Rakugo Traditional Japanese Comedy (4'57")
Culture
New
In rakugo, an entertainment that became popular with the common people in the 17th century, a single performer sits on a cushion on stage to tell a humorous story. This takes the form of a conversation, with the performer changing their tone and gesture for its different characters, using only a folding fan and a simple cotton cloth as props. Many of the old tales are still popular today, and rakugo is gaining fans around the world. We see one performed by a professor who studies humor and performs rakugo in English. The enthusiastic reception she has received in many countries proves that the power of laughter knows no boundaries.
