Join master storytellers Kanariya Eiraku and Kanariya Koraku from the English Rakugo Association for an evening of laughter. Rakugo, Japan’s centuries-old tradition of comic storytelling, continues to delight audiences with its wit and charm today.

Dating from the 16th century, rakugo originated from very short stories which gradually became longer and more complex. The narratives, ranging from comical to sentimental, usually feature multiple characters. Each personality is conveyed masterly by the single storyteller who switches from one character to another by changing facial expressions, pitch and tone of voice, and by using an array of gestures specific to each character. A rakugo performance is similar to stand-up comedy with a single comedian performing on stage. In the case of rakugo, however, the storyteller is seated on stage, using only a paper fan and a hand towel as props.

This special event offers an engaging introduction to rakugo, followed by a selection of classic tales filled with clever wordplay, absurd misunderstandings, and timeless humour. Many stories transport us to Japan’s past, where feuding couples, curious monks, and eccentric scholars navigate hilarious situations.

The programme includes the following stories:

Judgement of Tengu: A man gets into an argument with his wife over whether he had a dream while sleeping. The argument escalates, involving a neighbour, the landlord, and eventually a magistrate.

Test Sake: A man claims he can drink five large bottles of sake. Two people place a bet on whether he can actually do it.

Yawning School: A man who loves learning new skills but never sticks with anything for long discovers a school that teaches yawning techniques and eagerly tries it out with his friend.

Tenshiki: A temple monk becomes fixated on an unfamiliar word he heard from a doctor. Unable to shake his curiosity, he enlists a young apprentice to help him uncover its meaning.

About the performers:

Kanariya Eiraku
Kanariya Eiraku has been performing rakugo for over 30 years. He started teaching English-language rakugo classes in Tokyo in 2007. He has since performed rakugo in English both in Japan and abroad, including the US, Denmark and Laos. He also introduces Japanese songs in English using the ukulele. He teaches English performance at universities in Japan.

Kanariya Koraku
Kanariya Koraku discovered rakugo at 16 and later worked as a diplomat across Europe, the U.S. and Africa. Noticing the language barrier in cultural events, he trained under Masters Kingentei Ryōma and Kanariya Eiraku to become a multilingual rakugo performer. He performs regularly in Japan and France and has toured the UK and France extensively.

Kanariya Knight
Kanariya Knight first discovered rakugo through his love of kabuki theatre, and has never looked back. Following in the footsteps of his countryman, a kabuki actor and Japan’s first foreign-born rakugo performer Henry Black, Knight has been learning rakugo for just over a year and a half now. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for with enthusiasm (and anecdotes from his trips to Japan).

The event is organized in collaboration with The Japan Society and English Rakugo Association https://www.englishrakugo.com/

The performances are held in English. Please note that this event openly displays various types of wood, such as Japanese cedar, and may not be suitable for visitors with a wood allergy.

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.