Laughter is a Universal Language

Bringing Humor to Audiences for Over 400 Years

Rakugo is a 400-year-old Japanese form of comedic storytelling. A single kimono-clad storyteller kneels on a raised platform and recounts comical stories using only a fan and a small cloth as props. A rakugo performance is split into two parts; "the first part of the performance is a lot like standup comedy," Sunshine says, "it is the storyteller's own material and serves as a self-introduction." Self-deprecating humor and stories from everyday life are common, and help lead the audience into the following main story.

Here, the storyteller jumps right into the dialogue, playing multiple characters at once. "You turn your head to the left, you're one character, to the right, you're another. And every story ends in a punch line" he explains. These longer stories are the ones that have been passed down from master to apprentice for hundreds of years. There are also two styles of rakugo: Edo style, originating in Tokyo and kamigata style originating in Osaka. Sunshine specializes in the latter.

Sunshine (whose legal name is Gregory Robic), is the second non-Japanese individual to earn the title of rakugo storyteller. The Canadian playwright, composer, producer, and avid lover of Greek theater initially came to Japan in 1999 after reading an article discussing the similarities between ancient Greek theater and Japanese kabuki. "Since it is 2000 years old you cannot watch Greek theater in its original form," Sunshine says. "But kabuki has continued since its inception and is performed in its traditional form."

Despite coming only with the intent to take in kabuki, Japan stole the artist's heart and he decided to stay. It was not until five years later that Sunshine came across rakugo, being performed at a local restaurant. "They had a monthly show there and invited me. That invitation changed my life."

Becoming a Rakugo Apprentice

He quickly became an ardent fan of the comedic artform which, over time, transformed into a desire to perform himself. But first, he had to find a master. "I went to Osaka to watch the kamigata style, and this is where I first saw Katsura Bunshi VI" Sunshine says. He approached the well-respected rakugo storyteller, but a master does not take on an apprentice so easily.

"There were no non-Japanese rakugo performers at that time, so I think my master was a little wary. The apprenticeship is very gruelling, it is three to four years without a day off, you're with your master every breathing hour. You have to learn polite Japanese, do menial chores. It is all very 'wax on wax off'" Sunshine jokes. However, after a waiting period of a little under a year, common when becoming an apprentice, Sunshine was finally accepted.

"As soon as a master takes you on, you are a professional," Sunshine explains, "he gives you a name and your license to tell stories. It is kind of backwards, like getting your driver's license and then learning how to drive." After three years, Sunshine's apprenticeship ended, and he went out into the world as a solo rakugo performer.

Sunshine has since become a prolific storyteller, performing all around the world. His exuberant energy and gift for storytelling draw in audiences everywhere he goes. Besides Tokyo, he has performed in London's West End and New York's Broadway. He also served as bilingual MC for the opening reception of the G20 Summit in Osaka.

Still Going Strong in Tokyo and Beyond

"There are over 100 storytellers currently, which is the highest ever" Sunshine states. Its popularity has grown beyond Japan and Japanese audiences, with Sunshine and other rakugo performers taking the Japanese artform abroad. "I'm not the first person to perform rakugo in English. A lot of my Japanese seniors were the pioneers that started performing abroad, I'm just riding on their shoulders." Sunshine also notes that he also had a stroke of luck. "Just as I started to have shows abroad, a manga about rakugo, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, was translated into English in 2017. A lot of international people discovered rakugo through it."

In Tokyo, there are numerous spots where you can go to see rakugo both in English and in Japanese. "For Japanese rakugo, there are a number of yose theaters in Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ueno, Ikebukuro and some smaller, independent ones in Nihonbashi," Sunshine says, "For English speaking rakugo, come see me," he adds with a grin."I perform every month in Asakusa at Mokubatei."

As a theater fan, Sunshine loves what Tokyo has to offer. "So many shows come here, it is incredible," he says, "Famous international comedians also come through and they pack massive stadiums and that fascinates me. It means there is enough of an international audience, plus an English-speaking Japanese audience, to fill those seats."  

With his own increase in shows in the city, Sunshine hopes that, with the rise in tourism and desire for Japanese experiences, more people will venture into yose theaters to see rakugo. "There's new people coming into Tokyo every month, so if we can spread the word about rakugo I'm sure we can fill those seats." When asked what audiences should expect or prepare for when coming Sunshine responds: "Nothing, just come and enjoy."

Movie: YOSHIMOTO KOGYO HOLDINGS CO., LTD. 

Katsura Sunshine

Katsura Sunshine was born in Toronto Canada and holds both Canadian and Slovenian citizenship. In 2008 he became the 15th apprentice to the great rakugo master Katsura Bunshi VI, from whom he received the name Katsura Sunshine. He was the first ever Western rakugo-ka in the Kamigata tradition. Sunshine has toured over five continents performing in three languages (Japanese, English and French). Sunshine was appointed Cultural Ambassador for Canada and Japan, and Friendship Ambassador for Slovenia and Japan.  Sunshine divides his time between Tokyo and New York.