Katsura Sunshine Brings Laughter to Toronto
Katsura Sunshine, a Canadian and the only non-Japanese professional master of this traditional comedic art form, treated Toronto audience to a night of laughter at a special performance on Oct. 5.
Rakugo Master Katsura Sunshine on stage at the Winte Garden Theatre.
Mr. Katsura, a native of Toronto, studied Rakugo under the celebrated Katsura Sanshi (who has since acquired the name Katsura Bunshi VI). Mr. Katsura Sunshine, fluent in Japanese, not centers his activities primarily in Japan.
The Toronto performance was the final stop of the more than 20-city tour that was supported by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was held at the famous Winter Garden Theatre, a dream come true for Mr. Katsura. The performance was attended by Japanese Ambassador Norihiro Okuda and Consul General of Japan Eiji Yamamoto, who sat with their wives among an audience of approximately 1,000 attendants.
Before the performance and during the breaks, the audience was also given background information on the 400-year-old comedic tradition of Rakugo by Ms. Chiho Kitagawa, wife of Mr. Katsura and a lecture at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies.
An interview Mr. Katsura gave to CBC Radio can be heard here.
Giving background information on Rakugo with his wife,
Kobe City University of Foreign Studies lecturer Ms. Chiho Kitagawa.
Master Sunshine chats with Japanese Ambassador Norihiro Okuda.
