A performance of Japanese art “Rakugo” took place at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

On May 23, 2024, with the support of the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the participation of the former Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kazakhstan Toshio Tsunozaki in conference room No. 416 of the scientific library of  Al-Farabi University a performance at the Rakugo Theater took place. The sponsors of this event were INPEX NORTH CASPIAN SEA, LTD, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kazakhstan, Medical & Art Lab Omotesando LLC.

Rakugo is a traditional Japanese literary art. In this art form, a professional storyteller, called a rakugo-ka, sits at the center of the stage and tells various funny or tragic stories. Using only a fan and a small cloth towel as an instrument, rakugo-ka brings different characters to life through changes in voice, facial expressions and gestures.

The main goal of this event is to promote cultural exchange between Japan and Kazakhstan, as well as to help strengthen friendship between the countries and deepen understanding of Japanese culture.

The event began with Takako Hiraoka performing children's and traditional Japanese songs, accompanied by Yoshiko Kadota on piano. Takako Hiraoka also delighted the audience by performing Abai Kunanbaev’s song “Kozimnin karasy” in Kazakh and Japanese. The audience in the hall joined the song and actively sang along with the singer. In the next part of the event, Sanyutei Rakumaro, using a fan and cloth towel used in rakugo, performed a miniature called "Manju Kovai" ("Afraid of Manju"). During the performance of the miniature, the audience laughed and were absorbed in every new joke, which was accompanied by a change in the performer's voice. The audience was literally amazed by the talent and skill of Sanyueti Rakumaro, loudly applauded the professionals, and thanked them for their excellent performance. Later, the audience in the hall used the time provided to ask the artists questions they were interested in and get answers to them. It is also worth noting the excellent work of the translator who translated the speech of the Japanese guests.

After the performance, the audience discussed the story and shared their impressions. Many expressed personal gratitude to the artists. Thanks to the bright and memorable performance of the artists, the atmosphere was filled with positivity and joy. At the end of the meeting, memorable photographs were taken with the actors to remember this special evening for a long time.