KAKUSHOW
Circa 2003 -2005

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For a number of years this was Kakushow's official web site.
Just like there is a stand-up comedy in western countries, there is a sit-down comedy in Japan.

KAKUSHOW created anew style of Rakugo by adding PUPPETRY and SLAPSTICK to the traditional RAKUGO style. KAKUSHOW called it, PUPPET RAKUGO.
The new owners of this domain wanted to keep the content of the original site alive on the web. Therefor the content is from the site's 2003 -2005 archived pages, as well as some other outside sources.

For the most up to date information go to Kakushow Showfukutei facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kakushow

2019

 

Rakugo - Kakushow 2003

 

What is Rakugo?

Rakugo, a traditional form of performing art, dates back to the end of the 17tth century. It is a popular and unique form of comic monologue in which the storyteller creates an imaginary drama through episodic narration. The stories reflect traditional concepts and values which remain meaningful and entertaining today.

The performer sits on his knees while performing. He sits on a small mattress and acts out the whole story alone. The Rakugo performer wears a Kimono (traditional Japanese clothes) and sometimes wears a Hakama ( a pair of long wide pants) with or without the Haori 
(a formal jacket). 
A Rakugo performer is usually equipped with a Sensu(fan) and Tenugui(hand towel) which aid the performer express and act out the story. For example, the fan can be chopstick, cigarette, scissors, pipe or pen.

The performer plays the part of several characters in a single sketch, the challenge lies in switching from one distinct character to another by changing voice, facial expression, mannerism and speech. Each character represents exaggerated aspects of the human personality.

An aspiring Rakugo student has to ask a popular Rakugo performer to be his mentor. He usually lives in the Master's house and does everything that the Master orders. He takes lessons in story telling, dance, and playing musical instruments. He must learn everything by following the Master. All the training is verbal, no written text is used.

The Rakugo performer apprentices for three to four years with the Master. When the apprenticeship is completed, the Master gives him a name as a professional Rakugo performer. It is only with the Master's consent that a student becomes a full pledged Rakugo performer. He takes the Master's family name and one syllable from his first name. A performer's name immediately signals his artistic lineage.

There are only a few "Families" of Rakugo performers.

 

 

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"The June Group's Dwayne Rider has been a huge fan of Kakushow and started an American comedy show based in part on the humor of this Japanese hit. He convinced MoonAtMidnight to sponsor a multi-city tour featuring a Japanese Batman character that is getting rave reviews with his silliness. Part of his deal with MAM is that he promotes the store with every show, and while it's definitely true that the sponsor clearly has the best Batman shirt displays online, that relationship has not interfered with the routine in any way because there is no overt marketing going on. Seeing Japanese inspired puppets dressed in Batman shirts and hoodies acting like samurais and warlords is a riot. And when Rider's Bane character walks on stage wearing a Bane t shirt, the audience cracks up - this bad boy clearly has a fan base here. You have to see the show to understand how Rider uses the cultural tools without abusing or belittling them. We'd like to see more of Rider's group perform in larger venues and feel it's just a matter of time before that happens. This is the first Kakushow inspired spinoff that we're aware of and it's awesome!" Marshall Tanke, reviewer for The Limitless

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Puppet Rakugo

Normally in Rakugo, a performer tells a story quietly sitting on a cushion with only a hand fan and a handkerchief as props to express his/her feeling.

Kakushow has created a new style of Rakugo by adding Puppetry and Slapstick to traditional Rakugo. This style is called ‘Puppet Rakugo’ and is totally original.

In his performance Kakushow makes puppets come alive and express anything such as talking, walking, singing, fighting as part of conveying a story. From children to elderly people, his hilarious performance with puppets is well received in many different countries and languages.

 

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Kakushow’s Profile

Shofukutei Kakusho is a professional comedian trained in traditional Japanese sit-down comedy known as Rakugo. From 1984 he served a 3 year apprenticeship with Shokaku, a Rakugo master in Osaka, following a 400 year old method of teaching.

Kakusho is a highly innovative artist who on completing his apprenticeship, he breathed new life into the traditional Rakugo world by applying elements of puppetry and slapstick comedy to it.

This unique style thrust him into the top group of Japanese sit-down comedians performing in Japan as well as on the global stage, with over 2000 performances in 25 countries including Europe, US, Canada, Australia, Africa, Asia, and Japan. Most notably Kakushow has performed at international comedy festivals including the gala of "Just for Laughs", Montreal Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Comedy Festival 2003, 2004.

With a career spanning more than 20 years, Kakushow was awarded the Japan Minister of Education’s Art Encouragement Prize in 2003 for his innovative, flashy, action-packed puppet Rakugo. This Encouragement Prize for New Artists is awarded to only one person in each of the 10 fields: Drama, Film, Music, Dance, Literature, Fine arts, Classical arts, Broadcasting, Popular entertainment, and Criticism.

In 2004 Kakushow was appointed as Special Cultural Advisor by the Japanese government for the international promotion of Japanese art and culture. He is now based in London and is performing across the UK and Europe.

(1998 - 2004)

Jul'98 : Invited to "Puppets in my pocket!",International Puppet Festival in Hungary and won the special prize.

Oct'98 : Performed at 5 places in USA, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Jul'99 : Invited to "Just for Laughs", Montreal international comedy festival and performed at "GALA".

May'2000 : Performed all new rakugo story based on a folk tale of South Africa in Johannesburg was televised in Japan.

OCT'2000 : Due to the request of Japanese Embassy in Turkey, visited a stricken area with big earthquake to encourage sufferers.

Apr'2001 : Took part in Melbourne international comedy festival.

May'2001 : 2nd visit to Turkey.

Oct'2002 : Made a success of all-new story "Alice in Wonderplanet" at the Japanese art festival hosted by the Agency for cultural affair as a main performer in Osaka.

Nov'2002 : Joined CINARS, International Exchange for the Performing Arts in Montreal.

Nov'2002 : Invited to Al Lubel's show in Montreal as a special guest.

Mar'2003 Awarded The Art Encouragement Prize in the field of popular entertainment by the Japanese Mininter of Education

May'2003 Performed in Milan and Dublin twice each in both Japanese and English.

Jul'2003 Appointed as a "Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange" by the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, Japan.

Aug'2003 First participation in Edinburgh Fringe Festival(Aug 12-15). Recorded a full house for 4 straight days. The last performance was live webcasted .

Dec'2003-Jan'2004 Tour in Thailand as first mission of "Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange"

April’ 2004 Based in London and start introducing Rakugo to local schools and communities.

Aug`2004 Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival from 7th Aug to 17th Aug. 

 

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Event Information

'NEW'

SHOWKO!
Japanese‘Rakugo’- Sit-Down Comedy Show
Sun 19th & Sat 25th Feb 2006
Presented in English by Rakugo artist Showko, this Family comic story telling show has puppets, paper art, bamboo magic and more:
Special Guest:
Rakugo Master “Mr Kakushow”
Dates: Sun 19th Feb 2006 (from 3:00 ~4:00pm)
Sat 25th Feb 2006 (from 19:30 ~ 20:30)
Venue: Inn on the Green (Restaurant Bar and Theatre)
3-5 Thorpe Close W10 5XL (off Portobello Rd)
Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove (3 mins walk)
Admission: FREE
Details: www.show-ko.com

Japan Fun Day 
Date: May 7th
Venue: Arts Depot
5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, London N12 0GA

Brighton Fringe Festival 2006
SHOW-KO!-Japanese Sit Down Comedy
Special Guest:
Rakugo Master “Mr Kakushow”
Date: May 20th (Sat) & 21st (Sun) 2-3pm
Venue: The Marlborough theatre
4 Princes Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD
Admission: Adults ￡6 Children ￡5

Geisha Visit
May 24th 2006
Swinton Park, Masham, North Yorkshire
www.vintagekimono.co.uk

 

 

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Japan Minister of Education
Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists

"...This is to endorse that Mr. Shoufukutei Kakushow, a traditional comic storyteller (Rakugo performer), was awarded the Japanese Minster of Education's Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists in the field of popular entertainment in the year of 2002 for cultivating an original form of comedy ‘puppet rakugo’. His performance has been notably played abroad and highly regarded especially for his recent performance “Alice in Wonderplanet” which is about saving the planet from environmental destruction. He is a highly promising artist and worldwide entertainer.

The Minister of Education’s Art Encouragement Prize and the Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists are presented to selected persons whose outstanding achievements have opened up new vistas in a given year. The Art Encouragement Prizes for New Artists are awarded to only one person in each of the 10 fields: drama, film, music, dance, literature, fine arts, classical arts, broadcasting, poplar entertainment, and criticism.”

KAWAMURA Junko
Director
Arts and Culture Division
Cultural Affairs Department

 

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Rakugo Comedy

From Montreal Comedy Festival at Gala Main Stage

Kakushow in London

Kakushow performs for children all over the world,
giving the messages of “ Environment and Love” through his original comedy, “Puppet Rakugo.”

Camden Education Centre
“It was absolutely brilliant” Head teacher

“It was wonderful, the children loved it, the staff loved it, and everyone just laughed. It was a most enjoyable experience” Playcentre Coordinator

~ICBA~
“ I laughed so much as made me have stomach-ache!”
7 year old girl.

“ It was absolutely enjoyable, I want to see it again!”
10 year old boy

'NEW'

Little Angel Theatre
16 - 17th July

200th Anniversary of Hans Christian Anderson

'The Snow Queen'
performed & arranged by Kakushow

'The Emperors New Clothes'
performed by Showko

 

Performing at:
Theatres
Events
Private Party and Function
Japanese Cultural Work Shop
(School, After school, University, community centre and hospital)

 

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Kakushow Wonder Planet

We love to make people laugh!
We bring a lot of laughter to wonder planet!

Members with Kakushow:

Showko　笑子
Showko is now based in London and is performing with Kakushow around the world.
She follows his puppet Rakugo with her ventriloquism both in Japanese and English.

For more information visit: www.show-ko.com

Showdow 笑道
He is the first protege, he speaks English, Chinese and Japanese fluently, and is now based in Beijing to study Doctorate of Drama - Director and Writing. He performed with Kakushow and Showco at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004.

We perform at:
Theatres
Events
Comedy Clubs
Private Party and Function
Japanese Cultural Work Shop
(School, After school, University, community centre and hospital)

For inquiries please contact our agent.

sweet entertainments
Julian Caddy 

 

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Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2004

 

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Europe tour 2003

（Sponsored by ANA）

Milan

June,20 Japanese school of Milan
June, 21 hosted by Japan associasion in North Italy

Scotland

June 24 Edinburh

Dublin

June 26, @ Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle
June 28, Japanese school of Dublin

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The diary of Edinburgh Fringe 2003
photo by C.Matsumura

 

Aug,11

It took 31 hours from Japan to Edinburgh via Singapore. We finally checked in the hotel just past noon of the next day. Then we headed to the venue to say hello to the producer, Julian and all other staff members. Thanks to his arrangement, the artcle of Kakushow was listed in the Flinge Guide magazine.And advance tickets of the first performance were sold out.. We heard many media people would come to see the first three performances out of four. We really thak you, Julian , for accepting all our detailed conditions such as the base on the stage.

Relaxed with an Engish news paper in hands though can't read it..

 

Stumbled across my poster in front of the venue.

 

Aug 12th (the first day of the performances)

A rehearsal from early in the morning. As other groups have shows just before and after ours, we have to prepare and clean up the stage in 10 min. between the shows. We borrowed 4 wooden tables from the theatre from Chicago and 3 tables from the venue to set up the stage for sit down comedy. It was a much tougher work than we thoght.. After practicing several times, we got the hang of it.. Planned 2 hour rehearsal including light and sound arrangements was over before we knew it.. In the afternoon we handed out the flyers in the main street in the Japanese sandwich man's style. This was well received especially among children.

 

Getting into the venue.

Looking at the artcle of magazine posted on the bulletin board in the venue.

This is the leaflet the venue published.

Setting up the stage went off without a hitch though we still concerned it. The memorable first day's curtain rose at pm6:10. We heard some tickets sold on the day of performance were also sold out. It was a full house beyond reproach.Tonight's performances consist of "the demmonstration of sit down comedy" ,the cominc story telling "ZOO"、"paper cutting art"、and slap stick eco-comedy "Alice In Wonderplanet". Audiens seemed to enjoy my show and Julian and other comedians talked to us happily. We got off to a flying start.

Aug 13th (the 2nd day of the performances)

We had posted so many flyers on columns from early in the morning .The main street, called The Royal Mile, was a pedestrian mall during the festival. There are clumns you can post advertisements on the both sides of the street.. At first, we strated off hesitantly somehow and we found that no matter how hard we poted, all flyers were gone in 2 hours because other groups posted on the top of ours. Finally we got a strategy to get through the system. Now we are skillful enogh to live on posting flyers.

We frantically posted at first.

The sandwich men was still well received. The flyers designed by Mr. K.Matsuda were also so catchy that many people who received gave us questions about the description, when and how long, some goers glanced at the flyers stopped and came back to take them, which made us feel so happy. We were relieved it was a crowd-out for 2 straight days. Setting up and cleaning up gets more smoothly than yesterdasy.

Aug 14 （The tird day）

The review of the show was on "The SCOTS MAN". We heard the rumor that the newspapers of UK tend to critisize severely if the show isn't good. We saw the review timidly. Our anxiety turned out to be in vain.
The content of review was much better than we thought.. When I handed flyers on the street, a woman came close and said "We went to the box office and they said no more tickets here. Where else can we buy it.?"
We've had full-crowd audience three days in a row. And we saw apparently more and more families in the audience. This must be the effect of the review.

Ticket,please.

The communication to the audience got smoother day by day.

Conveying the story with pantomaim.

There were more young women than we expected.

We recomposed the show and adopted pantomime and the bamboo blind entertainment.. The first day's nervousness was totally behind me. Every ad-libs hit the point.. After the performance, we got an offer from the company in South Africa for The Earth Festival 2004. Needless to say, we got exited talking about what happened today in the pub over many kinds of beer, lager, Guinness and half&half...completely forgot we still have one performance tomorrow.

Aug 15( final day)

Today's performance was decided to broadcast on the internet., which means you can see my show anywhere in the world. I tried to tell all of my friends in Japan but couldn't. Because the starting time here in UK is 2:00 am in Japan. Today is also the last day for preparing flyers and the stage. A staff member started portraits when handing out the flyers. Many of those who were interested in gathered and two sketch books he had were gone before he knew it.. The better-than-expected result of past three days, a bit of relaxation coming from the assurance that I came to know the funny point in English performance and the pressure of live webcast made us comfortably serious.

Sorry to keep you waiting for a long time.

The very last moment.

The producer was very glad to our performance.

 

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More Background On KakuShow.com

 

KakuShow.com is a niche but culturally significant website dedicated to preserving and showcasing the work of Shofukutei Kakushow, a pioneering Japanese comedian known for reinventing traditional storytelling through an innovative performance style. The site functions less as a modern, actively updated platform and more as a curated archive of material dating primarily from the early 2000s, offering insight into a unique moment in the globalization of Japanese performing arts.

Originally active between approximately 2003 and 2005, the website has since been maintained in a preserved format, allowing audiences to explore Kakushow’s biography, artistic philosophy, international performances, and the evolution of his signature style: Puppet Rakugo. While not a high-traffic modern entertainment hub, KakuShow.com holds enduring value as a cultural artifact and a resource for those interested in cross-cultural comedy, traditional Japanese arts, and experimental performance.

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The Art of Rakugo: Cultural Foundations

To understand the significance of KakuShow.com, one must first understand Rakugo, the centuries-old Japanese storytelling tradition that forms the backbone of Kakushow’s work.

Rakugo dates back to the 17th century and is characterized by a solo performer seated on a cushion, using minimal props—typically a folding fan and a hand towel—to tell humorous, often moralistic stories. The performer shifts between multiple characters using only voice, posture, and subtle gestures. Unlike Western stand-up comedy, Rakugo is highly structured, relying on established storylines passed down through generations.

KakuShow.com provides detailed explanations of this art form, making it accessible to Western audiences who may be unfamiliar with its conventions. The site emphasizes the discipline required to master Rakugo, including the traditional apprenticeship system in which students live with and serve their masters while learning entirely through oral transmission.

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Innovation: The Birth of Puppet Rakugo

Where KakuShow.com becomes particularly compelling is in its documentation of Kakushow’s major innovation: Puppet Rakugo.

Puppet Rakugo is Kakushow’s original contribution to the art form, blending traditional storytelling with elements of puppetry, slapstick comedy, and visual performance. This hybrid style expands Rakugo beyond its minimalist roots, introducing dynamic physicality and visual humor that resonate with international audiences.

On the website, Puppet Rakugo is described as a fully original genre that allows puppets to “come alive,” engaging in actions such as talking, fighting, and singing as part of the narrative. This innovation significantly broadens the appeal of Rakugo, especially for children and non-Japanese audiences who may find purely verbal storytelling less accessible.

The addition of puppetry also aligns Kakushow’s work with global traditions of visual comedy and theatrical performance, bridging cultural gaps and making his shows more universally engaging.

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Biography of Shofukutei Kakushow

KakuShow.com provides an extensive profile of Shofukutei Kakushow, outlining his journey from traditional apprentice to internationally recognized performer.

Kakushow began his career in 1984, entering a rigorous apprenticeship under a Rakugo master in Osaka. This training followed a centuries-old system emphasizing discipline, imitation, and gradual mastery. After completing his apprenticeship, Kakushow distinguished himself by pushing the boundaries of the form, ultimately developing Puppet Rakugo.

His career spans more than two decades, during which he performed over 2,000 shows in more than 25 countries. The website highlights his global reach, noting appearances across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

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International Recognition and Awards

One of the most important aspects of KakuShow.com is its documentation of Kakushow’s accolades and institutional recognition.

In 2003, he received the prestigious Japan Minister of Education’s Art Encouragement Prize for his contributions to popular entertainment. This award is highly selective, granted to only one individual per category annually, underscoring the significance of his work.

Additionally, in 2004, Kakushow was appointed as a Special Cultural Advisor by the Japanese government, tasked with promoting Japanese art and culture internationally. This role reflects both his artistic innovation and his effectiveness as a cultural ambassador.

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Global Performances and Festival Appearances

KakuShow.com includes detailed records of Kakushow’s international performances, offering insight into his global impact.

He has performed at major comedy festivals, including:

• Just for Laughs in Montreal
• Melbourne International Comedy Festival
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe

These festivals are among the most prestigious in the world, and participation signals a high level of artistic recognition. The site also documents performances in cities such as Los Angeles, Munich, Istanbul, and Johannesburg, demonstrating his broad international appeal.

Particularly notable is his participation in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2003 and 2004, where he reportedly achieved full-house performances and received positive media coverage. The archived diary entries on the site provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of international touring, including marketing efforts, stage setup logistics, and audience engagement.

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Educational and Cultural Outreach

Beyond entertainment, KakuShow.com emphasizes Kakushow’s role in education and cultural exchange.

He has conducted workshops in schools, universities, and community centers, particularly after relocating to London. These workshops introduce audiences to Rakugo and Japanese culture, often incorporating interactive elements that make the experience accessible to children.

His performances frequently carry themes of environmental awareness and human connection, particularly in works like “Alice in Wonderplanet,” which addresses ecological issues through humor and storytelling.

This educational dimension enhances the cultural significance of both Kakushow’s work and the website itself, positioning them as tools for cross-cultural understanding.

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Associated Performers and Collaborations

KakuShow.com also highlights collaborators and members of Kakushow’s performance group, including:

• Showko, a performer specializing in ventriloquism and bilingual storytelling
• Showdow, a multilingual performer and academic

These collaborators contribute to the evolution of Puppet Rakugo, adding new dimensions such as ventriloquism and multilingual performance. Their involvement reflects the adaptability and scalability of Kakushow’s innovation.

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Website Structure and Content

From a design and usability perspective, KakuShow.com reflects early 2000s web aesthetics. The site is text-heavy, with minimal multimedia integration, and relies on straightforward navigation to present its content.

Key sections include:

• Explanations of Rakugo
• Kakushow’s biography and career timeline
• Event listings and performance history
• Reviews and press excerpts
• Educational outreach information

While the design may appear dated by modern standards, it serves an archival purpose, preserving the original context in which the content was created.

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Media Coverage and Reviews

The website includes excerpts from media reviews, offering insight into how Kakushow’s work was received internationally.

One notable review from The Scotsman describes his performance as “strange but appealing,” highlighting the novelty of Rakugo for Western audiences and the effectiveness of his storytelling despite language barriers.

Additional commentary points to the influence of Kakushow’s style on other performers, including adaptations and inspired productions in the United States. These references suggest that his impact extends beyond his own performances, contributing to a broader evolution of comedic forms.

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Audience and Reception

KakuShow.com emphasizes the broad appeal of Kakushow’s performances, noting that they resonate with audiences ranging from young children to elderly viewers.

This wide demographic reach is largely due to the visual and physical elements introduced through Puppet Rakugo. By reducing reliance on language alone, Kakushow creates performances that are accessible across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Testimonials included on the site—particularly from educators and children—highlight the joy and engagement his shows generate, reinforcing his reputation as both an entertainer and educator.

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Cultural and Social Significance

The cultural significance of KakuShow.com lies in its documentation of a key moment in the evolution of traditional Japanese arts.

Kakushow’s work represents a successful fusion of tradition and innovation, demonstrating how classical forms can be adapted to contemporary, global audiences without losing their core identity. His role as a cultural ambassador further amplifies this significance, as he actively promotes Japanese art forms on the international stage.

The website itself serves as a digital archive, preserving not only Kakushow’s work but also a broader narrative about cultural exchange, artistic experimentation, and the globalization of performance art.

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Legacy and Continuing Relevance

Although KakuShow.com is no longer an actively updated platform, its content remains relevant for several reasons.

First, it provides a comprehensive overview of Kakushow’s career during a formative period, offering valuable historical context. Second, it serves as an educational resource for those interested in Rakugo and its modern adaptations. Finally, it stands as an example of early efforts to use the internet as a tool for cultural preservation and dissemination.

Kakushow’s influence continues through his performances, collaborations, and the ongoing popularity of Puppet Rakugo. The website ensures that this legacy remains accessible to future audiences.

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KakuShow.com is more than just an outdated website—it is a rich archival resource that captures the innovation, global reach, and cultural significance of Shofukutei Kakushow. Through its detailed content, it introduces audiences to the art of Rakugo, documents the creation of Puppet Rakugo, and highlights the career of an artist who has successfully bridged cultural divides.

For researchers, performers, and enthusiasts of global comedy and traditional arts, the site offers a unique window into a transformative period in the history of Japanese performance. Its preservation ensures that Kakushow’s contributions—and the broader story of Rakugo’s evolution—continue to inspire and inform.

 

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