{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjapan-eats.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Frakugo-the-art-sf-universal-humor-h5Ud_UiH","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Rakugo: The Art of Universal Humor","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/b7145f8c-161e-4425-a032-e1d7ad264925/1bd0b0c0-895f-4277-8bc2-805b68c40bb4/994a4236-akiko-katayama.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"Our guest is Kanariya Eiraku who is a rakugo-ka or traditional Japanese comic storyteller. Rakugo is a unique form of entertainment that became popular in the 17th century during the Edo period. A storyteller sits on the stage alone only with a folding fan and a hand towel. These are the only props used during the performance. But once the rakugoka starts talking, you are in another world. The rakugo-ka would quickly draws you into the story and you would feel as if you were sitting right next to the characters. And there is always a surprise punch line at the end! That is why rakugo has been very popular for centuries. Rakugo is becoming global lately and there are even non-Japanese rakugo-ka like Katsura Sunshine who joined us on Episode 102. Eiraku san is one of the rakugo ambassadors who inspire the world with the power of Japanese-style yet universal humor in English. In this episode, we will discuss what exactly rakugo is, how Eiraku san got into rakugo, why rakugo is so unique and powerful, food-related rakuro stories and much, much more!!! (Also, Eiraku san will perform rakugo for us!) For Eiraku san's upcoming events and classes, go to https://eigorakugo.wixsite.com/kanariyaeiraku \n\nHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Japan Eats! by becoming a member!\n\nJapan Eats! is Powered by Simplecast."}