An Evening of Rakugo with Katsura Sunshine

About this event

Description:

Step into the world of Japanese humor, storytelling, and tradition with a special evening of Rakugo at the Japanese Friendship Garden!

Rakugo (落語) is a centuries-old Japanese art of comic storytelling in which a single performer brings an entire cast of characters to life using only voice, facial expressions, gestures, a folding fan, and a small cloth. From witty exchanges to unexpected twists, these captivating stories offer a glimpse into the humor, imagination, and everyday life of Japan.

Join acclaimed Rakugo performer Sunshine, together with apprentice storytellers, for a unique live performance in the beautiful setting of the Garden. Experience the charm of this traditional art form and enjoy an evening of laughter, cultural discovery, and connection.

Want to complement your evening? Sake will be available for purchase at an additional cost.

Whether you are discovering Rakugo for the first time or already love Japanese culture, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience Japan’s storytelling tradition up close.

Fee:

VIP Ticket: $100 per ticket

includes VIP seating, food, and a Shikishi signed by the Performer plus a photo session. Limited 40 tickets

General: $50 per ticket

Members: 10% discount

Program Schedule:

4:30 PM – Garden Opens to guests

First Half

5:00 – 5:10 PM – Apprentice Performance 1: (10 minutes)

5:10 – 5:20 PM – Apprentice Performance 2: (10 minutes)

5:20 – 5:50 PM – Katsura Sunshine – Story 1 (30 minutes)

5:50 – 6:05 PM – Intermission (15 minutes, optional at the Organization’s discretion)

Second Half

6:05 – 6:15 PM – Apprentice Performance 3: (10 minutes)

6:15 – 6:35 PM – Katsura Sunshine – Final Story (20 minutes)

7:00 PM (approx.) – Program concludes

7:30 PM – Garden Closes

Katsura Sunshine (born Gregory Robic) is a Canadian:

Rakugo comic storyteller , producer, and playwright who made history as the first Western Kamigata (Osaka-style) Rakugo performer .

The Breakthrough: After studying classical Greek theater in Canada, he moved to Japan in 1999. In 2008, he was accepted into a grueling, traditional three-year apprenticeship under the legendary master Katsura Bunshi VI.

The Art Form: Rakugo is a 400-year-old minimalist comic art where the performer sits on a cushion, using only a folding fan and a hand cloth to portray multiple characters through voice and gesture.

Global Success: Sunshine is famous for translating authentic Japanese comedic stories into English and French without losing their cultural essence. He has headlining runs Off-Broadway and on London's West End, hosted NHK television programs, and now trains his own international apprentices.