[Embassy] Rakugo performance by Shunputei Shoyo

On 8 July, a rakugo performance by Shunputei Shoyo was held at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Japan in Belgium with a co-organization with the University of Gent. 

Rakugo is a form of traditional Japanese sit-down comedy, where the comedian tells a story with laugh only using minimum props such as a fan and tenugui towel. 

After opening remarks made by Mr. Oeda (Chargé d’Affairs) and Professor Niehaus from University of Gent, professional Rakugo performer "Shunputei Shoyo” came on stage. He started with giving an introduction of what is Rakugo and it’s history, then moved on to a workshop with guests being able to participate to learn how to eat/slurp noodles in a rakugo act. After the workshop, he made some short story performances and made his finale by doing the “Chiritotechin” performance. The rakugo was done in Japanese language with English subtitles shown on the back screen. 

After the performance, the event was open with Q&A sessions and had various questions such as how many roles he can play and how can someone become a professional Rakugo performer. The centre was filled with laughter, and Shunputei Shoyo’s Rakugo performance was able to attract many people here in Belgium.