Katsura Fukuryu
Rakugo: Traditional Comical Storytelling
Never been seen before in Winnipeg is the art of Rakugo. This is a very exciting event for JCAM to host by Katsura Fukuryu.
What is Rakugo?
Rakugo, the traditional Japanese art of storytelling, developed as a form of entertainment for ordinary citizens during the Edo Period (1603–1868). At first, many different kinds of entertainers would perform the generally humorous monologues, but gradually specialists emerged. These are now known as rakugoka.
Dressed in a kimono, the storyteller remains seated throughout the performance, playing the parts of several characters and acting out different scenes with only a fan and a hand towel as props. Unable to fall back on costumes and scenery, it is the job of the rakugoka to inspire the imagination of the audience through the skill employed in portraying the world of the story. The punch line is known as the ochi (literally, the “drop”) and a good delivery is essential to a successful performance. An alternative pronunciation of ochi is raku, the source of the art’s name.
Who is Katsura Fukuryu?
Born in Winnipeg! Attended Miles MacDonell College! His passion for all things Japanese grew from individuals from our very own centre!
He was interested in Japanese culture and moved to Japan in 2001.
In Japan he learned the Japanese language and culture while teaching English.
Taking advantage of his multitude of experience in show business in Canada, he has performed at many parties and events.
In 2011, he encountered English Rakugo and fell in love with it.
Utilizing his Japanese-English translation skills, he translated the scripts of Rakugo into English.
He desired to study Rakugo in Japanese as well, so in October 2016, he joined the Katsura Fukudanji Ichimon (House) and became the 11th disciple of Katsura Fukudanji.
In November 2016, he received the name of Katsura Fukuryu.
He has been active both in Japan and overseas, appearing in shows such as ANA Yose in the Philippines, Hanjotei in Las Vegas and San Francisco, and Aloha Yose in Hawaii, etc.
He has accumulated experience under Katsura Fukudanji, and is steadily increasing his stories, including Sign Language Rakugo.
His goal is to continue showing the charm of Rakugo to the world.
Rakugo: Traditional Comical Storytelling
Date: Saturday, June 18th, 2022.
Very limited seating (125)
All tickets must be ordered online - No tickets will be available at the door.
Doors Open 4:30 pm for those purchasing bento box or VIP family sponsor reception
Show starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 8:30 with a short intermission.
Omakase Ono's Karaage Bento Box available for purchase $10 member pricing
Drinks for purchase available at the centre (Wear a Kimono and get a free beverage!)
Autographed books for pre order available (limited to 26 books) - $30 member pricing (one copy included with Family VIP sponsors)
Become a family VIP sponsor for the added experience. - $200 gets you 4 VIP seating tickets rows 1-5, 4 Omakase Ono's Karaage Bento Boxes, One copy of the autographed book, VIP pre show reception to meet the artist in person, and a $50 official tax receipt!
Family Sponsors:
Michael Zdan
Tim Yanke
Kelly Kaita
Jaime Profeta
Junko Bailey
Edie Adams
Xavier Perez
Patricia Cavers
Amie Regier
Event Sponsor:
