The 58th Gokai Rokyoku Festival: A Showcase of Traditional Japanese Art

Experience the 58th Gokai Rokyoku Festival

On November 28, 2025, the 58th Gokai Rokyoku Festival will take place at the Nihonbashi Public Hall in Chuo City. This annual event celebrates the rich tradition of Rokyoku, one of Japan's three great storytelling arts alongside Rakugo and Kōdan. The festival will be helmed by none other than the legendary Tamagawa Taifuku, who holds the distinguished title of the first living national treasure of the Rokyoku world, Kyoyama Koeda (Kyoei).

Festival Details

The festival will start at 12:15 PM with the afternoon session titled “Treasures of the East and the West,” followed by the evening performance titled “Young Talents of the East and the West.” Not only will this event showcase the emotionally charged narratives unique to Rokyoku, but attendees will also experience the dynamic interplay between the performer and the shamisen player.

Afternoon Session: Treasures of the East and the West

The lineup for this session includes incredible performances such as:
1. Kawaguchi Kotorou, accompanied by Itami Keiko, performing “Kozaru Nananose Kaishin.”
2. Kyoyama Koeda, with Niji Tomomi, narrating “Fukubiki Sōdō.”
3. A special collaborative skit featuring the beloved 103-year-old Tamagawa Yuko, alongside Tamagawa Taifuku, in a humorous Rokyoku masterpiece!
4. An ensemble shamisen performance, showcasing the talents of numerous players including Sawara Junnko and Tamawu Nanafuku.
5. Sawa Yukie with Tamagawa Ritsu, presenting “Ooyama Maiburi.”
6. A performance by Tamagawa Nanafuku and Haranokiko, a delightful narrative of “Mamoru no Haha.”
7. A special dialogue session featuring Tenchuken Ungetsu and Kyoyama Koeda, moderated by Tōke Takatarō.
8. Fuji Kotomi with a magic Rokyoku act.
9. Tenchi Ken Ungetsu, directed by Sawamura Hiroki, presenting “Nankai Haarein.”
10. Closing out the afternoon, the historical piece “Saga no Gimyōden” performed by Kyoyama Koeda and accompanying shamisen artist Niji Tomomi.

Evening Session: Young Talents of the East and the West

The evening will see an exciting lineup, featuring young performers showcasing their unique talents:
1. “Senzo no Issetsu Sawari-shū”: Divided into segments with hosts Tamwaka Wata and others.
2. Tōke Chiharu, with Sawamura Rio, narrating a story about the Edo period featuring “Hana no Oedo no Isshin-taizō.”
3. Rising star Mayama Hayato will bring a fresh take on the popular “Onna Koroshi Aburazaka.”
4. A unique shamisen guitar rendition titled