CultureSeptember 4, 2026

rakugo

RAH-koo-goh

Definition

A traditional form of Japanese verbal entertainment featuring a lone storyteller who sits on a cushion and performs humorous or dramatic stories using only a fan and a cloth as props.

Etymology

Derived from the Japanese words 'raku' (easy/fall) and 'go' (word/story), literally meaning 'fallen story.' It originated among commoners in the Edo period as a witty, comedic form of storytelling.

In the news

The festival program features a rakugo performance to introduce Kyiv audiences to diverse aspects of Japanese performing arts.

Kyiv Hosts Japan Autumn 2026 Festival to Celebrate Japanese Culture and Ukrainian-Japanese Ties

Read the full article ↗

Межа. Новини України.

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