Niwa Hotel Tokyo to Host 'Tasteful Rakugo Event' on May 16th, Experiencing Edo's Charm with Rakugo and Gourmet Cuisine

Nomura Real Estate Hotels Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kosuke Hiraishi), which operates 'Niwa Hotel Tokyo' (hereinafter 'the Hotel'), announced that on Saturday, May 16, 2026, it will hold the 'Tasteful Rakugo Event' (其の十), an event where guests can enjoy Rakugo and a seasonal kaiseki meal inspired by the stories. 'Misakimachi Salon', a cultural event for learning about Japanese culture, old and new, has been held since the hotel's opening in 2009. The 'Tasteful Rakugo Event' is a popular series that combines Rakugo with dining, and this marks its 10th iteration. Rakugo, beloved by common people since the Edo period, features numerous tales related to food. This event allows participants to experience Edo's rich food culture, the daily lives of people at the time, and their human relationships through Rakugo. The specific performance will be a surprise on the day. After enjoying Rakugo, guests will move to the hotel's first-floor restaurant, 'Nihon Ryori Yukuri' (Japanese Cuisine Yukuri), to dine on dishes inspired by the Rakugo performance. Many may have experienced the urge to taste something delicious after watching a Rakugo performer savor soba or sake. This event transforms that feeling into reality, offering a luxurious evening where the world of Rakugo stories unfolds as culinary dishes, resonating with the flavors of the season. The event details are as follows: Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026; Time: 16:00-19:30 (Doors open/reception 15:30); Venue: Function Room 'San' for Rakugo, 'Nihon Ryori Yukuri' for dining; Price: 10,000 yen (includes Rakugo viewing, meal, tax, and service charge); Capacity: 28 people (first-come, first-served). Rakugo performer Katsura Bunjaku, known as a 'department store of stories' for his vast repertoire, combines classic Rakugo with his unique interpretations to present an old yet new world view, garnering significant support. He became a disciple of Shunpūtei Kosuke in 1996, transferred to Katsura Bunshō's tutelage in 2000, won the Kitaplia Young Rakugo Artist Competition Encouragement Award in 2006, won the Young Rakugo Artist Competition in 2009, and was promoted to Shin'uchi (master performer) and changed his name to 'Katsura Bunjaku' in 2010. He received the 70th Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Festival Newcomer Award in 2015. Niwa Hotel Tokyo, located in Kanda Misakimachi, Tokyo, has a history dating back to its founding as a Japanese inn in 1935. With the brand concept 'A Garden in Your Heart,' it offers an experience where guests can encounter the culture and seasonal nature nurtured in the area, creating a sense of space and tranquility, like a garden within the city.