Season 6 kicks off with laughter, tradition, and international flair! The Krewe sits down with Katsura Sunshine, a Canadian-born rakugo performer bringing Japan’s 400-year-old comedic storytelling art to audiences around the world. In this episode, we explore what makes rakugo so unique, how Sunshine became one of the few non-Japanese rakugo-ka, and how this traditional form of entertainment is finding new life on the global stage. Plus, hear about the possibility of a rakugo event in New Orleans this fall!

Whether you're a longtime fan of Japanese culture or just curious about this captivating performance style, this episode is the perfect way to kick off Season 6 of the Krewe of Japan Podcast!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

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------ Past KOJ Traditional / Historical Japan Episodes ------

The Castles of Japan ft. William de Lange (S5E19)

Foreign-Born Samurai: William Adams ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) (S5E17)

Foreign-Born Samurai: Yasuke ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) (S5E16)

The Thunderous Sounds of Taiko ft. Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), World Champion Taiko Drummer (S5E13)

Yakuza: Past, Present, Future ft. Jake Adelstein, Author of Tokyo Vice (S5E12)

The Real World of Geisha ft. Peter Macintosh (S5E7)

Inside Japanese Homes & Architecture ft. Azby Brown (S5E6)

Kendo: The Way of the Sword ft. Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo (S4E16)

The Life of a Sumotori ft. 3-Time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi (S4E10)

The Intricate Culture of Kimono ft. Rin of Mainichi Kimono (S4E7)

Shamisen: Musical Sounds of Traditional Japan ft. Norm Nakamura of Tokyo Lens (S4E1)

Henro SZN: Shikoku & the 88 Temple Pilgrimage ft. Todd Wassel (S3E12)

Natsu Matsuri Mania: Summer Festivals in Japan (S3E3)

Exploring Enka ft. Jerome White Jr aka ジェロ / Jero (S3E1)

The Chrysanthemum Throne ft. Dr. Hiromu Nagahara [Part 2] (S2E18)

The Chrysanthemum Throne ft. Dr. Hiromu Nagahara [Part 1] (S2E17)

Yokai: The Hauntings of Japan ft. Hiroko Yoda & Matt Alt (S2E5)

The Age of Lady Samurai ft. Tomoko Kitagawa (S1E12)

Talking Sumo ft. Andrew Freud (S1E8)

------ About Katsura Sunshine ------

Katsura Sunshine on IG

Rakugo.lol

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