Jiro Sanshitei brought "first laugh of the year" to Sydney

Japanese Rakugo comedian Jiro Sanshitei in Sydney Source: SBS

Japanese Rakugo comedian Jiro Sanshitei brought "hatsuwarai", the first laugh of the year, to Sydney.

---

Japanese Rakugo comedian Jiro Sanshitei in Sydney Source: SBS

Japan-based Jiro flew to Sydney to perform Rakugo.  The tickets for his stage show were sold out early and people from the Japanese community, from children to the elderly, enjoyed their "hatsuwarai".  Hatsuwarai means the first laugh of the year in a literal translation but it also means the first comedy show of the year.

Jiro has a several hats to wear.  He is known as Jiro Jay Takasugi who is a popular DJ for radio programs and sporting events.  He is also a voice actor who is know for his role as Pegasus J. Crawford in anime Yu Gi Oh.

Rakugo is a traditional style of Japanese comedy involving comic story telling by a solo performer who sits down on the stage.  It has a 300 year history.

Japanese Rakugo comedian Jiro Sanshitei Source: SBS

For more Japanese stories and articles, follow us on Facebook.