#Japan #Tokyo #Rakugo #Kagurazaka #Kokontei Kikunojyo

Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival 2025: An Enriching Cultural Event

The highly anticipated Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival 2025, presented by the Kagurazaka Traditional Performing Arts Committee, is set to take place on June 21 and June 28, 2025. Held at the Akagi Shrine Assembly Hall in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this festival promises a remarkable showcase of Japan's rich rakugo tradition, a form of comedic storytelling that has captivated audiences for centuries. Tickets for the event are currently available through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd.

A Historical Gem

Kagurazaka is a district steeped in tradition, maintaining its vibrant cultural ambiance since the Edo period. Historically, it has been a hub for traditional performing arts, drawing in locals and tourists alike. During the Meiji and Taisho eras, the area flourished with numerous theaters and stages, nurturing popular entertainment forms. Notably, renowned author Natsume Soseki frequently visited the local rakugo theaters, highlighting the significance of this cultural hotspot.

The golden age of rakugo in the Showa era saw many prominent figures, including Yanagita Kinyokuro and Kokontei Shincho, making their mark in the realm of storytelling. The 1970s witnessed a revival thanks to the fourth generation of Sanyutei Kogin, leading to a renaissance of performances and nurturing many aspiring storytellers.

Founded in 2009, the Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival emerged from the passionate efforts of local enthusiasts. Under the skilled direction of Kokontei Kikunojyo, a celebrated rakugo master, the festival has maintained a strong connection to its roots while embracing new ideas. This yearly festival brings together traditional setting and the artistry of rakugo, weaving an enchanting atmosphere filled with humor and magic.

Lineup Highlights

The festival promises to be a spectacular event, particularly on June 21, featuring a match-up between Sanyutei Hakucho and Yanagibe Sansan. With Hakucho's unconventional creativity in modern rakugo and Sansan's precise storytelling of classical tales, this evening is bound to be an exhilarating experience as contrasting styles collide.

On June 28, the afternoon performance will feature Hayashiya Shozo alongside Kokontei Kikunojyo. Both masters are acclaimed figures within the rakugo community and have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Attendees will relish the depth, warmth, and emotional resonance of their performances, embodying the essence of traditional storytelling.

Kokontei Kikunojyo: The Face of Rakugo

Kokontei Kikunojyo, born in Tokyo, began his journey in the rakugo world under the tutelage of Kokontei Enkiku in 1991. Rising through the ranks, he became a Shin'uchi in 2003. Kikunojyo's accolades include winning the prestigious NHK Newcomer Award in 2002 and receiving the Minister of Education Newcomer Award in 2013, among others. In 2019, he showcased his versatility by participating in the NHK Taiga Drama. Today, he is also a board member of the Rakugo Association, revered for his dynamic performances that evoke the charm of Edo and Meiji storytelling styles.

Festival Details

The 16th Kagurazaka Rakugo Festival will take place:

• - Date: June 21 (Saturday) and June 28 (Saturday), 2025
• - Venue: Akagi Shrine Assembly Hall (1-10 Akagi Motomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Featured Performers:

• - June 21 (Day Performance): Kokontei Kikunojyo, Momotukian Hakushu (1:30 PM)
• - June 21 (Night Performance): Sanyutei Hakucho, Yanagibe Sansan (6:00 PM)
• - June 28 (Day Performance): Hayashiya Shozo, Kokontei Kikunojyo (1:30 PM)
• - June 28 (Night Performance): Shunputei Ichinosuke, Kokontei Bunkiku (6:00 PM)

Ticket Prices:
General Admission: 4,500 yen (tax included)

This festival not only promises to showcase the vibrant art of rakugo but also serves as a reminder of Kagurazaka’s enduring legacy in Japan's cultural landscape. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the charm and humor of rakugo, brought to life by some of the best in the business.

Purchase Tickets Here