Saturday, May 17, 2008

In partnership with the San Jose Japantown Business Association, the Japan Society is proud to present the English Rakugo with Mr. Kaishi Katsura.

Traditional Rakugo comedian and current cultural ambassador for Japan, Katsura performs an entire cast of traditional Japanese characters from the comfort of his cushion. With only the help of his fan, Katsura enacts the voices, faces, and activities of a range of people such as geisha, samurai, merchants, and ninja.

He will perform some traditional pieces as well as his own original stories. Enjoy this unique art with Katsura Kaishi, one of the world’s top performers of English Rakugo.

Kaishi Katsura started his career as a professional rakugo performer in 1994 and started presenting rakugo in English in 1997. He has made more than 200 performances in 12 different countries. In 2007, Katsura was appointed by the Japanese Ministry of Culture as its cultural exchange ambassador. He will be on a nationwide tour of English Rakugo in the United States from April to September 2008.

Location:
Yu Ai Kai
588 N. Fourth Street, San Jose [map]

Time:
1:00 – 2:30 pm Program
2:30 – 3:00 pm Reception, light refreshments will be served.

Reception drinks generously provided by Ito En

Cost:
$5 Japan Society Members, Students, and Seniors
$15 Non-members

Online tickets are no longer available;
tickets can be purchased at the door beginning at noon on Saturday, May 17.

In partnership with: