Art Festivals & Events

Experience Japan's culture of laughter through yose theater, a form of vaudeville centered on rakugo (comic storytelling) that incorporates nature, seasonal scenes and local traditions from each region of the country. This program, which will be performed in various locations throughout Japan, also includes daikagura (juggling), kamikiri (paper cutting), wazuma (magic tricks), ongyoku (songs with shamisen accompaniment), and other forms of entertainment that have been passed down from generation to generation and are said to represent the very essence of the Japanese popular culture. This year, thanks to the use of new technologies, viewers from all over the world will be able to watch the performances online and enjoy the charm of yose theater even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Filled with laughter and amazement, this program is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.