Rakugo (traditional comedy storytelling), which was created in the past century, is one of the most popular public entertainments in Japan. It is strictly a storytelling by one hanashika: an entertainer, without any costumes, sound effects, or music. There are some differences between the Kanto area and the Kansai area, but it is the same for both that the world of entertainers has a very strict hierarchy.

Yoseki is a specialty entertainment theater for Rakugo. There are four of them in Tokyo: Suzuki Theater in Ueno, Asakusa Hall in Asakusa, Ikebukuro Theater in Ikebukuro, and lastly Suehirotei in Shinjiku. This small wooden two-story theater is the second longest running theater, but also the oldest yoseki theater that remains with the good old tradition and atmosphere from Edo period, even though all the others are rebuilt into more modern style. It was founded in 1897, but was burned down during WWII. The owner decided to rebuild it to bring laughter into people’s depressed hearts after the war in 1946. It has been 62 years since then.

Once you go through the crowded Shinjuku train station area and Meiji Street, you will find different scenery in San-chome entertainment district. Suehirotei is located in the center of this district. There is a seating area with chairs in front of the stage, and a tatami seating area on both sides. You have to take your shoes off when you go in to the tatami seating area. The second floor also has a tatami seating area that might make you a bit nervous that it might fall through if there are too many people. It gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. You can mainly see 18 different performances of classic Rakugo including Manzai (two-man comic,) Mandan (comic monologue,) and Zokkyoku (folk song) during the day time between noon to 4:00pm. Modern Rakugo will be shown from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Both of them are four hours each with one hour break in between. You can sit through for the whole thing if you wish. They are open every day except December 30th and 31st. There are three different terms in a month which are called Kamiseki (1st -10th,) Nakaseki (11th- 20th,) and Shimoseki (21st- 30th). The performance will be provided by two different Rakugo associations: Rakugo Art Associations and Rakugo Associations.

The performers will come on stage with rhythmical live music and then sit on a Zabuton (floor cushion) to perform. There is nothing better than the live performance. It is so much fun to be in these surroundings.

Let me add that there is an interesting place behind Suehirotei which is called Kissa Gakuya. This place used to function as a backstage for Suehirotei. It was founded in 1958. This place is a café, but interestingly they also serve Soba, Udon, and Mochi. It’s worth to check it out as you might find Rakugo performers having a meeting or getting some rest sometime. 

Address: 3-6-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3351-2974 / 03-3354-7932
Open every day except December 30th & 31st
Daytime performance: Noon – 4:30pm
Evening performance: 5:00pm – 9:00pm (Door will be closed at 7:45pm)
Ticket:  Adult 2,700yen, Senior (65 and older) 2,500yen, Membership holder & student 2,200yen, 12 and younger  1,800yen

Kissa Gakuya
Address:  Same as above
Tel: 03-3351-4924
Open: 10:30am – 6:00pm