Rakugo Performer Katsura Sunshine
Introduces Atlanta Audiences to Japanese Comic Storytelling Tradition

Rakugo is an ancient art form known for its dynamic dialogues and dramatic stories, featuring a lone performer with a subtle minimalist style. It is Japan's answer to stand-up comedy.

A Rakugo story is structured much like a long, elaborate joke, in that each story ends in a punch line. Dressed in kimono, kneeling on a cushion, with only a simple fan and hand towel for props, the lone storyteller delivers a short performance of his own original "material" before launching into a hilarious story populated by unforgettable characters from ancient Japan. Almost completely devoid of narration, the stories are told through dialogue between characters differentiated by the storyteller's simple turn of the head. There are two main traditions of Rakugo: Edo (Tokyo) and Kamigata (Osaka). Katsura Sunshine is trained in the Kamigata tradition.

This performance is organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. Further details can be found at the Consulate General of Japan’s website at http://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/Rakugo.html or by contacting the Consulate at 404-240-4300 or info@aa.mofa.go.jp

About the Consulate General of Japan:

The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is an overseas establishment of the Government of Japan. The main function of our office is to protect Japanese nationals and economic interests, provide consular services and cultural exchange. There are 16 Japanese diplomatic missions in the United States. The jurisdiction of our office is Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.