Rakugo for Schoolkids ｜小学校で出張落語

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of performing the rakugo story "Hirabayashi" for approximately 50 sixth-graders as part of their "Traditional Japanese Culture" studies. As this was likely their first exposure to rakugo—especially a live performance—I chose this popular tale about a young boy who, unable to read or write, is asked by his master to deliver a letter. The use of multiple pronunciations of a kanji (Chinese character) makes the story both entertaining and easy to follow. To help the students enjoy the story better, I asked the teacher to write "Hirabayashi" on the board, offering a visual reference to enhance their understanding.

Before we started, another performer gave the kids a quick rundown of what rakugo is all about. The performance was a hit—everyone was really into it, laughing and having a great time. What really made my day was a comment from one of the students afterward. She was amazed at how she could see all these different characters, even though it was just one person on stage. Hearing that made my day.

People often associate "Traditional Japanese Culture" with formality and special occasions. But as an amateur rakugo performer,  I try to show that it’s not like that at all. Rakugo is comedy, pure and simple. It’s meant to be fun and approachable.  There's no need to put it on a pedestal; it's a form of entertainment meant to be enjoyed by everyone, just like any other comedy.

先日、日本の伝統文化について学ぶ一環として、小学校６年生約50人を前に落語を披露する機会がありました。初めて落語を聞く児童が多いことが予想されたので、噺は「平林」を選びました。この噺は文字の読み書きができない小僧さんが、主人から頼まれた手紙を届ける、という内容です。漢字の読み方の違いが笑いに繋がる噺なのですが、漢字を学習中の子供たちには特に受けが良いと感じています。今回は先生に協力いただき、噺の前にホワイトボードに大きく「平林」と書いてもらいました。文字情報を提供することで、より一層噺を楽しんでもらうための工夫です。

本題に入る前、別の演者が落語の道具や所作について簡単な説明をしました。肝心の落語ですが、子供たちは大爆笑で、大いに楽しんでもらえたようです。終演後には「高座には１人しかいないのに、いろんな登場人物の姿が見えた」と感想をいただき、とても幸せな気持ちになりました。

「日本の伝統文化」と聞くと、堅苦しく、厳かに鑑賞すべきものだと考える人は多いようです。だからこそ私はアマチュア落語家として、落語の敷居が決して高くないことを広めたいと思っています。落語は肩肘張らず、気軽に楽しめるコメディなのです。