Traditional Owarai

Have you ever seen Rakugo?






Rakugo is traditional comic storytelling performed solo. Seated on a zabuton cushion, a comic tells a story. energetically speaking the dialogue for all the characters.

To clearly distinguish one character from another, rakugo performers use various speech patterns and physical mannerisms.

 
When portraying a woman, the performer constantly straightens the hem and the collar of his kimono.

When portraying a child, the eyes are turned upwards and the hands are placed in front of the chest.

The only props used in rakugo are a folding fan and  a hand towel.

eating soba or udon with folded fan represents chopsticks.


Through the skillful use of props and gestures,rakugo performers aim to evoke vivid images in the minds of the audience. Rakugo is a form of interactive storytelling which requires the audience to use their imagination.

Nowadays there are some Japanese rakugo performers who tell the story in English or some foreign rakugo performers.


Katsura Sijyaku is very popular. His expressions by his face is soooooooo funny.



I hope you can enjoy Japanese traditional owarai.