Rakugo: Performing Comedy and Cultural Heritage in Contemporary Tokyo

by Lorie Brau

An introduction to the theatrical art of comic storytelling that originated in the Edo period, Rakugo sheds light on Japanese culture as a whole: its aesthetics, social relations, and learning styles. Enriched with personal anecdotes, Rakugo explicates the art's contemporary performance culture: the image, training and techniques of the storytellers, the venues where they perform, and the role of the audience in sustaining the art. Laurie Brau inquires into how this comic art form participates in the discourse of heritage, serving as a symbol of the Edo culture, while continuing to appeal to Japanese today. Written in an accessible manner, this book is appropriate for all levels of student or researcher.

Genres: Japan

274 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kristine Ohkubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well researched and incredibly comprehensive guide to rakugo! This book offers much more than a mere introduction to the world of rakugo -- it places you right in the middle of it. You learn about its 400-year history and evolution, rakugo-specific terms, venues, the media, the process of becoming a full-fledged rakugoka / hanashika, and much, much more.

One disappointing aspect, for me, was that more emphasis was placed on Tokyo (Edo) rakugo and less on Kamigata rakugo. It would have been much more beneficial if the author explored each style with equal emphasis and dedication.

Still, I would highly recommend this book to people who are serious about the art form. It is an invaluable research tool for those of us who want to know everything there is to know about rakugo. By the same token, I would caution the average reader who only has a general interest in rakugo as a form of entertainment, the work can be overwhelming.