#Japan #Tokyo #Marine Conservation #Rakugo #Umi Rakugo

High School Rakugo Program Kicks Off

The Umi Rakugo Association has recently launched the exciting High School Rakugo Program as part of its Ocean Rakugo Project, aimed at educating youth about marine issues through a blend of traditional Japanese humor and expert discussions. This initiative kicked off with an event on July 27, 2025, at the Vision Center in Shinagawa, where high school students had the unique chance to connect the dots between comedy and environmental awareness.

The core concept of the High School Rakugo Program revolves around empowering students to engage with ocean-related issues in a fun and relatable way. By combining the comedic essence of Rakugo with the proactive learning approaches led by environmental specialists, the program provides a platform where students can grasp marine problems as their own and make an impact.

Program Overview

Ten high school students from across the nation, each chosen for their enthusiasm and creativity, came together under the guidance of five experienced Rakugo performers. Together, they formed five teams to explore the art of ocean-themed storytelling through humor, as well as to engage in active learning about environmental challenges. This collaboration serves to enhance both their storytelling skills and their understanding of marine conservation.

Kick-off Event Highlights

The kick-off event featured the following details:

• - Date and Time: July 27, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• - Venue: Vision Center Shinagawa
• - Instructors: A roster of acclaimed Rakugo performers, including Yoshihara Basaku, Sayuutei Asachika, and Takikawa Kashime.
• - Participants: 10 enthusiastic high school students participated, with one regrettably absent.

The event commenced with an exemplary performance of Ocean Rakugo, presented by Yoshihara Basaku, and an interactive active learning session led by environmental scientist Yidesaku Yoshikazu. The performances, centered on the theme of marine debris, successfully married humor with awareness, creating a light-hearted yet educative atmosphere. Participants were seen laughing while deeply engaging with serious ecological issues.

Networking and Team Building

The subsequent workshop facilitated networking among the students, encouraging them to connect through interviews and games centered around the ocean theme. Despite being strangers from different backgrounds, the workshop succeeded in breaking the ice as both students and instructors collaborated enthusiastically. Collective teamwork set the stage for their future creative endeavors throughout the program.

Creative Development and Marine Lectures

Following the ice-breaking activities, participants engaged in practical lectures focusing on Rakugo creation and marine issues. Sayuutei Asachika provided insights into the art of crafting Rakugo pieces, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to convey environmental stories through humor. This was complemented by Yidesaku’s lecture covering important topics such as ocean warming and fishery resources. Participants attentively absorbed the lectures, already brainstorming ideas for their upcoming projects.

Future Outlook

The five teams formed during the kick-off will set specific research and creative themes. Rakugo students will receive tailored one-on-one mentorship, focusing on mastering the art of Ocean Rakugo. Meanwhile, their marine student counterparts will engage in fieldwork and research that align with their shared themes, providing an integrated learning experience that emphasizes action and awareness.

Even after the event, the engagement continued with participants exchanging ideas and sharing insights over chat platforms, highlighting their motivation and commitment. The program’s results will be showcased in a presentation event scheduled for December, promising an exciting preview of the students' creative efforts.

The High School Rakugo Program represents a significant step toward fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals, who can combine cultural heritage with modern-day challenges. As they venture into the realms of comedy and ecology, the ripple effect of their learning and creativity could inspire a wave of change in marine conservation efforts.

About the Umi Rakugo Association

The Umi Rakugo Association aims to leverage Japanese traditional humor to address serious marine issues while promoting environmental literacy. By integrating entertainment with education, the association seeks to make learning about the ocean’s state enjoyable and impactful for people of all ages.

To learn more about the program, visit the official webpage: Umi Rakugo Program