Episode five of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time I’m joined by comedian Showko Showfukutei.
Originally from Kobe, Japan, Showko is a rakugo (Japanese traditional comic storytelling) performer, ventriloquist, and stand up comedian living in Melbourne, Australia. She is the only fully trained rakugo performer living outside of Japan and her unique brand of comedy has taken her all over the world and even the finals of Australia’s Got Talent.
In this episode Showko talks about rakugo, the epic tale of how she convinced her rakugo teacher to take her on as his student, the surprising way in which she learned ventriloquism, doing comedy on the streets of London, and much more.
Extra Stuff
For more information on Showko Showfukutei and her upcoming performances, visit her official website.
Showko Showfukutei Official Website
Showko is also on social media.
For a taste of her comedy, check out her YouTube channel. There you’ll find videos like the one below in which she performs a stand up routine about Japanese women and becoming a mother.
Here’s a video showing off her crazy ventriloquism skills
And here is Showko explaining what exactly rakugo is.
Special Thanks
Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena
To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Souncloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Showko Showfukutei
