Yagyaki Kichiroku's First Solo Performance to Take Place in Shinagawa

Yagyaki Kichiroku's First Solo Performance in Shinagawa

On August 23, 2026, the renowned Rakugo artist Yagyaki Kichiroku will be holding his inaugural solo performance titled "Shinagawa de Kichiroku in Kyurian" at Kyurian Small Hall, located in Shinagawa, Tokyo. This long-anticipated event is hosted by the Yagyaki Kichiroku Friends Association, presenting a unique opportunity for fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the art of Rakugo.

Tickets for the event are currently available for purchase through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., located in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

A Rising Star in the Rakugo World

Last year marked a significant milestone in Kichiroku's career as he achieved the prestigious title of "Shin'uchi" (full-fledged artist). This accomplishment followed his successful performance at Kyurian, where he showcased his skills and earned recognition in the Rakugo community. Kichiroku has a rich history of performing at the Zao Gongen Shrine in Oimachi, where he honed his craft and built an impressive reputation.

His upcoming solo show is particularly significant in light of the growing interest in Rakugo, especially influenced by the anime "Akane Banashi." Kichiroku plans to present classic tales, including the highly regarded piece "Shinigami" and two other selections from his repertoire, ensuring an engaging experience for audiences.

A Special Guest Appearance

Joining him on stage will be the talented performer Uwanosuke Soragoro, a celebrated Vaudevillian and singer-songwriter who captivated audiences at the Hakata Arts Festival. Soragoro, who hails from Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is known for his distinctive style combining Bossa Nova and various performance arts such as singing, ukulele, guitar, mime, and tap dance. His innovative performances blend original compositions with jazz and folk melodies, promising to add a unique flair to the event.

Meet Yagyaki Kichiroku

Profile: Yagyaki Kichiroku (real name: Shunsuke Sakurai) was born on December 19, 1984. He joined the Yagyaki Hanaroku school in June 2010, adopting the stage name Hanadon, and made his first debut performance with the piece "Dokan" in September 2010. In February 2011, he officially started performing in public theaters and progressed to the rank of "Futatsume" in May 2015, later changing his name to Kichiroku.

His journey into the world of Rakugo began when he worked as a receptionist at the National Engei Hall while studying acting. This experience sparked an interest in the art form, leading him to commit to becoming a Rakugo performer. Aside from traditional performances, Kichiroku showcases his versatility through his quarterly solo shows titled "Kichiroku Musubi" at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, collaborating with various art forms like harp, dance, aerial performances, and reading.

Awards: Kichiroku has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

- Winner of the 21st Sagamihara Young Rakugo Performer Championship in March 2022.
- Grand Prize at the 33rd Kitakotopia Young Rakugo Performer Competition in September 2022.
- Winner of the BS Fuji Zabu-1 Grand Prix 2023 in February 2023.

Event Details

- Event: Yagyaki Kichiroku's Solo Performance "Shinagawa de Kichiroku in Kyurian"
- Date: August 23, 2026 (Sunday)
- Venue: Kyurian Small Hall, Shinagawa Civic Council, 5-18-1 Higashi-Ooi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.
- Performers: Yagyaki Kichiroku & guest Uwanosuke Soragoro (Vaudeville)
- Staff: Sound design by Koji Tsukada, lighting by Narumi Hosaka, design by Akiko Maekawa, photography by Wataru Umehara, PR by Hiaki Irie, stage design by Tatsushi Sasamura.
- Schedule: Doors open at 1:00 PM; performance starts at 1:30 PM and lasts approximately two hours.
- Ticket Price: General admission is ¥3,500 (tax included).

This performance aims to showcase the rich tradition of Rakugo while also exploring its future possibilities, making it a unique cultural event not to be missed.