Tokyo: “Rakugo and Music” evening at the Embassy of Serbia

Marking 140 years of friendship between Serbia and Japan, an event “Rakugo and Music” was held at the Embassy of Serbia, with a wonderful performance by Rakugo master Sanyutei Rakumaro, soprano Takako Hiraoka and pianist Yoshiko Kadota.

The performance at the Embassy was organized after the artists’ stay in Serbia in September of this year, where they promoted the Japanese culture of the Edo period and the traditional form of humorous storytelling, Rakugo.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Tokyo, Aleksandra Kovač, welcomed all present and pointed out that music and humour find a way to overcome cultural differences and language barriers. She added that she is happy for the hospitable welcome extended to the Japanese artists in several cities in Serbia. She thanked the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Culture through Rakugo, the Association for the Promotion of Music Exchange between Serbia and Japan, and numerous sponsors for making such a special opportunity possible for the audience in Serbia, as well as for the guests of the Embassy.

The former ambassador of Japan to Serbia and vice president of the Japan-Serbia Friendship Society, Toshio Tsunozaki, conveyed his impressions from his stay in Serbia and thanked the Embassy for the support.

Among the songs performed by female musical artists were “Šušti, šušti bambusov list” and “Što se bore misli moje”, and the Rakugo master incorporated several anecdotes from Serbia into his humorous monologue.

After the performance, the guests were served Serbian wines and specialties.