Don’t miss this rare opportunity to enjoy rakugo, Japan’s traditional storytelling art, performed in English—right here in Fukuoka! Resola Tenjin is thrilled to present Rakugo in English, featuring Shinohachi Tatekawa and Shinoharu Tatekawa, two rising stars from the prestigious Tatekawa Rakugo school. This special event is the fourth in a series of unique cultural experiences hosted at Resola Hall.
Experience the Art of Rakugo
Rakugo is a form of Japanese storytelling where a solo performer, seated on stage, uses only a fan and hand towel to bring an array of characters and stories to life. Often described as Japan’s “sit-down comedy,” this art form relies on the performer’s skill and the audience’s imagination to create a vivid and humorous experience.
Can Japanese humor translate into English? Absolutely! English Rakugo has been gaining popularity as a shared form of entertainment that resonates with both Japanese and English-speaking audiences.
Meet the Performers
Shinohachi Tatekawa: Born in 1974 in Yokohama, Shinohachi joined the Tatekawa school of Rakugo in 2000 under the mentorship of Shinosuke Tatekawa. He won the 10th Young Rakugo Performer Championship in 2011 and the 4th Young Rakugo Championship in 2012.
Shinohachi shares, “The true appeal of rakugo lies in the live experience. I use simple English to translate traditional rakugo stories so even first-timers can enjoy the performance. You might be surprised by how much English you actually understand, and rakugo remains rakugo even in English. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Resola Hall!”
Shinoharu Tatekawa: Born in 1976 in Osaka, Shinoharu spent seven years in the United States during his childhood and university years, graduating from Yale before working for Mitsui & Co. His first rakugo experience captivated him, leading him to join the Tatekawa school in 2002.
“Rakugo,” he says, “relies on the imagination shared between the performer and the audience, creating a unique live experience. The humor that people enjoyed in Edo times still resonates today, showcasing the timelessness of classic rakugo. We invite you to experience how this art form transcends language and culture right here at Resola Hall.”
Event Details
• Date: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024
• Time: Doors open at 14:30; show starts at 15:00 and ends around 17:00
• Tickets: All seats unreserved
¥2,000 for general admission
¥1,000 for high school, vocational, university, and graduate students
¥500 for junior high and elementary students (elementary students must be accompanied by an adult)
No admission for preschool-aged children
• Tickets: On sale now
• Location: Resola Hall, 5F Resola Tenjin, 2-5-55 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
About Resola Tenjin
Located in Tenjin, Fukuoka’s vibrant commercial heart, Resola Tenjin is a stylish venue that has become a cultural hub with past events like the Nicolai Bergmann Flower Exhibition, Kyosei no Sato Kurokawa INN Art Exhibition, and Silent Movie Show. With spaces for concerts, exhibitions, fashion shows, and more, Resola Tenjin offers a sophisticated experience, attracting luxury brands, culinary gems, and now a unique blend of Japanese culture in English!