Katsura Sunshine's RAKUGO: Performance photographed: Thursday, Oct 13, 2022; 7:00pm at New World Stages/Stage 2, 340 West 50th St., NYC | Photograph: © 2022 Richard Termine
- The world’s only current Western Rakugo Master, trained in a 400-year Japanese storytelling tradition.
- Completed an intense, years-long apprenticeship in Japan, following the same rigorous path as native-born Rakugo storytellers.
- The first Rakugo Master in history to take on apprentices in the United States, expanding the art form beyond Japan in an unprecedented way.
- A beloved, long-running staple of New York theatre, now entering its 7th year at New World Stages.
- An international ambassador for the art, continuing to perform regularly in Japan while touring throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond.
- A proven global draw, with millions of views across social media and a steadily growing fanbase discovering Rakugo for the first time.
New York, NY – International sensation Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo—now a beloved fixture of the New York theatre landscape—has delighted audiences for over five years with the 400-year-old Japanese art of comic storytelling.
Entering its sixth year at New World Stages, the production is thrilled to announce a new block of tickets, extending its run through December 2026. Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo is executive produced by Joe Trentacosta.
Described as “a gift from Japan to America” (Splash Magazine), Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo showcases the elegance and humor of Rakugo, a centuries-old form of solo storytelling in which a single performer, dressed in a kimono and armed with only a folding fan and hand towel, delivers vivid characters and hilarious tales passed down from Master to Apprentice.
The show’s profile continues to soar: Sunshine’s social media presence has exploded—with several Instagram Reels surpassing one million views—and his Ivy League tour (including Harvard, Yale, and Brown) introduced Rakugo to thousands of new fans.
In addition to its ongoing New York run, Sunshine has been performing around the world, bringing Rakugo to audiences in Australia, Saudi Arabia, India, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
His national and international touring will continue throughout 2026, expanding the global footprint of this historic art form.
“When we began this journey, I never imagined we’d still be going strong five years later,” said Rakugo Master Katsura Sunshine. “New York audiences have embraced Rakugo in such a remarkable way. I’m incredibly grateful to celebrate this milestone and excited to continue sharing Rakugo across the U.S. and around the world.”
“I’m thrilled to see Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo continue to grow as we enter our sixth year,” said Executive Producer Joe Trentacosta. “This art form is timeless, and the response from audiences has been extraordinary. We’re honored to keep building the legacy of Rakugo in New York City while Sunshine continues touring internationally through 2026.”
Born in Toronto, Katsura Sunshine studied Classics at the University of Toronto before becoming an apprentice to Rakugo Master Katsura Bunshi VI in 2008. He is currently the only Western Rakugo Master performing Rakugo professionally.
Sunshine has performed all around the world, dividing his time between New York, Tokyo, and stages around the world.
The production is presented by Joe Trentacosta, Yoshitaka Tanaka, and Artistic Producer Marie Fukuda, co-producer Yumi Shinozaki, with set design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams and general management by LDK Productions.
New World Stages – Selected Saturdays at 8 PM
340 West 50th Street, New York, NY
Tickets are now on sale through December 2026.
For schedule and tickets, visit rakugo.lol or call (212) 239-6200.
