Katsura Sunshine: Master Rakugo Storyteller

Now and Zen Japan

English - February 25, 2023 03:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB
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This episode I sit down with Katsura Sunshine, the only Western Rakugo Master Storyteller in the world and only the 2nd in the history of traditional Japanese Rakugo. He shares his fascinating journey from Canadian playwright and musical producer to Master Japanese Rakugo Storyteller. We dive into the details of his three-year apprenticeship, the hardships and rewards. How he became an international Rakugo ambassador not only on Off-Broadway but around the world. Toward the end of the podcast we even get to hear a short traditional Rakugo story translated into English. Other topics we discuss:

The genius story behind why his Master made him bleach his hair blondWhy he does not localize the traditional Rakugo stories when presenting in EnglishHow he got his first big break to internationalize RakugoThe differences between stand-up comedy and RakugoIndentured servitude for three years and menial jobs is part of the apprenticeshipThe real meaning and purpose behind the apprenticeshipHow he convinced his Master to take him as an apprenticeNew Yorkers reaction when seeing him in kimono in publicRakugo stories are very family friendly, but there is an "adult" version as well

Katsura Shinshine's Website: https://www.rakugo.lol

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