Celebrating 20 Years of Rakugo with Geikyo Matsuri 2026
The highly anticipated
Geikyo Matsuri 2026, a fan appreciation festival, will be held on
May 26, 2026. This special event takes place at the
Geino Kaden Hall located in
Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo. Under the auspices of the
Geikyo Rakugo Festival Executive Committee, the
Japan Rakugo Arts Association, and
Office Tackle, the festival has become a landmark event for fans of Japanese comedic storytelling. Tickets will go on sale on
April 8, 2026, starting at noon, via
Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co. Ltd.
Visit the official website for more details, and check out
their X (formerly Twitter) for updates!
What to Expect at Geikyo Matsuri 2026
The
Geikyo Rakugo Matsuri is an annual event that celebrates the art of Rakugo—Japanese verbal entertainment characterized by its witty storytelling and engaging performances. This year, the festival will showcase not just traditional Rakugo, but a plethora of performances including
Kodan (a form of storytelling) and
Nankin Tamasudare (a performance involving a set of traditional, intricate tricks), ensuring a diverse and enticing lineup.
The event is set to take place in the refurbished
Geino Kaden Hall, which was originally an elementary school. This unique setting allows for a variety of engaging activities, such as hands-on workshops, signature rallies, and special performances that reveal a different side of the performers.
Engaging Performances and Line-up
Expect to be entertained by a star-studded line-up, led by
Shunputei Shota, the president of the
Japan Rakugo Arts Association. He is joined by prominent figures in the industry, including
Sanyutei Koyu, rising star
Katsura Miyaji, and the award-winning film narrator
Sakamoto Raiko. The event will also feature tap dance performances and traditional dance from various Rakugo schools, making this year's festival particularly exciting.
The festival program is organized into five parts:
1.
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Shunputei Shoyou & Sakamoto Raiko (Film Narrator), Kanda Hakuzan (Kodan)
2.
11:35 AM - 12:20 PM: Katsura Bunchi & Kunimoto Haruno (Nankin Tamasudare) & Sanyutei Koyu
3.
12:40 PM - 1:25 PM: Shunputei Ryushaku, Tap Dance performances, and Takikawa Koiso (Nankin Tamasudare)
4.
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM: Sanyutei Yusaku & Dance (starring various performers) & Katsura Miyaji
5.
2:50 PM - 3:35 PM: Shunputei Yanbashi & Dance (starring various performers) & Shunputei Shota
Ticket Information
Tickets are available at a set price of
1,500 yen (tax included) for each performance, and seating is reserved. Such affordability opens access for a wider audience to participate in this unique cultural event.
Hosted by:
- - Geikyo Rakugo Matsuri Executive Committee
- - Japan Rakugo Arts Association
- - Office Tackle
Special Collaborations:
- - Japanese Educational Performing Arts Council
- - Supported by Shinjuku Ward
For those interested in attending, remember that tickets go on sale on
April 8, 2026, so mark your calendars!
For more details on ticket purchasing and member benefits, visit the
Confetti Ticket Site. Don't miss the chance to be part of this wonderful celebration of culture, comedy, and camaraderie at the
Geikyo Matsuri 2026!