Rakugo Masters Brings the Art of Humorous Storytelling to Toronto
Master Rakugo artist Yanagiya Sankyo delights the audience with his skilled storytelling.
(All Photos on this page courtesy of Mr. Dave Ohashi)
On Feb. 12, performances of Rakugo (traditional comic storytelling) was held at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre by master storytellers Yanagiya Sankyo and Yanagiya Kyonosuke who were in Toronto on cultural exchange. (The event was co-hosted by the JCCCC, The Japan Foundation, Toronto, and the Consulate-General of Japan.) Master Sankyo demonstrated the stylized gestures of Rakugo and performed “Shinigami” (“The Spirit of Death”), and Master Kyonosuke performed “Hatsutenjin” (“First Tenjin Festival”) and “Tsuru” (“The Crane”). Assisted by subtitles, the audience was drawn into the masterful recounting of these stories, and the venue was filled with laughter despite the day’s snowstorm.
Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama extends greetings before the performance.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Executive Director James Heron extends his welcome.
The Japan Foundation, Toronto's Executive Director Emi Iwanaga explains the gestures of Rakugo.
Master Sankyo demonstrates the Rakugo gestures.
Master Yanagiya Kyonosuke performs "Tsuru" ("The Crane").
Master Sankyo performs "Shinigami" ("The Spirit of Death ").
