落語(らくご)

らくご
noun
rakugo
1. rakugo, comedic storytelling
A traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling performed by a single seated performer using only a fan and a small cloth as props.
落語(らくご)を聞(き)きに行(い)った。
I went to listen to rakugo.
落語(らくご)のオチ(おち)が面白(おもしろ)かった。
The punchline of the rakugo was funny.
落語(らくご)家(か)になるには長(なが)い修行(しゅぎょう)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
Becoming a rakugo performer requires long training.

COMPOUND: 落(らく) (fall, drop) + 語(ご) (words, story) - referring to the "落(お)ち" (punchline/fall)

PERFORMANCE STYLE:

  • Performed seated on a cushion (座布団(ざぶとん))
  • Uses only two props: a fan (扇子(せんす)) and a small cloth (手拭(てぬぐい))
  • One performer plays all characters, using voice and posture changes

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 落語(らくご)を聞(き)く (to listen to rakugo)
  • 落語(らくご)家(か) (rakugo performer)
  • 寄席(よせ) (rakugo theater/variety hall)
  • オチ(おち)/落(お)ち (punchline)
  • 古典(こてん)落語(らくご) (classical rakugo)
  • 新作(しんさく)落語(らくご) (new/modern rakugo)

FAMOUS VENUES:

  • 鈴本(すずもと)演芸場(えんげいじょう) (Suzumoto Engei Hall - Tokyo)
  • 天満(てんま)天神繁昌亭(てんじんはんじょうてい) (Osaka)

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Related Words

Related: 漫才(まんざい) (manzai)
general
Added 2026.1.14 23:59 · Revised 2026.1.24 16:38
04000/04457_rakugo