First of all, look at the e-flyer above very closely.  I distributed it at the performance last night.

Did you notice anything?

Hint.

Focus at the bottom right corner.

Yes, my funding application has been approved!!!  My project is now funded by Auckland Council’s Creative Communities Scheme.

It was approved on 10 April 2018, two days before the show.

What this means is that the funding now covers the cost for the venue and printing expenses for my flyers and marketing materials.

Yes, I am still performing Rakugo out of love (i.e. for free after other expenses), but it is now without a financial risk thanks to the scheme.

Thank you the Auckland Council for this opportunity!

(This picture is completely unrelated to the article… )

Thank you so very much for coming to my first solo show this evening!

You are a legend for coming to support the event right after one of the worst storms ever in Auckland! I love you my dear audience! (Too much?)

Tonight’s stories were “Jugemu”（寿限無）and “A Summer Burglar”（夏どろ）. I personally like performing “A Summer Burglar” better, but “Jugemu” got a much better response.

In the Q& A session, someone asked me how old these stories were.  I gave an answer that I’d thought was right, but I was COMPLETELY wrong.

According to my quick research, the prototype of “Jugemu” is found in a book called “Karukuchigozenotoko” (軽口御前男) published in 1703!

“A Summer Burglar” first appears in “Kinokusuri” (気の薬) published in 1778.

So, we can say “Jugemu” is 315 years old, and “A Summer Burglar” is 240 years old.

Reference

“Rakugo Techo” by Seiichi Yano

 

My friend recently told me about this AMAZING website by the Library of Congress where you can browse and even download images of Japanese fine prints before 1915.

I assume that people who visit my website are already interested in the Japanese culture, so I thought that it might of interest to you.

Here’s the link for Fine Prints: Japanese, pre-1915 Collection.

I personally found that the easiest way to browse is to go into the “Slideshow” mode (select under the drop-down menu and click “GO”).

Enjoy!

Daylight Saving is ending this weekend… on April Fool’s Day.

As I consider numerous prank opportunities, I am reminded that my first solo performance is looming up on 12 April!!!

As such, I am currently looking for places to hone my skills leading up to the performance.  I was wondering if any of you awesome readers know of places that would give me opportunities to perform in the next few weeks.

I especially love performing at high schools and libraries, but Japanese restaurants might benefit from having me.

There is no guarantee, but I would probably be able to bring 10-20 extra customers to your restaurant, and I do not charge a cent at the moment.  How about a free Rakugo show on a quiet day at your venue?

I have indeed found a producer, and he will (hopefully!) start managing me from next year… So this free performance deal will not last very long!

Whew, I have to be a sales person to sell free stuff, and I have found it quite challenging so far.  I wouldn’t make a good real estate agent.

Let me know if you know someone who is interested!

Today marks a new beginning in my Rakugo journey!

I finally got to perform Rakugo at a local high school.

I had the privilege of sharing Rakugo with Year 11 and Year 13 Japanese language classes.

Even though the Rakugo story itself was in English, I used as much Japanese as possible to help their language learning.

The students were so welcoming, and I was especially impressed by their near-perfect pronunciation in Japanese.

They are really fortunate to have such an amazing teacher!

One of the highlights was when I was asked to improvise a short “Doraemon Rakugo”!

Doraemon is one of the most popular cartoons in Japan, and it has been on air since 1973, a few years longer than my entire life!

We realised that all the students in the class had known the cartoon, and the teacher dared me to perform it 😉

As an improviser, I couldn’t resist!

I attempted and failed miserably (very much expected), but we definitely had fun… at my expense!

Looking forward to the next one!

I am really excited to announce that Rakugo shows are indeed happening in Auckland…

Finally!

One show has been confirmed to be held at The Spreading Tree (37 Mount Eden Road) at 7:00 PM, Thursday 12 April.  I will perform two Rakugo stories and have a short Q&A session afterwards.

In the Q&A session, I will answer your questions about the stories and Japanese culture that you might encounter during the performance.  I would also love to hear your feedback to improve my storytelling skills.

The show will be roughly 40 minutes long so will not interfere with your night out!  Koha is appreciated to cover a portion of the cost for the venue.

Also, 4 more shows are likely to happen at local libraries, which are to be confirmed soon.

Thank you all the amazing people who have helped me heaps to make this happen!

(You know who you are… F.T.  B.J.  A.B.  I.A.  M.N.  You are appreciated!!!)