Rakugo is a solo art: one performer in a kimono, seated on a cushion, voicing every character in a story with just a folding fan and a hand towel as props. Katsura Sunshine, a Canadian who trained for years as a rakugo apprentice in Japan, has run this show in New York for years while touring the world. If you want something you genuinely cannot see anywhere else in town, this is it.
What to expect
A small off-Broadway room with a simple stage and a single performer, including an introduction to the art form before the stories. Expect gentle, clever humor that works for all ages. Sunshine explains the conventions as he goes, so no knowledge of Japan or rakugo is needed.
Good to know
- Take the C or E to 50 St, or the 1 to 50 St; New World Stages is on West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.
- Performed in English, with explanations of rakugo traditions.
- Suitable for families and anyone curious about Japanese culture.
- The show is short and easygoing, good before a late dinner in Hell's Kitchen.
Going? Keep it.
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Common questions
What is rakugo?
A centuries-old Japanese form of comic storytelling performed by a single seated storyteller.
Is it in Japanese?
No, Katsura Sunshine performs in English.
How long has it run?
It has been running off-Broadway for several years and is extended through December 2026.
