■ Tatsuya Sudo, Professor at Kanda University of International Studies and Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages
- Graduated with Bachelors in English at Sophia University, Faculty of Foreign Studies, in 1981
- Graduated with Masters in TESOL at Temple University in 1984
- He was an apprentice for Danshi Tatekawa, rakugo artist in 1984
- Hosted Canary English Rakugo Class in 1991
- Started English Rakugo classes in 2007
English Rakugo is suitable for those who want to acquire English language and a sense of humor. It will help business people develop their international career as well. At the same time, those with English skills and a sense of humor need to be aware of their own culture so they can be worldly people.
The best aspect of English Rakugo is that non-Japanese speakers can also enjoy our cultural heritage, Rakugo, filled with unique Japanese humor. It is important to realize the fact that rakugo reflects life itself. That means that the way we express, our sense of humor and personality are expressed in our story telling.
The world is filled with a variety of countries and cultures. It is important to understand the similarities and differences of other cultures and compare them to our own so that we can see things from a new perspective. That's where creativity is born.
After graduating from university, I passed the special A class on United Nations Association's Test of English and started working as an interpreter and translator. I worked in this field for three years. However, there was always a feeling that something was lacking in my life. I was not satisfied with being just a language mediator. During the midst of a personal crisis, I met Danshi Tachikawa and I was attracted to his idea: 'Rakugo focuses on the ordinary, the everyday, and the banal.' I decided to be his apprentice, thinking that it was meant to be. My teacher was quite harsh so I tried my best to make it believable. I continue to apply what I've learnt from him even now.
There is no need to dress up to see a show. In fact, rakugo is not a spectacle but a place where ordinary people go for entertainment. We normally pick up subjects familiar to the general audience. In fact, most protagonists are those we can see in ordinary life, such as an apprentice or a drunk. When it comes to rakugo, it simply turns out to be funny to hear the helplessness of ordinary people and their lives. The protagonist of Rakugo is helpless. We put a spotlight on these people and express the way they live - that's what Rakugo is.
I finally got an opportunity to establish English rakugo class in 2007. I always wanted to teach English rakugo but it took me 17 years to actually start this program. I have a TESOL certificate so I have no problem teaching English. However, I wasn't sure if I had enough skills to teach rakugo and organize this course. That's why it took me such a long time to launch this course. There is a student who is not that fluent in English but knows how to make the audience laugh. This proves that personality is the key to succeed in any fields including Rakugo. If you have the skill, you can be a master of life.
English Rakugo enables students to study English as a means to survive and enjoy life.
