#Japan #Tokyo #Rakugo #Edo Culture #Gamo Shigakutei

Explore Edo Culture Through Rakugo

On September 26, 2025, Gamo Shigakutei in Toshima City, Tokyo, will host the event titled "Experiencing Edo Culture Through Rakugo," organized by the Graduate School of Literature's Religious Studies Program and the Department of Humanities. This event is a follow-up to last year's successful gathering, ensuring that the enjoyment of traditional storytelling continues.

Rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of storytelling often centered around Buddhist themes and cultural narratives, blossomed during the Edo period. The event will feature renowned Rakugo performer and Gamo Shigakutei manager, Shirara Tachikawa, alongside Professor Okimasa Murakami from the Department of Humanities, who specializes in religious studies and folklore. Together, they aim to educate attendees about Edo culture and its customs through the lens of Rakugo.

This event is special because it combines academic exploration with entertainment, making use of the unique relationship between Gamo Shigakutei, a café renowned for its Rakugo performances, and the university that operates it. The café not only offers storytelling but also serves as a space where students engage in menu development while connecting the local charms of Sugamo with the world of Rakugo, highlighting their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.

Event Highlights

1. Insightful Presentations: The event will include a Rakugo performance by Shirara Tachikawa, enriched by commentary and insights from Professor Murakami, ensuring a deep understanding of the narrative and its cultural significance.
2. Interactive Engagement: Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with performers, allowing for an interactive experience that deepens the learning process.
3. Open to All: Individuals from all backgrounds are invited to participate, providing a chance for anyone interested in Japanese culture to immerse themselves in a vibrant educational experience.

Event Details

• - Date: September 26, 2025 (Friday) 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
• - Venue: Gamo Shigakutei, 3-34-1 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo
• - Registration: Individuals can sign up through the following link: Register Here

A Closer Look at Gamo Shigakutei

Gamo Shigakutei is a rare Rakugo café, uniquely operated with the involvement of Shirara Tachikawa, who serves as a visitor researcher at the university. The space is designed to weave together the delights of traditional Japanese performance art and the entrepreneurial spirit nurtured through student participation in its operations. The café also offers a menu that reflects the locality, enticing visitors to explore both its food and the art of Rakugo itself.

This initiative underscores Taisho University's broader mission, which embodies the principles of wisdom and compassion rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Founded with a vision of nurturing individuals who strive for personal excellence while achieving the greater good, Taisho University emphasizes a holistic approach to education, promoting values such as coexistence and mutual respect.

About Taisho University

Established in 1926, Taisho University integrates various sects of Buddhism to offer a unique educational experience that encompasses multiple disciplines. The university advocates a framework that encourages students to grapple with diverse philosophical and ethical questions, preparing them to address contemporary challenges related to life, death, and religious education.

Through programs like the Graduate Program in Religious Studies and the Humanities Department, students engage in interdisciplinary learning that explores the interplay of history, culture, and society. Their collaborative efforts foster deeper bonds within the academic community, promoting understanding and shared experiences across disciplines.

With events such as "Experiencing Edo Culture Through Rakugo," Taisho University continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Japan while inspiring future generations to appreciate and preserve its rich heritage.