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Rakugo is basically a term for Japanese verbal entertainment wherein a storyteller will sit on a stage called Kōza, with using a paper fan and a small cloth and tell humurous stories. Rakugo was introduced by the Buddhist monks in the 9-10th century before being more known publicly during the Edo Period.

While traditionally, Rakugo was made of Japanese stories, there are also English counterparts, and one of their famous performers is Katsara Kaishi. Known for being the King of English Rakugo and Worldwide, Kaishi became a performer in Osaka in 1994 and started using the English medium in 1997.

In his career as Rakugo storyteller, Kaishi won numerous awards and staged 300 performances around the world. In 2007, he was appointed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as an Ambassador for Cultural Exchange.

Tags: TRADITION, Japan, Rakugo, English Rakugo, Katsara Kaishi