Rakugo in English

I've always loved the performing arts - of any kind (opera, theater, stand-up comedy, mime) or of any culture. Unfortunately because of my poor Japanese, I've always regretted that the whole world of Japanese performing arts has been more-or-less closed to me. Except for the Kabuki, which offers simulcast translations in English, it is difficult to partake in the rich diversity of performances available in Tokyo , be they classical or modern. So it was a joy to be able to watch Ms. Kimie Oshima both perform Rakugo and explain how and why she performs rakugo to foreign audiences.

As Rakugo is based entirely on the spoken word, with a solo performer on a bare stage, no costumes and only a fan and a piece of cloth as props, it may be one of the least accessible art forms to us non-Japanese speakers. On the other hand, the stories, the characters and the humor of Rakugo are both timeless and universal - which is why modern Japanese audiences as well as those of us lucky enough to watch Oshima-san's performance in English, can laugh and enjoy the comedy as easily as audiences in times past.

On a rainy, cold and windy day, a capacity crowd turned out for this performance. And judging by the smiles that lit up the room, they clearly enjoyed it.

Gerald Wright

Ms. Kimie Oshima

Audience member catches a ball