The Institute for Japanese Studies, Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO), Japanese Student Organization, Japanese Conversation Club/Oshaberi-kai, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, and Japanese Graduate Studies Association Present:
A Night of RAKUGO Storytelling
Yanagiya Tōzaburō
RAKUGO Association of America
Abstract: Rakugo (落語) is a traditional Japanese form of solo storytelling in a style similar to “stand-up” comedy but performed entirely in a kneeling position seated on a zabuton cushion. With only a folding paper fan and a folded handkerchief as props, rakugo storytellers rely on eye movements, facial expressions, and body language to help convey their stories. Yanagiya Tōzaburo is a master rakugo performer with the shin’uchi title. His performance will include Japanese storytelling with English subtitles (“Tengu sabaki” 天狗裁き, “Goblin’s Judgment”) and an English storytelling piece (“SHINIGAMI”), followed by Q&A. Come and join us for an evening of exposure to one of Japan’s classical forms of entertainment. Download the PDF flyer here.
Born in Tokyo, Tozaburo “Zabu” Yanagiya Ⅲ trained under master RAKUGO performer Yanagiya Gontaro III and was promoted to the master shin’uchi rank, the highest rank in the RAKUGO discipline, in 2014. He has performed on stages across Japan and appeared on the Shōten RAKUGO show and other TV programs. His storytelling repertoire ranges from the classics and modern RAKUGO to original works. He was awarded the 2016 Rookie/New Artist Award in the category of popular entertainment (The 71st Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan National Arts Festival). Since 2018 he has performed in English. He is currently the president of RAKUGO Association of America. He acquired the first American Artist VISA in the history of RAKUGO and moved to New York, USA, to promote Japan's comedy “らくご（落語）” as “RAKUGO” to the world.
Venue and Parking: Sullivant Hall 220 can be accessed by entering through the north entrance, located off the plaza between Sullivant Hall and the Wexner Center for the Arts. The Ohio Union South Garage (1759 College Rd., next to the Ohio Union) is accessible to visitors at all times. The Ohio Union North Garage (1780 College Rd., near the Wexner Center for the Arts) is open to visitors after 4:00pm.
Free and Open to the Public
If you require an accommodation, such as live captioning, to participate in this event, please contact EASC at easc@osu.edu. Requests made at least two weeks in advance of the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
This event is supported by a U.S. Department of Education Title VI grant to The Ohio State University East Asian Studies Center.
