High School Students to Showcase Their Passion for Marine Issues at Umi Rakugo Contest

High School Umi Rakugo Contest

On December 14, 2025, at the Shibuya Solasta Conference Center, a unique event will take place that merges tradition with environmental awareness: the High School Umi Rakugo Contest. Organized by the Umi Rakugo Association, this competition invites high school students to creatively present pressing marine issues through the art of rakugo, a traditional form of Japanese storytelling.

This event is part of a broader initiative, the "Umi to Nihon Project," led by the Nippon Foundation. The project encourages people, especially the youth, to connect with the ocean and understand environmental challenges in a fun and engaging manner. Unlike conventional methods of conveying these issues, this project prioritizes laughter and storytelling to spark interest and awareness.

As part of the contest, ten high school students who have participated in the Umi Rakugo Project will take the stage. Over a period of six months, they have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of professional rakugo performers to create original works that cleverly address marine issues. Under the mentorship of environmental scientists, the students also engaged in practical research, which they will showcase through active learning presentations.

Event Schedule

The contest will run from 1:00 PM to 4:15 PM, with doors opening at 12:30 PM. Attendees can engage with the following programmed activities:
1. Performances by five student teams, each delivering a 20-minute presentation of their sea-themed rakugo.
2. A special performance featuring renowned rakugo artist, Sanyuutei Asataka, who will present a piece related to marine themes.
3. An award ceremony to recognize the outstanding performances of participating students.

Special Guest Appearance

A special highlight of the event will be the appearance of guest judge, "Sakana no Oniisan Kawachan," known for his engaging talks about fish and marine life. His participation is expected to add an extra layer of fun and education, linking the comedic narratives of rakugo with real-world ocean issues.

Venue and Accessibility

The event will take place at the Shibuya Solasta Conference Center, located conveniently within a six-minute walk from Shibuya Station, making it highly accessible for all attendees.

- Location: 4D Shibuya Solasta, 1-21-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
- Access: From JR, Tokyo Metro, and Tokyu lines, it’s a short walk from the west exit of Shibuya station. Alternatively, it’s just a quick two-minute walk from the Dogenzaka upper exit of Shibuya Mark City.

Participation Details

The contest is free to attend, but seats are limited to 70 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested individuals are encouraged to register in advance through an online application form by December 13, 2025. However, if there are available seats, walk-ins can join on the day of the event.

For more information about the Umi Rakugo Project and the Nippon Foundation’s Umi to Nihon Project, interested visitors can refer to the following URLs:

This contest isn’t just a competition; it’s an opportunity for students to communicate vital environmental issues while embracing Japanese cultural heritage. Attendees are invited to witness the culmination of creativity, research, and passion from the next generation aimed at fostering a sustainable and beautiful ocean for the future.