What does the word rakugo mean?

fallen words
Rakugo (落語, literally ‘fallen words’) is a form of Japanese verbal entertainment of yose. Using only a paper fan (扇子, sensu) and a small cloth (手拭, tenugui) as props, and without standing up from the seiza sitting position, the rakugo artist depicts a long and complicated comical (or sometimes sentimental) story.

What is rakugo in Japanese?

Rakugo is a 400 year old tradition of comic monologue storytelling in Japan. A minimalistic performing art, rakugo features a lone storyteller dressed in a kimono（きもの）、kneeling on a cushion（ざぶとん）、using only a fan（せんす）、and a hand towel（てぬぐい）as props. Today there are two main traditions of rakugo.

Does rakugo exist?

Japan has an ancient and highly respected culture. This respect extends to the art of storytelling with the traditional medium of rakugo still alive today. Rakugo is a form of Japanese verbal entertainment.

Is rakugo still popular?

“Rakugo” storytelling dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868) and remains popular today. The often comic monologues rely on the skill of the teller, rather than scenery or complex props.

Why is Rakugo called Fallen words?

Rakugo in Japanese means “fallen words”. It is a form of Japanese theater consisting of a comedy show, often satirical, which first became popular in the Edo period. Over time, hundreds of stories were added to the directory, which rakugoka still use today.

What influenced Rakugo?

Rakugo originated from Buddhist sermons. The priests used dramatic stories to illustrate the spiritual principles of Buddhism such as the transiency of life, ephemeral reality of secular values, and others.

What is Japanese storytelling?

Meet kamishibai – from kami, meaning paper and shibai, meaning play or theatre – the ancient Japanese storytelling tool that many librarians, nursing-homes and schools use in several countries around the world. Storytellers engage their audience, eliciting reactions and answers from their public.

When was rakugo born?

History of rakugo Rakugo was born about 330 years ago. It was not born in one particular place and it developed around Osaka, Kyoto, and Edo (Tokyo today). The oldest Rakugoka (Rakugo artist) is said to be the Tsuyu no Gorobei in Kyoto. He set up desk-like stages outdoors on the banks of the Kamogawa River in Kyoto.

How many rakugo stories are there?

Approximately 300 popular stories are still performed as classic rakugo, in addition to many new stories created by current rakugo artists following the traditional style and structure. Each story is made of three parts: The makura, or prelude; the hondai (hanashi), or main story; and the ochi, the closing punch line.

What influenced rakugo?

What is a tenugui towel used for?

Tenugui (te=hands; nugui=wipe) are traditional Japanese cotton towels that have been a staple of the Japanese home since the 9th century. These multi-purpose cloths are used everyday as hand towels, dishcloths, and washcloths.

What does rakugo mean?

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Rakugo is a Japanese verbal entertainment. The lone storyteller sits on stage, called Kōza. Using only a paper fan and a small cloth as props, and without standing up from the seiza sitting position, the rakugo artist depicts a long and complicated comical story.

Where did the art of rakugo come from?

Rakugo is traditional storytelling of humorous stories developed in Edo Period (1603–1868) Japan. The art form began amongst commoners and has continued that way until today. Rakugo, meaning “fallen words,” is told by a single storyteller who performs all roles of the story – male, female, young, old, and even ghosts.

How many people have attended a rakugo performance?

A recent survey found that 26.4% of Japanese people had attended a rakugo performance, putting it ahead of other disciplines such as kabuki, nōgaku, and buyō (traditional dance). It is common for schools to invite rakugoka to perform for children studying traditional arts.

Who are the two main characters in rakugo?

The story always involves the dialogue of two or more characters. The difference between the characters is depicted only through change in pitch, tone, and a slight turn of the head. Rakugo was originally known as karukuchi (軽口).