency, you will thoroughly enjoy it. Of course, if your native language is English, I guarantee you will enjoy it 120%.
At the beginning, as an introduction, he gave an entertaining explanation of the basics of rakugo in English for audience members who were experiencing rakugo for the first time. He spoke lightheartedly about the history of rakugo and how it is performed using only a handkerchief and a fan, requiring the performer to use their imagination to entertain the audience. Referring to Japanese culture and customs unique to the Japanese people, he captured the audience’s hearts by mentioning things that foreigners who have visited Japan would be familiar with. It was 90 minutes of non-stop laughter.
Katsura Sunshine performs rakugo in both English and Japanese, traveling back and forth between Broadway and Japan. In 2025, he plans to perform rakugo every month in Asakusa. Since he also performs on Broadway, he adds additional explanations so that even those unfamiliar with Japanese culture can understand. As a Japanese person myself, I often found myself nodding in agreement with his explanations. Even classical rakugo becomes easy to understand.
He has four apprentices (one in Japan and three in the US), so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Mokuba Theatre
Katsura Sunshine’s stage is Mokubatei in Asakusa. I had passed by it several times on my way back from Sensoji Temple, but I had never been inside. You might recognize it. It’s just a few minutes from Sensoji Temple.
Mokubatei is a small theater. When you enter, it feels like you’ve traveled back in time to 1970s.
Even among Japanese people, many say, “I’ve never seen rakugo!” So the fact that someone from a foreign country with a different language and culture has become a rakugo storyteller is amazing in itself. Learning classical rakugo and creating stories that can be understood by foreigners. I have nothing but respect for that.
After the performance, we were able to talk face-to-face. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about his serious approach to rakugo. I was very grateful to hear that he performs rakugo not only in the United States but also in India and France.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and have a good laugh, so please visit.
Stay tuned for more updates of Japan. See you soon!
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Mokubatei Theatre 2-7-5, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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