Japanology Plus - Japanophiles : Johan Nilsson Bjoerk
  • 4 years ago
Episode Number : 29
Season : 3
Originally Aired : August 4, 2020

Rakugo is a traditional form of storytelling that emerged in 17th century Japan. Using minimal props, a single performer creates amusing and sometimes moving scenes featuring multiple characters. Johan Nilsson Bjoerk, from Sweden, is one of Japan's very few foreign Rakugo professionals. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells Peter Barakan about the artform. He also talks about his 4 years as an apprentice to the veteran performer Sanyutei Koraku.