One of my dreams has been to produce storytelling performances curating stories from all over the world including my art, rakugo.
This may sound like a massive dream, but the journey of a thousand miles got to begin with one step!
So, I was wondering if any of you would be interested in starting a very casual storytelling group where members share their stories or simply read picture books or passages from your favourite book or poetry?
If you are interested, please contact me via the contact page or one of my SNS (linked icons below).
If I get 2 or 3 people interested (as 1 on 1 would be a bit awkward…), we can meet at a cafe or a library somewhere in Auckland. I will book a space!
Here in Auckland, some parts of the city were flooded once again the day before yesterday, and last night we had a thunderstorm with hail where a lightning struck the Sky Tower. The temperature dropped nearly 10 degrees overnight, too.
My life isn’t as dramatic as the Auckland weather these days, but it’s definitely about time for an update on the rakugo front.
As some of you are aware, I have been struggling with a frozen shoulder for a while, but to make it more exciting, I injured my back during my recent trip to Japan. It was kind of exciting to buy my first walking stick, which I affectionately call ‘Mjölnir’, to waddle back to New Zealand.
It felt like being Yurakutei Yakumo if I let my inner anime geek shine through…
Fortunately, I don’t have to use the cane anymore, and I am steadily recovering.
However, the problem is that I still can only hold the seiza position up to only 20-30 minutes.
My usual solo performances run 60-90 minutes, so it is currently not possible to do a full-length performance.
So…
I am looking for groups, organisations or venues in Auckland to let me perform rakugo only up to 30 minutes maximum…
Do you know such people who would kindly invite me?
As it is my favour, I will not charge my usual fees, but I’m keen on performing for free (though petrol money would be appreciated).
I really need to get back to stage to polish my craft.
Please contact me via the contact page if you are interested. Thank you!
Another exciting news is that the rakugo-inspired installation art that Fiona Amundsen and I created will now be exhibited at Tampere Art Museum in Finland.
I’m quite impressed how far it will travel-16,606 km away from here according to Google!
Technically, they will probably build the screens locally over there, so I don’t think it will travel physically, though- so you know that it will not add to the carbon footprints 😁
The exhibition opens on 17 June 2023 and runs until 15 October 2023.
If you happen to be in Finland…
I have 2 Finnish friends, so I’m hoping at least 2 people would check it out. See you next time!
I have always loved the concept of microblogging, and the content limit of up to 280 characters for a tweet has really resonated with my penchant for haiku.
I have met many of the crucial partners in my rakugo journey through this SNS platform, too. I really hold them dear, and they have become some of my best virtual and real friends.
It became even better when a certain president of a certain country (finally) got kicked out.
However, I have to say I am not too sure if I am still on the same wavelength with this platform after its takeover by the… richest person in the world.
Some of the Twitter users have already started emigrating elsewhere like that one that sounds like a dinosaur.
I have considered moving myself, but where to?
After some thought, I’ve realised I don’t like other alternatives, either.
Yet, I need some online presence for my work.
Is there a way to stay connected with people without relying on a SNS?
How about this blog?
Sure, my posts are kept on the wordpress.com server, but at least I don’t get unwanted posts that affect my mental well-being…
My art is very, very niche, so if this blog becomes the only space you can connect and interact with me, those who (really) want to get hold of me will probably visit here? Or not?
So… here’s my little experiment to see if this blog can act like a SNS.
For the rest of 2022, I have decided to post things only on this space and see what will happen!
This morning I was looking at the list of my repertoire of rakugo stories and realised that quite a few of them have not yet been performed in public.
These are the stories that I learned during the pandemic when public performances were not possible. Some of them have been “demonstrated” at the rakugo club, which no longer exists, but not in public performances.
Here are the stories that have not yet seen the light of day:
Gush Gush (だくだく)
Habits of Four Men (四人癖)
Stupid Neighbours (粗忽長屋)
Gonbei and the Raccoon Dog (権兵衛狸)
Chiritotechin (ちりとてりん)
Yawning School (あくび指南)
The Matsuyama Mirror (松山鏡)
These are some of the masterpieces in the rakugo tradition, and I have to give them life by performing them in public!
My master’s rakugo school, Canary Rakugo Company, has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary!
Considering the rakugo club that I established in Auckland lasted only for 3 years (mainly due to my poor leadership skills) … this is an amazing accomplishment!
Canary Rakugo Company actually opened its door in 1991, but the celebration was delayed by a year due to the pandemic. I had been planning to attend the anniversary party myself but gave up in the end as Japan still had many travel restrictions that prevented me from organising my trip on time 😢
Here are some photos from the party on my master’s website!
This school initially only taught rakugo in Japanese for the first 15 years.
The first teacher was now legendary rakugo performer and celebrity, Tatekawa Shiraku (立川志らく). He taught rakugo there for 4 years.
But what was truly revolutionary about this school was that my master, Kanariya Eiraku, decided to also start teaching rakugo in English to take this loveable art to the world in 2007.
Rakugo was first performed in English in 1983 by Katsura Shijaku II, and he established this art until his unfortunate passing in 1999. His will was carried on mainly by Kamigata Rakugo (Osaka/ Kansai Rakugo) performers.
But what distinguishes my master from others is that he has introduced non-farcical stories as well to the world.
As you may know, rakugo is not just a comedic expression. It began as a comedy tradition, but it also includes tales such as love stories, historical stories, human-interest stories, and even tragedies.
My master has introduced many, many stories in English for the first time ever, I dare say, in human history.
With a very heavy heart, the Aoteya Rakugo Club has closed its doors due to the lack of interest and participation as of today.
Now that the Covid restrictions are gone, the members’ priorities and commitments have changed- some taking up new jobs and responsibilities, and others training for the national wall climbing championships!!!
I would like to thank the Auckland Council, Onehunga Community Centre, and all the staff who have helped us along the way. Without your supports, we would’ve never survived for the last 3 years. Thank you so very much!!!
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you, all the current and past members of the club, for the last 3 years. All the very best for your endeavours!!!
Meanwhile, this man can only think about rakugo that he will keep following his path- a boring man he is!
English Rakugo NZ 