The traditional Japanese comic storytelling production Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo will conclude its seven-year New York City residency this summer. The final local performances are scheduled for July 18 and August 8, 2026, at New World Stages on West 50th Street. Following the conclusion of the Manhattan run, the production will transition fully into an ongoing national and international tour.
The production features the 400-year-old art of Rakugo, a stylized form of solo comedic storytelling. The performance involves a single storyteller who wears a traditional kimono and utilizes only a folding fan and a hand towel as props. The artist portrays multiple distinct characters to deliver humorous narratives that have been transmitted across generations from master to apprentice.
Katsura Sunshine was born in Toronto and studied classics at the University of Toronto before entering a formal apprenticeship under Rakugo Master Katsura Bunshi VI in 2008. He is currently the only Western Rakugo master performing professionally on an international scale. Over the course of the New York run, Sunshine expanded his teaching duties to become the first master to train apprentices within the United States, instructing students Katsura Sunny, Katsura Moonlight, and Katsura Sunflower.
The production team behind the long-running New York presentation includes presenters Joe Trentacosta and Yoshitaka Tanaka, alongside artistic producer Marie Fukuda. The creative and operational crew features co-producer Yumi Shinozaki, scenic designer Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, and general management by LDK Productions. While the local residency is drawing to a close, Sunshine has spent the last five months traveling for domestic and overseas performances, and updated tour listings are being maintained on the official production website.
••••• Message Center••••
Follow us on social media: Facebook • Instagram • Threads • X • Bluesky • Tiktok • Reddit
Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats