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.

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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