#japanese rakugo

[davvykat]

Rakugo panda. Sketched in April 2023.

[freshdoodlez]

Rakugo (Japanese art of comedic storytelling)

May I share some Japanese culture with you? I'm a huge nerd when it comes to Japanese culture and history, and I'm definitely going to bombard you with it in posts (＾▽＾).

During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Rakugo, the traditional Japanese storytelling art, evolved as a kind of entertainment for the common citizen. Initially, the mostly humorous monologues would be performed by a wide variety of entertainers, but over time, experts (now known as Rakugoa) began to emerge. Wearing a kimono, the storyteller sits still the entire time, portraying multiple characters and enacting various scenes using a fan and a hand towel as props. The role of the Rakugoka is to stimulate the audience's imagination by skillfully depicting the story's world, as they are unable to rely on costumes and scenery. The ochi, or "drop," is the punchline, and a successful performance depends on how well it is delivered. The name of the art comes from raku, which is another way to pronounce ochi.

    Were you aware that Rakugo has even been the subject of manga and anime?

There's also a Japanese drama, Tiger and Dragon (which is on Netflix by the way) (〜^∇^)〜, that is hilarious and is a great deep dive into the world of Rakugo. (Also starring one of my favorite Japanese actors, Tomoya Nagase).

Below, I've included links to a few resources for you to review, including the Japanese drama and manga. 

Akkerman, Stefanie. “Rakugo: The Traditional Japanese Art of Storytelling.” Japan Wonder Travel Blog, 8 Sept. 2022, blog.japanwondertravel.com/rakugo-japanese-storytelling-36260. 

Nippon. ““Rakugo” (the Art of Storytelling).” Nippon.com, 1 Aug. 2015, www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00045/.

Tokyo, My Eyes. “Rakugo Has Been Pretty Consistent for the Last 400 Years but It’s Not as Static as We Might Think. It’s Changing and Evolving to Reflect the World around Us. | My Eyes Tokyo.” My Eyes Tokyo, 13 Feb. 2024, www.myeyestokyo.com/rakugo-has-been-pretty-consistent-for-the-last-400-years-but-its-not-static-its-changing-and-evolving-and-reflecting-the-world-that-is-around-us/.

Tiger and Dragon https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731947/

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5419278/ 

Manga about Rakugo https://www.anime-planet.com/manga/tags/rakugo 

[shiawasekai]

Like, to be fair, the main cast of Rakugo Shinjuu is engineered for the sensibilities of this hell site, but the source material is a Japanese piece of fiction (be it in manga, anime or real image tv drama form) that doesn't seek in any shape or form to appeal to your average weeb...

[jujutsuaiko-ka]

any entertainment you enjoy living in Japan?

Hm... well, I had fun at amusement parks, ate a bunch in maid cafes, tried my luck in gachas...

Oh, and I tried getting into Rakugo. Mostly because Kiyo-kun is into that.

𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕 𝕨𝕖'𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕫𝕒𝕚 𝕕𝕦𝕠. 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕓𝕖𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕙 𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕥.

I'm a solo manzai duo?!

[cheltranslations]

Tomorrow is #ShumiDoki！@Nonaka Miki (24.10.21)

[nippon-com]

British rakugoka Diane Kichijitsu shares her Japanese language journey.

[cottonpuffmouse]

Forgive me. I just read Hiromi Ito’s “The Thorn Puller” and now I have to write a certain way. Reading Japanese lit always makes me think and talk in a certain way.

They use short clipped sentences. Commas are used sparingly. It is blunt. It holds many unsaid things in that bluntness. It is repetitive, like a prayer.

Clap clap.

[communist-ojou-sama]

I'm begging people who say things about Japanese anime as a medium and the Japanese language based purely on their experience of shonen anime would say that instead of generalizing it to the whole art form my god. Anime as a whole does Not use hugely exaggerated unnatural silly-sounding japanese, shonen anime does, and you think that Because You Only Watch Shonen Anime oh my fucking god. Like, it's not My fault that so many of you only gravitate to anime when it's flashy or bizarre or a fun romp while spurning more serious stories in the medium while only taking western Serious Art seriously, but you really do not need to slander the tour-de-force voice acting and screenwriting feats in things like Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu or Shirobako by omission when you make your general, uninformed comment about anime based on the 5 shonen anime you've watched in your whole life.

[robo-milky]

Rookugoka!

[L -> R]

Rakugo (落語, literally 'story with a fall')[1] is a form of Japanese verbal comedy, traditionally performed in yose theatres.[2] The lone storyteller (落語家, rakugoka) sits on a raised platform, a kōza (高座). Using only a paper fan (扇子, sensu) and a small cloth (手拭, tenugui) as props, and without standing up from the seiza sitting position, the rakugo artist depicts a long and complicated comical (or sometimes sentimental) story.

[Comments]

Just like our lovely Cloche here, pLEASE READ “AKANE-BANASHI” !! This manga about Rakugo is what inspired this short and I am BRAINROTTING WITH A RAKUGOKA AU- (unfortunately with Rollo cause it’s so different from his usual personality)

This year, I AM HERE TO RECLAIM MY TITLE AS ROOK’S TROPHY WIFE— …or not ahaha- Rook is still my type but Rollo’s taken more of mind lately 😔 Anyways— back to my doujin era for y’all!

[smallmariofindings]

Advertisement for the broadcast times of BS Super Mario USA, the enhanced version of Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Japan-only Satellaview add-on for the Super Famicom.

The items seen in the ad are Mario-themed implements for Rakugo storytelling, a type of Japanese storytelling tradition where a single performer sits down on a pillow on a stage and tells a story while holding a fan and a small cloth. This is referring to the fact that the Satellaview version of the game was accompanied by a fully voiced audio play recounting the events of the game.

Main Blog | Patreon | Twitter | Bluesky | Small Findings | Source: cabbusses

[olasketches]

I HC that in a modern au Sukuna also rock the aesthetic of traditional japanese. Constantly in kimono, smoking with a kiseru, memorized all the poem to play Karuta and because he like them, watching rakugo and kabuki representation and also perfect a kyudo and martial arts in general

(I admit I have a surface knowledge on all of this)

100%!! modern sukuna would absolutely rock traditional japanese fashion and aesthetic. their family gatherings just gives sukuna an opportunity to dis his fam for having no style or sense of fashion.

also to add to your hc, he has a small library in his house where he keeps all his favourite japanese poems and literature and some world’s classic novels but in their original editions (cause he's a nerd like that). he’s also great at sword fighting and he has a huge collection of all sorts of swords and blades.

[mikoyamisheadcanonblog]

Hello there fellow, Hope you doing well:) ,I was hoping i could request all the admirals x reader headcanons please? Just any headcanon in generally:)

Thanks so much ❤❤💕💕 ,Love ya!!!

Hello fellow friend, I am doing fine, I hope you don’t mind that I broke this into two parts. I had a hard time figuring out if you wanted former admirals or current and went on a first date.

Ex admirals

☀️Borsalino (Kizaru)☀️

☀️He asked Reader out just out blue, it happened during lunchtime. He was watching Reader eat their lunch and share a conversation about their day when he blurts it out, of course reader is a bit surprised but agrees to the date

☀️He is more than likely on time for the date and dressed up without his admiral jacket but still wearing a pinstripe suit and some sort of hat. He did try for this date, and he does hope for Reader to have a pleasant time.

☀️He really didn’t put much thought into the date as he took them to watch Rakugo (Traditional Japanese Comedy) show. Something he finds pure enjoyment in watching is the simplicity of it and enjoys the strange humor from it. He will chuckle amused arms crossed at the jokes and glance at Reader from the corner of his eyes to see if they also enjoyed the strange humor.

☀️After he will take Reader out to eat at an expensive restaurant where the food will be to the Reader's liking and wine mixing well with whatever the Reader chooses. The conversation is simple about work and such before he casually admits how much he likes Reader and explains why for the date.

☀️After the date ends him and Reader will go walking till they reach Reader's house where he will once again casually ask Reader for another date and propose the idea of them in a relationship.

☄️Issho (Fujitora)☄️

☄️Reader will have to ask him out on date, as Fujitora is often very much will not make the first move, worried about abusing his power or making Reader feel guilty. He will say yes as he finds the idea of dating Reader amusing before asking for details on the date.

☄️He isn’t a man that requires a lot, of planning for a date as he would enjoy the simple things in life. A walk around the park, or a simple dinner at a restaurant that was always recommended but never had a chance to visit. Or even going to the casino to gamble a few bucks away.

☄️He will trust Reader with whatever choice they made for the date. He would still wear his kimono as it would go well with everything plus, he doesn’t have a large option of clothing but it would be made of the best material.

☄️He likes the Reader a lot due to them having the same morals and wanting to protect innocent citizens. He has noticed Reader’s kind heart talking about how they strayed from a mission from time to time to help a child find a lost pet or helping a couple rekindle their love, or even protect the weak from some bullies. He finds all those aspects of them charming and remarks on them wishing everyone in the marines had the same value.

☄️The date would end with him taking Reader back home as they continue their conversation about improving the Marines. He will give a gentle pat on the Reader's head ending the date before he would ask Reader for another date this time he will plan everything for the Reader and surprise them.

🌳Aramaki (Ryokgyu)🌳

🌳It happens during Training when he first asks Reader out, it is more almost a demand as he is watching Reader finish their training and dabbing their face with a towel. He isn’t sure why but just watching Reader he wanted to ask them out, of course he comes out charismatic and charming it is hard to say no.

🌳He is very much attracted to Reader and will often make remarks to the Reader while they are working out training. Hence why it isn’t a surprise when he does ask Reader out. He often pushes Reader hard or have them stay longer to improve on their skill in battle just because he wouldn’t want Reader to be hurt or damaged during battle. He would have little time to save them.

🌳The date itself is a bit more extravagant than all the other admirals as he shows off what power and money can do. It is fancy restaurants, or the best casinos that he thinks Reader will enjoy as he himself enjoys, if Reader isn’t to impressed a nice little nature walk is the next best thing he will thinking about.

🌳He will talk to the reader about how he enjoys battle, or his last battle. He talks about his political view about power. And how as Marines they have a job to ahold justice. He very much will take justice into his own hands on his own date if he sees something that displeases them but also impresses Reader.

🌳After the date ends, he will walk Reader home before leaning in leaving a kiss on their lips. He would feel satisfied with the date and would ask Reader out for another date, he is very intimidating but yet he is still full of charisma and charm it is hard to say no so Reader will agree while he kisses Reader again thus ending the night.

[secretagentspydetectiveninja]

(Alright, going to stop procrastinating and finally make this post.) After playing through the new trilogy in French to see what was different, here are some things about the French localisation of Spirit of Justice I thought you should know:

First of all, I usually like the French and English versions of the games equally. This marks the first time I've actually enjoyed the French version... more than the English one?? Especially Turnabout Revolution? Don't get me wrong, I already loved it in English, but I think the next time I replay it I'll actively choose French. Idk man it just hits different when a bunch of French people are talking about revolution and overthrowing the tyrannical regime etc

Oh yes, speaking of which, yes, the "Japanifornia" parts of the game take place in Paris, France, as usual. No, I have no idea how Kurain village can be next to the mountains and also the sea while also being in the vicinity of Paris. I also don't know why the entire population of a small country in the Himalayas are fluent in French and use it on a daily basis. But seriously, the main characters mention SO OFTEN that they're French and from France, like, all the fricking time. Remember the incredibly Japanese rakugo case? Imagine that taking place in France.

The Khura'inese pun names are hysterical in French. An example that English speakers can get too: the first culprit's name in French is Sterh'uey Tu'heiven. I'm not making this up. That's his name.

RAYFA'S FRENCH VOICE ACTUALLY SOUNDS LIKE A TEENAGER INSTEAD OF A 30 YEAR OLD, THANK THE HOLY MOTHER

Unfortunately the Holy Mother giveth, but she also taketh away, and they gave Nahyuta a crunchy old man voice that doesn't suit his ethereal appearance at all...

Athena has now added German and Italian to her random English and Spanish phrases from the prev game. I mean... it made sense before, since she was meant to have lived in the USA in this version, but now I guess she just does it for fun? Who knows

French Roger Retinz uses €50 notes (euros) to fan himself instead of dollar bills

Inga's full name is "Inga Karkhuul Kel Nomh Bowkhou Tro'lon Pohm'peu Eh'Duhr Apronh Ons'ai Khura'in III" ("quel nom beaucoup trop long, pompeux et dur à prononcer")

Nahyuta's nickname in French is just "Yuta"

Ema and Apollo now use informal pronouns for each other, so do Ema and Trucy now, Maya starts using informal pronouns for Apollo from almost the first moment she meets him (though he uses formal pronouns for her lmao), and yes Dhurke and Apollo use informal pronouns with each other the whole time, even when things are awkward at the start. Rayfa and her mother always use formal pronouns for each other, which is a little depressing.

AS FOR NAHYUTA AND APOLLO... HOHOHO. Obviously they're both using "vous" (formal) in court, but in the scene afterwards Apollo switches to "tu" (informal) when he asks Nahyuta if he remembers him. Later in Turnabout Revolution, Apollo has gone back to vous but he's at least saying "Nahyuta" rather than "Prosecutor Sahdmadhi" or whatever (I think that happened in the English version too). Then during the final trial, after that one insanely angsty scene, Apollo starts using tu again and even (internally) uses the nickname Yuta once! Nahyuta eventually starts referring to him as Apollo and starts using tu after finally openly acknowledging Apollo as his family aaauuuuuugh ;o;

(Listen Apollo usually always tries to be formal and professional in court so this is a big deal!!! It's a big deal to me at least!!!!!!!!!)

In the English version there were a few times our good ol' American Apollo had a sort of "haha I'm just a foreigner I don't know anything here" vibe which... no you're not lol. The French version didn't have that (or at least toned it down a lot) and made him feel less like a tourist and more like an immigrant returning to his old home country with complex feelings, which he is. It makes it more personal that he's the one to bring about the revolution imo -- he's not some random foreigner swooping in to save the day, this is his home and his family, he belongs here. (As an immigrant myself I find aspects of him relatable and will defend his Khura'inese backstory to the death DON'T TEST ME)

The "what's crack-a-lackin' homie" line in all its glory:

[deaddee-anime-brownfanlady]

TOP 10 personal Favorite Manga.

Here's just a couple of manga that I love & just think are top-notch.

NUMBER: 1 : TOKYO GHOUL

A series that means a lot to me in many ways. When I first got into Tokyo Ghoul it was by the very first season of the anime during 2014 and upon hearing the opening theme of Unravel and seeing the first episode, I was hooked and went into the manga series right after. A nuanced morally compelling storytelling with an array of so many cool and great characters and narratives, incredible art progression from Ishida Sui, and overall just a satisfyingly great conclusion to boot.

NUMBER: 2 : J NO SUBETE

On the surface, looks like a regular BL series, but underneath an emotional-roller-coaster and pretty heavy story about a transwoman named J. Set in the 40s /50s, you fellow J childhood and the awful, rough bullshit she deals with in life as well as her love & massive admiration of Marilyn Monroe. Really such a good story that deals with some real heavy shit...but still so good.

NUMBER: 3 : MONSTER

Not only one of my favorite anime adaptations but also equally as wonderfully engaging & just as well done as a manga as well. Monster is such a captivating, intense story and truly one of my favorites from Urasawa's works. Following Dr. Tenma, a talented neurosurgeon who has grips with the moral dilemma of either saving the Mayor or saving a young boy who was shot in a murder. Tenma chose to save the boy instead and while it costs him being demoted he still believes he did the right thing. Unfortunately years later discovering the boy he saves...turns out to be a killer. This series is such a banger from its storytelling to the characters and just one of the best from Urasawa's.

NUMBER: 4 : GOODNIGHT PUNPUN

At first glance of this manga, you might think of it as something of a cute slice-of-life story about a cute cartoony bird. But actually when reading it...IT'S WAY MORE DARKER and GETS A LOT MORE FUCK UP! For real Goodnight Punpun is one of those series that's start-up pretty light-hearted and a little bit goofy with Punpun being a cartoony-drawn bird amongst very average-looking humans as a young kid in the first volumes of the series. But as things move forward within the story as Punpun gets older and his family situation gets more unstable as well as his life, the tone gets more depressing as a whole. Love the dark psychological storytelling, although it definitely the type of story you can only read once in awhile or in a good headspace because it definitely can be a hard read.

NUMBER: 5 : BERSERK

Seriously, what can I say about Berserk that already hasn't been said on some level. But this manga is seriously, I feel one of the most top iconic series within manga as well as one of the most engaging, moving, fantastic, epic storyline I've read thus far. I know the series itself is still ongoing, and I've been keeping up-to-date with this story since reading the very first chapter. Hearing about Kentaro Miura death....was tough, I knew he had serious health issues, which is why volumes would tend to go on pretty long hatiuses... but man. Another influential iconic figure in manga gone, Berserk is definitely a series any manga-lover or anime fan should read once in awhile.

NUMBER: 6 : SHOUWA GENROKU RAKUGO SHINJUU

Not only one of the most beautifully mature, well-written, compelling storytelling I've seen thus far in an anime series. But as a manga, even more so, a well-crafted story on the life and times of a sad, burden-ridden, slightly bitter, depressed, old man known as Yakumo Yurakutei, who is a highly skilled and experienced master of Rakugo, which for those who don't know is an traditional Japanese verbal form of entertainment. Think of it as something like a form of Improv done by only one person playing different characters to tell a story, This series has many layers to its storytelling that's is done so well dealing with Yakumo and those in his life that has impacted him as to the type of pained almost broken old man he is within the present time. Just a overall good & bittersweet but fantastic story that's deserves to be check out more.

NUMBER: 7 : INNOCENT

It is one of the most beautifully drawn manga series that I have read so far while also being equally gruesome as well. Innocent is a fictionalized historical manga set during 18th century France about the story and legacy of Charles Henri Sanson (actual real historical figure), who is the fourth generation of a family of Executioners known as the Sanson family who are the royal Executioners of Paris. The story follows Charles rough journey towards his path of becoming the Monsieur De Paris. This absolutely such a fantastic piece of work, both in terms of the visually amazing stunning artwork and along with the historical storytelling of Charles coming to terms with his hated lineage and becoming Executioner of Paris but also showcasing the societal/political chaotic changes and upheaval of France slowly leading up to the French revolution. Although some historical aspects are obviously fictionalized, but still such a good series.

NUMBER: 8 : THE PROMISED NEVERLAND

While my feelings on the anime are highly mixed due to really, really, really not caring for the way they handled parts of the storytelling from season 2 of the anime series. But the manga, on the other hand, is a totally different story. Seriously, reading this series was a blast and just an enjoyable experience from beginning to end, as well as seeing Emma and Ray also Norman grow & and develop throughout each arc was great to witness including seeing the rest of the kids thrive and survive the outside world. For this manga was a great read, and definitely, I'll say at least personally to me was done far better then the second season flimsy adaptation.

NUMBER: 9 : HOMUNCULUS

Truly an mindfuck of a manga in more ways than one. But still a pretty damned good and wild story, Homunculus is a story about a homeless man named Susumu Nakoshi who ends up meeting a seemingly antagonistic young medical student named Itoh Manabu to do a little experiment on him by drilling a actual hole in his skull for a total of 700,000 ¥en. Itoh, who is very fascinated with studying the human minds and amongst other things such as ghosts and the occult, but ultimately he thinks he can unlock the hidden psychic potential of Susumu brain. Nakoshi goes through the process, and at first, nothing seems to happen after going through the the operation. Until he closes his right eye and starts seeing otherworldly nightmarish monsters and shapes with his left eye when he looks at other people. This series is truly a weird but also such a highly intriguing and fascinating psychological read while at the same time being a bit of a downer, but still an excellent but messed-up good story.

NUMBER : 10 : ATELIER OF WITCH HAT

Okay, so I just recently started reading this manga series not that long ago, about a couple of weeks ago, and now I'm so freaking hooked. Atelier of Witch hat has truly captured my heart and mind with its engaging and creatively fascinating world-building involving witches and magic to the just as highly interesting characters and storytelling. Which centers around our young protagonist Coco ( the girl on the cover) who is this super adorably passionate girl who has such a huge love for all things magical /witches and deeply wishes she could become one as well, but unfortunately normal people or "outsiders" can't become witches, you have to be born into it, but that's doesn't stop Coco from trying her hardest to still wanting to be a witch. One of the things I love most about this world and how it handles dealing with magic and witches is that magic is really normal within this world and how witches tend to uses it to help and serve regular people in need or even for lighting up a cobblestone pathway also I really like how the magic system is structured in this series, such as instead of casting spells or any from of magic with words or a phrase, magic is casted by drawing, Coco here ends up in a pickle with accidentally casting magic that ends up turning her mom into stone & thus Coco journey towards witchood begins.

Seriously, even though I've just recently gotten into this manga & and its ongoing tale it's already has captivated me on so many levels and I just can't get enough of it so far wonderful storytelling and amazingly beautiful drawn artsy apart of it which really adds a lot of this series fantastical elements. Definitely a must to check out!!

Wanted to do a list of a couple of some of my most top favorite manga series and ones were I feel other's should give them a shot at checking out if there into any of these stories. (^ _ ^)

[gatoraid]

New cover designs & celebratory clear files for the first two volumes of a Japanese omnibus edition of Showa genroku rakugo shinju by Kumota Haruko. The whole 10-volume series will be published as 5 compilation volumes during 2025.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

[cheltranslations]

Tomorrow is #ShumiDoki！@Nonaka Miki (24.10.21)