In celebration of the 2026 Philippines-Japan Friendship Year and the 415th Foundation Anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), traditional Japanese oral storytelling forms rakugo and kobanashi were featured in a cultural enrichment activity for students.

The UST Language Center, the UST Office of Public Affairs, and the UST Department of Modern Languages, in joint partnership with the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM), held the cultural activity at the George S.K. Ty Function Hall of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building on March 2, 2026.

Following an introduction to rakugo and kobanashi by assoc. prof. Kazuhiro Yonemoto of the Graduate School of Teacher Education of the Tokyo Gakugei University, students from the Thomasian Nihon Kyoukai performed fun kobanashi scripts entirely in Japanese during a workshop led by the Japanese Language Society of Malaysia president Mr. Edward Lee.

Master Ryūtei Saryū, a certified master of the traditional Japanese art of one-man storytelling, then performed the humorous rakugo piece Hatsutenjin (The First Tenjin Festival of the Year).

The story humorously depicts a child persistently urging his father to buy every treat he sees during the festival at Tenjin Shrine. Kneeling in the traditional seiza position, Master Saryū portrayed multiple characters through shifts in voice and subtle changes in head movement, using only a folding fan and a cloth as props.

Following his performance, students actively participated in a question-and-answer session where master Saryū and assoc. prof. Yonemoto engaged them in discussion. The event host, Alexander Macainag, also served as translator.

During the open forum, it was shared that attaining the rank of Master Storyteller typically requires around 15 years of training. However, master Saryū, who has performed for over 30 years, emphasized that there is no “true mastery,” as the art continually evolves through lifelong practice.

He further explained that, unlike conventional theater settings with dimmed lighting, rakugo performances are ideally conducted in well-lit environments to allow the storyteller to connect with the audience and to help listeners vividly imagine the scenes. A rakugo performance may range from as short as two minutes to as long as four hours, depending on the story.

JFM deputy director Yuta Kaneko, along with representatives from partner organizations—including Japanese Language Society of Malaysia president Edward Lee, Association for Japanese-Language Teaching chair of the Board Sawa Toda, and Association of Nihongo Teachers in the Visayas president Val Perez—graced the event.

UST secretary-general Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, delivered the welcome remarks, while the executive assistant to the vice rector for Academic Affairs asst. prof. Charmaine Ponay shared the closing remarks.