NHK Culture Center Launches 'Introduction to Recitation: Enjoying Rakugo Through Reading' with Former NHK Executive Announcer as Instructor at Kashiwa and Mito Branches

Kashiwa Branch event – Details here

Mito Branch event – Details here

NHK Culture Center will host a special course titled 'Introduction to Recitation: Enjoying Rakugo Through Reading' at its Kashiwa and Mito branches, led by former NHK Executive Announcer Akihiro Mizutani.

Recitation has recently gained attention as a way to activate the brain, improve communication skills, and as a fulfilling hobby.

This workshop uses rakugo, a traditional Japanese performing art, as its subject to explore the joy of reading aloud and to learn the basics of recitation.

The instructor, Akihiro Mizutani, is a former NHK Executive Announcer born in Tokyo’s downtown area, who has been enjoying rakugo for over 50 years.

For this course, he has written an original rakugo script set in summer.

Participants will read the script aloud to learn fundamental recitation techniques such as voice projection, rhythm, and timing.

While rakugo is often associated with performance and gestures, this workshop focuses purely on reading—without acting or facial expressions.

Participants will deeply engage with the text, savoring the sound of words, the rhythm of sentences, and the imagery evoked by the story.

This workshop is designed for complete beginners and offers a relaxing way to rediscover the pleasure of using one’s voice and the richness of the Japanese language.

● Recommended for:

- Those interested in trying recitation for the first time

- Fans of rakugo

- Anyone who wants to enjoy reading aloud

- Those looking to improve their Japanese language expression

- People seeking a new hobby

NHK Culture Center Mito Branch is also offering a regular course titled 'Learning the Basics of Recitation with a Former NHK Announcer: Voice and Words'.

Those wishing to learn recitation fundamentals on an ongoing basis are encouraged to enroll in both courses.

Introduction to Recitation: Enjoying Rakugo Through Reading, Let’s Have Fun!

Instructor: Akihiro Mizutani, Former NHK Executive Announcer

Format: In-person class

Dates and Times:

【Kashiwa Branch】July 9 and July 30, 2026 (Thursdays), 13:00–15:00

【Mito Branch】July 16 and August 20, 2026 (Thursdays), 10:30–12:00

Fees:

【Kashiwa Branch】Members: ¥7,788 (tax included), General (no membership required): ¥8,932 (tax included)

【Mito Branch】Members: ¥7,326 (tax included), General (no membership required): ¥8,470 (tax included)

Materials Fee: ¥44 (tax included)

Organizer: NHK Culture Center Kashiwa Branch, NHK Culture Center Mito Branch

Details URL:

【Kashiwa Branch】https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1336148.html

【Mito Branch】https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1335562.html