RAKUGO, the Japanese art of storytelling, evolved as a form of entertainment for ordinary people during the Edo period (1603-1867). Yet, it is not an old, dying art struggling to find relevance in modern society. It remains an integral form of live entertainment and is becoming more international as the rakugo stage once dominated by Japanese raconteurs now features foreign storytellers. And Japanese performers, both amateur and professional, endeavor to entertain us in English. Rakugo is fluid not fossilized. All that is required is a folding fan, a hand towel, and your imagination! In Talking About Rakugo, learn what distinguishes rakugo from Japan's other traditional performing arts, become acquainted with its greatest contributors, enjoy some of rakugo's most popular classical stories, and meet the performers of today. Rakugo is entertainment for the general public and Talking About Rakugo is your easy-to-understand general guide.