Rakugo Comes to the Cinema! "Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall Yose"

The "Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall Yose," organized by Kanagawa Kenminkyosai Life Cooperative (Chairman: Yasuhiro Teshima, hereinafter "Kenminkyosai"), is a yose (traditional Japanese storytelling performance) where you can enjoy a variety of meticulously crafted performances, including rakugo and kodan, in an environment that utilizes the facilities of a movie theater. Since its launch in March 2025, it has been holding authentic yose performances that transcend schools in a fresh space for a yose venue, aiming to promote the health of its members and the cultural development of the region.

In its second year, the number of performances reached 32 as of June, and it has received strong support from many people.

Focusing on the Health Benefits of "Laughter"

Main Visual for Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall Yose

As the saying "Good fortune comes to the house where one laughs" suggests, laughter is said to have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. The Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall Yose is based on the concept of improving the quality of life by providing opportunities to experience classical performing arts, and contributing to regional revitalization by creating cultural activities and vibrancy in the community, with the primary goal of promoting the health of its members.

Concept and Objectives

- To promote the health of members through laughter

- To contribute to the improvement of lifestyle culture by providing opportunities to experience classical performing arts

- To contribute to regional revitalization by creating cultural activities and vibrancy in the community

Production and Performers

Production is handled by Eitaro Katsura, a disciple of the late Utamaru Katsura, who curates a diverse program that includes not only rakugo but also kodan and other various performances. In the past, over 100 performers in total, from young talents to veterans, have appeared, including familiar faces from TV and radio such as Kōraku Sanyūtei, Tsūkō Shōfukutei, and Sanpei Hayashiya.

Eitaro Katsura (Producer) Kōraku Sanyūtei

Tsūkō Shōfukutei Sanpei Hayashiya

Upcoming Performance Schedule (July & August)

33rd Performance: July 9 (Thu)

Renji becomes Utachika Katsura, celebrating his promotion to Futatsume

Performers: Utasuke Katsura (Rakugo) / Bunji Katsura (Rakugo) / Eitaro Katsura (Rakugo) / Utachika Katsura (Rakugo) / Epyon Katsura (Rakugo)

34th Performance: July 23 (Thu)

Shinshun Tachikawa performs the masterpiece "Shinigami"

Performers: Shinshun Tachikawa (Rakugo) / Kōei Kanda (Kodan) / Ako Tomine (Accordion Man'yō) / Shōchiku Shunpūtei (Rakugo)

35th Performance: August 13 (Thu)

Takemaru Katsura performs "Tokkō Sezu," based on the true story of the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps

Performers: Takemaru Katsura (Rakugo) / Natsumaru Katsura (Rakugo) / Sakutarō Hayashiya (Rakugo) / Hatsukoi Takigawa (Rakugo)

36th Performance: August 27 (Thu)

Ghost Story Special for the End of Summer ~Performing the Ejimaya Ghost Story~

Performers: Fukumaru Yanagiya (Rakugo) / Teikitsu Ichiryūsai (Kodan) / Yūshichi San'yūtei (Rakugo) / Matsuki Kanda (Kodan)

*Performers are subject to change without notice.

*Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall Yose Official Page: https://www.kenminkyosai.or.jp/life/yose/

Event Overview

Name: Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall Yose

Date and Time: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, starting at 1:00 PM

Price: Members 1,200 yen / Non-members 1,500 yen

Tickets: Same-day tickets only

*Cash payment accepted, numbered tickets distributed before ticket sales begin.

Venue: Kenminkyosai Bashamichi Building 2F, Kenminkyosai Cinema Hall

Address: 4-32 Motohama-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City

Inquiries: 0120-660-812 (Reception Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM / Sat, Sun, Holidays 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays (except on days when yose is held)

Venue: Kenminkyosai Bashamichi Building (4-32 Motohama-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City)

Contact Information

【Inquiries from Media】

Kanagawa Kenminkyosai Life Cooperative, Cultural Public Relations Department, Cinema Hall Yose Division

1-1-8-2 Sakuragicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, 231-8418 TEL: 045-201-3355 FAX: 045-201-6540