Osaka
Namikiza Experience
"The Rakugo Show"
One storyteller. Infinite stories.
Show performed in English
About the show
Rakugo is a traditional Japanese performing art of storytelling. At Namikiza, the stories are told in English: comic tales in which a single seated performer plays every character, using only a Japanese hand towel and a folding fan as props.
Guests then try it themselves, learning timing, gestures, and how to use the fan to tell a short story. The evening also includes a performance on the Tsugaru shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument.
The organizer, who once lived in London, says that Dotonbori used to be a theater district much like the West End. According to the organizer, Namikiza has 30 seats and is the only traditional-style playhouse left on Dotonbori. The show has run there once a month since September 2025.
“We started this because I wanted people around the world to know more about ‘Rakugo,’ a traditional Japanese performing art with a 400-year history.”
— Tanimachi-Aloha, the organizer
Who plays
Sayohime
Rakugo storyteller
With a career spanning about 20 years, Sayohime has performed extensively both in Japan and abroad, including at universities, high schools, tourist facilities, and international exchange events. She performed at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. She also runs three classes in the Osaka and Hyogo areas.
Before you book
- Language
- The show is performed in English.
- Length
- 90 minutes (7:30–9:00 PM)
- Price
- ¥4,000 · students ¥2,000 (bring a student ID; children 6 and over pay the student price)
- Included
- Your seat, the show, live shamisen music, and a chance to try rakugo yourself.
- Group size
- Up to 30 guests
- Age
- Guests must be 6 or older.
- Where
- Dotonbori Namikiza Theater, 1-1-6 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, OsakaOpen in Google Maps →
- Cancellation
- Cancel up to the day before the show and you are refunded. If the show cannot be held because of a typhoon, an earthquake, a transportation disruption, or reasons on the organizer’s side, you are refunded as well.Email: goda@galleycrew.com
What people say
It was amazing 🤩, enjoyed so much and the entertainment was so good! Funny and beautiful! I love how they take you into the stage it makes it so much more fun and interactive. The staff was experienced and super friendly. Next time I’m in Japan again! I will be there
It was a great experience and so much fun! It was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture. I think anyone can understand and enjoy it, no matter where they're from. The best part was that it wasn’t too crowded. I think everyone would enjoy it. Thank you for such a lovely experience!
Sayohime with guests on the stage at Namikiza.
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Each show starts at 7:30 PM.
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