Rakugo at Japan Village

Discover the Art of Rakugo!

Sunday, February 16 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue (2nd Floor), Brooklyn

Admission: Free

Japan Village and the English Rakugo Association present rakugo this Sunday in The Loft on the second floor.

What Is Rakugo?

Rakugo, a traditional art of Japanese storytelling with a 400-year-old history, features a lone rakugoka (storyteller) performing on a koza, a small, slightly elevated platform on a stage. Seated on a zabuton (cushion), the storyteller uses only a sensu (folding fan) and tenugui (hand towel) as props. This minimalist staging emphasizes the performer's storytelling skills.

Through quick voice changes, expressive facial expressions, and slight head turns, the rakugoka brings multiple characters to life—whether it's a hilarious comedy, a heartwarming tale, or a dramatic story. The punchline, or ochi, gives rakugo its name: “Rakugo” literally means “fallen words,” with the “fall” being the comedic twist at the end of the story that is characterized by clever wordplay.

Rakugo in English

In the 1980s, Katsura Shijaku wowed audiences in the U.S. and Canada by performing rakugo in English, gaining international recognition and helping to introduce this traditional Japanese art form to global audiences. At Japan Village, Kanariya Eisho will perform, showcasing how the English Rakugo Association uses the art form not only to share Japanese culture but also as an entertaining and creative way to help storytellers sharpen their English communication skills.

For more information about the English Rakugo Association, please visit their website.

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Chinatown Street to be named after Asian American Activist

Unveiling of Corky Lee Way

Sunday, October 22 at 4:00 p.m.

Corner of Mott and Mosco Streets, Chinatown

The Corky Lee Way Street Co-Naming Committee, Think!Chinatown, and 21 Pell will host a gathering on the corner of Mosco Street and Mott Street in the heart of New York City's Chinatown to unveil the street sign which co-names Mosco Street as Corky Lee Way in honor of the late Corky Lee. This beloved intersection is the site of Corky Lee’s last public photography exhibition hosted at the historic newsstand in October 2020 and continues his vision as a gathering place for community joy.

Photographer and activist Corky Lee with his iconic photographs

About Corky Lee

Corky Lee was an Asian American photographer, activist, and historian known for his passion for capturing the vibrant stories of the Asian American community through his lens. His dedication to celebrating the diversity and culture of our AANHPI communities made him a beloved and inspirational figure for current and future generations.

Join the committee and friends of Corky Lee to honor his enduring legacy and his commitment to amplifying the voices and stories of Asian Americans.

Event Details

• Corky Lee Way Street Sign Unveiling

• Remarks by community leaders and special guests

• Special Performance of “It’s Tough Being Corky Lee” by Judo Club

To Be Followed By

• Chinatown Block Party

• Display of Corky’s Iconic Photographs

• Corky Lee Film Screenings

• An opportunity to get your own "Where's Corky?" sticker (courtesy of George Hirose) and a "Corky Lee Way" sticker (designed by Alice Hennessy)

• An opportunity to add personal notes to the Corky Lee Memory Board

About Mosco Street and Frank Mosco

Frank Mosco (1920-1982) was a beloved community leader who grew up on the Lower East Side and knew Corky Lee through their civic involvement at the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and other community work. Mosco was known for bringing the Chinese and Italian American communities together. Joining Corky Lee Way and Mosco Street not only honors two great men, but also the enduring bond of our two communities.