Rakugo and the culture of laughter - the source of Japanese humour
Rakugo, a traditional Japanese performing art from the Edo period, is renowned for its humorous storytelling and cultural depth. Characterised by empathetic, subtle humour, Rakugo features performers who captivate audiences through distinctive voices and clever plot twists. Today, Rakugo remains vibrant, adapting to modern tastes and gaining international appreciation while preserving its rich heritage.
A)
One traditional Japanese performing arts is Rakugo, which is rich in laughter.
Rakugo has a long history as a source of humour and culture in Japan and is loved by many people.
This article explores the origins of Rakugo, as well as the characteristics and culture behind Japanese humour.
B)
Origins and History of Rakugo:
Rakugo is a uniquely Japanese form of entertainment developed during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is said to have taken its name from the word 'Rakugo', which initially meant 'Otoshimono' (fallen material) performed in yose (Japanese-style theatres).
Yose theatres existed since the Edo period and were places where merchants and ordinary people could casually enjoy themselves.
It combined elements of koan (a precursor to Rakugo) and Ningyo-Joruri (puppet theatre), and from the Edo period onwards, a style similar to the current form was established.
The appearance of the Edo period Rakugo performer Bunshi Katsura (Bunji Katsura) also accelerated the spread of Rakugo.
Modern Rakugo continues to evolve with the changing times while preserving the traditions of the Edo period.
C)
Characteristics of Rakugo:
Rakugo performances are broadly divided into 'Hanashi' (stories) and 'Serifu' (speech).
Hanashi are performances that focus on a story; a single Rakugo performance can last more than 30 minutes.
On the other hand, a series is a performance in which several humorous episodes can be enjoyed in a short time, interspersed with short stories and jokes.
The charm of Rakugo lies in its storytelling.
Rakugo artists, known as 'Speakers', often have distinctive voices and pauses to entertain the audience.
Narrative stories and playful lines make the audience laugh.
Also, the stories often have an ending called 'Ochi', which adds an element of fun due to its unexpectedness and clever plotting.
D)
Characteristics of Japanese humour:
Rakugo is considered a source of Japanese humour because it reflects the characteristics of Japanese culture.
Japanese humour is based on empathy and compassion without harming others.
It is characterised by 'heartwarming humour', which is not directly funny in dialogue but implicitly creates laughter through subtle use of language and situations.
Japanese humour is also often associated with a 'way of seeing things' and the ability to 'read the air'.
In the same situation, understanding Japanese humour depends on a sensitivity rooted in culture and values.
This is also evident in Rakugo performances, which depict episodes rooted in the Japanese climate and lifestyle.
E)
Influences and challenges of Rakugo in modern times:
Even today, Rakugo has not lost its appeal and has a large following.
Young Rakugo performers try to reach younger audiences by introducing new performance styles and programmes while respecting tradition.
There are also efforts to promote Rakugo through television and the Internet.
In addition, more and more people abroad are becoming interested in Rakugo, and international exchange events and overseas performances are being organised.
The laughter of Rakugo transcends language barriers and is used for cross-cultural communication.
F)
Conclusion:
Rakugo is a traditional art form that has been a source of humour for the Japanese people since the Edo period.
Its rich stories and unique narrative style have entertained many people.
Japanese humour is rooted in consideration for others and subtle sensitivity, and these qualities are expressed in Rakugo performances.
Even today, Rakugo continues to evolve and shine as a form of entertainment new generations love.
Rakugo and the culture of laughter: the source of Japanese humour
https://www.dentou-bunka.net/blog/japanese_humor/
The profound reason why Japanese laughter is not "global" but unique
Why can't we tell jokes that are understood even during the first meetings?
https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/621508
Japanese companies value "seriousness" above all else. However, companies like Apple, Pixar, and Google have grown significantly by valuing "humour" above all else.
"American jokes over Rakugo" - Honda Soichiro's call for a change in the Japanese sense of humour
https://logmi.jp/business/articles/42520
Honda Soichiro, a representative postwar Japanese businessman, created the global giant Honda in one generation. In a lecture in 1982, he declared, "Japanese people have no humour." What humour is understood around the world? He spoke while looking back on his own experiences.
Differences between Japan and America in the sense of humour
https://www.gowomengo.press/overseas/oversea-life/hana18/
1 Self-deprecating jokes are not well-received in America
2 Americans tell jokes when something difficult happens
3 The importance of smiling when you are in a difficult situation
4 One-point English lesson
Among the various conferences and lectures, the one that left the biggest impression on me was the talk on Rakugo by Canadian Rakugo artist Katsura Sunshine, who came from Japan to give a special lecture. Listening to the English version of Japanese classic Rakugo, such as "Jugemu" in America, I was again reminded that Japan and America have pretty different sense of humour. In Japan, there is a specific expectation, such as "this is how it should be," or a framework of "common sense" and "normal." When something deviates from that category, laughter is generated by the "unexpectedness." "Jugemu" is also a laugh that comes from the fact that the name is longer than usual. In addition, I think that jokes and self-deprecating jokes that strongly remind people of the differences between men and women tend to be preferred in Japan.
Differences in humour between countries: The background of strong jokes that are hard for Japanese people to understand
https://agora-web.jp/archives/2056302.html
In Europe, it is essential for leaders, such as managers and military personnel, to have a sense of humour that allows them to switch to harsh jokes.
The idea that leaders are expected to be funny is solid in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the former British colonies, but this is less so in Germanic countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland, Latin countries such as Italy, Spain and France, and Eastern European countries.
In particular, Germanic countries are severe and don't joke much compared to English-speaking countries.
Of course, compared to Japan, they joke more but don't have the casual feel of America and Britain. Therefore, such differences in humour can sometimes cause cultural friction.
Compared to Germanic countries, jokes in Northern Europe and Latin countries have a darker feel. Although not as much as in Britain, there are still many self-deprecating gags, which may shock Japanese people.
In North America and Europe, reasonably common jokes make fun of appearance, race, sex, class, age, religion, and politics, walking the fine line between these two.
