Rakugo and Kobanashi – Enjoy Storytelling and Explore Japanese

We are excited to announce three upcoming Rakugo events taking place in Oxford and London (with some events streaming online, TBC). A master Rakugo performer will be travelling from Japan to perform, and there will also be Kobanashi performances from learners of Japanese all over the country and lectures from experts. Why not join us to discover a unique aspect of Japanese culture, gain new Japanese knowledge, and – most importantly – to laugh at some great stories.

These events are all free but advance booking is required.

There will be English translation provided for each performance, so everyone is welcome!

• What is Rakugo? Rakugo is the traditional art of one-man storytelling in Japan. A single figure sits on stage and uses only his voice, a cloth and a fan to tell comedic or dramatic stories.
• What is Kobanashi? A short and witty story that is told before the main Rakugo performance.

Download our event flyer!

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Dates and Booking for Each Event

There will be three separate Rakugo events. Please refer to the following information on location and dates.

Different Rakugo stories will be performed on 8th November and 9th November in Oxford, so if you like, you can attend both events!

There will be a longer explanation about Rakugo and the culture of Rakugo as part of the events on the 9th November (Oxford) and 10th November (London).

Children are especially welcome to the events on the 9th November (Oxford) and 10th November (London)!

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8th November 2024

• Location: Oxford
• Venue: Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, University of Oxford
• Time: 17:00 – 18:30
• Online streaming available (TBC)
• Schedule:

17:00 – Opening

Introduction and demonstration of Rakugo

Rakugo performance by Ryūtei Saryū

Q&A Session

18:30 – Closing

Followed by a short drink reception

Click here to book tickets!

Co-organised by The Japan Foundation, London and Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, University of Oxford

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9th November 2024

• Location: Oxford
• Venue: Holywell Music Room, Wadham College, University of Oxford
• Time: 13:00 – 15:30
• NO online streaming
• Children welcome!
• Schedule:

13:00 – Opening

 Introduction and demonstration of Rakugo

 Kobanashi performances by learners of  Japanese

 Rakugo performances by Ryūtei Saryū

Talk and Q&A Session

15:30 – Closing (TBC)

Click here to book tickets!

Organised by The Japan Foundation, London

Supported by Wadham College, University of Oxford

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10th November 2024

• Location: London
• Venue: Regent’s University (London)
• Time: 13:00 – 15:30
• Online streaming available (TBC)
• Children welcome!
• Schedule:

13:00 – Opening

Introduction and demonstration of Rakugo

Kobanashi performances by learners of Japanese

Rakugo performances by Ryūtei Saryū

Talk and Q&A Session

15:30 – Closing (TBC)

Click here to book tickets!

Organised by The Japan Foundation, London

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Challengers Wanted! Why not try performing Kobanashi?

All levels of Japanese ability welcome!

The 9th November (Oxford) and 10th November (London) events will feature Kobanashi performances by learners of Japanese. You will have the chance to perform your Kobanashi on our stage! Whether you are a teacher or learner, please contact us if you have an interest in performing your kobanashi.

• Application deadline: 24th October 2024 (Thur)
• The details and information on how to apply can be found here

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Performer Profiles

  Ryūtei Saryū – Rakugo Performer

Ryūtei Saryū (stage name) is a Rakugo Master from Chiba Prefecture. He became an apprentice of Yanagiya Sankyō and began performing Rakugo in 1993. He was promoted to Shin’Uchi Rakugo MasterStoryteller status in 2006. He is the recipient of awards, including the Hanagata Engei Taisho* for three consecutive years: 2009 (silver), 2010 (gold), 2011 (gold). He has performed Rakugo all over the world. Since 2013 he has been working as a part-time lecturer and became a visiting associate professor in 2024 at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University.

* Hanagata: flower; Engei: a Japanese traditional performing art; Taisho: award.

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   Kazumi Hatasa – Professor at the School of Languages and Culture, Purdue University

Kazumi Hatasa is a professor at the School of Languages and Cultures. He was Director of the School of Japanese at Middlebury College from 2004 to 2018. He has received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2020. He has been working with professional performers to

incorporate Rakugo and Kobanashi into Japanese Language education.

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Related Links  (Coming Soon!)

• 2021 Kobanashi event videos
• Kobanashi website – Professor Hatasa
• Kobanashi Website – Kokusai Kobanashi Good Happyoukai (KKGH)