Would you believe me if I said that there is a professional Rakugo performer, who is also a Yale University graduate?
The traditional world of Rakugo and the apex of American academia seem so far apart and almost impossible to coexist.
Believe me or not, there is one. Only one in the world, to be precise.
His name is Shinoharu Tatekawa (立川 志の春), the third apprentice of the Rakugo giant Shinosuke Tatekawa (立川志の輔).
I stumbled upon his Podcast recently, and it is really amazingly done. It covers all aspects of Rakugo in English, and I can almost say it is THE BEST introduction to Rakugo for those who do not understand Japanese.
I can’t recommend it more highly. Here’s the link!
English Rakugo NZ 