Rakugo

 Today's topic is "Rakugo". “Rakugo” is a Japanese verbal entertainment and is traditional performing arts. However, these days, Rakugo is not so much familiar to many Japanese people because many young Japanese people haven't seen Rakugo. So let's know about Rakugo.
 The following information is from wikipedia.

 The lone storyteller sits on a stage. Storytellers use only a paper fan and a small cloth as props, and without standing up from the sitting position. Storyteller is called “Rakugoka” in Japanese. Rakugoka doesn’t depend on clothes, a tool, and a song. So Rakugo requires advanced skills.  

History

The origin of this art form can be traced back to the story collection Ujisyuimonogatari. Gradually the form turned from humorous narrative into monologue. During the Edo period, thanks to the emergence of the merchant, Rakugo spread to the lower classes.

Current performers

Current Rakugo artists include Tatekawa Danshi, Tachibanaya Enzou, Katsura Sanshi, Tachibanaya Takezou, Tatekawa Shinosuke and Shozo Hayashiya(9th). Furthermore, many people regareded as more mainstream comedians originally trained as Rakugoka apprentices, even adopting stage names given them by their masters. Some examples include Sanma Akashiya, Tsurube Shofukutei, and Shohei Shofutei. Another famous Rakugo perfomer, Shijaku Katsura, is known outside Japan for his performances of Rakugo in English.

Rakugo is very difficult but is very deep. Rakugo is comedy culture peculiar to Japan. Perhaps, forigner can't understand it.