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February 8, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Event date:
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February 8, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Event end:
Overview
The 4th Makubetsu Rakugo Festival Special Performance “East and West Rakugo Masters’ Meeting” is a vibrant celebration of traditional Japanese rakugo storytelling, designed to spread this cultural art form across Hokkaido while fostering regional exchange through laughter and community engagement. Held on February 8, 2026 (Sun), at Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall in Makubetsu, Hokkaido, the event kicks off at 14:00 (doors at 13:30), featuring a lineup of esteemed performers from both eastern and western rakugo traditions, including Hayashiya Hikoichi and Tsukitei Hosei.
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Contact Jasumo Now →This afternoon of humorous monologues, accompanied by shamisen music, includes experiential segments for local students and national amateur competitions, creating an inclusive atmosphere of excitement and cultural immersion. Tickets are ¥3,000 (all seats unreserved), with pre-sale open until December 19, 2025, 23:59 JST, and general sale starting December 20, 2025, 10:00 JST.
The ~500-seat venue, nestled in the scenic Tokachi countryside near dairy farms and Obihiro’s attractions, offers a cozy, community-driven experience. Secure tickets via platforms like Ticket Pia due to high local demand for this one-day festival highlight.
Why Attend
- Rakugo Excellence: A “meeting” of East (Edo-style) and West (Kamigata-style) masters delivering witty, character-driven tales.
- Cultural Exchange: Programs for students and amateurs promote rakugo’s accessibility and Hokkaido’s regional ties.
- Intimate Setting: Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall (~500 seats) fosters a warm, interactive vibe.
- Affordable Fun: ¥3,000 unreserved tickets make high-caliber storytelling accessible to all.
- Hokkaido Charm: Pair the show with nearby Tokachi’s lavender fields or Obihiro’s wildlife parks for a cultural rural escape.
Ticket Information
Event Date & Time
- Makubetsu: Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall
- February 8, 2026 (Sun): 14:00 (doors 13:30).
Program
- Rakugo festival featuring professional storytelling, student experiential sessions, and national amateur competitions.
- Expect a blend of classic and modern monologues with shamisen accompaniment, highlighting East-West styles.
- ~2–2.5 hours, subject to change; no intermission typical for festival formats.
Performers
- Rakugo Artists:
- Hayashiya Hikoichi (Edo-style master, known for virtuosic character portrayals).
- Katsura Kaishi (Kamigata performer, renowned for English rakugo and international appeal).
- Tsukitei Hosei (Kamigata comedian-rakugoka, blending humor with TV fame).
- Tatekawa Dankichi (Edo-style storyteller, evoking traditional wit).
- Katsura Futaba (Rising Kamigata talent, award-winning newcomer).
- Tsukitei Kiyu (Kamigata apprentice, fresh perspectives on classics).
- Musician:
- Toyoda Kimiko (shamisen player, enhancing narratives with traditional sounds).
Duration
Approximately 2–2.5 hours, based on typical rakugo festival events.
Performance Period
February 8, 2026 (single performance).
Venue Website
- Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall: https://www.town.makubetsu.hokkaido.jp/ (official town site for details).
Purchase Channels
- Contact Jasumo for ticket assistance via the Jasumo Contact Form.
- Official Ticket Platforms:
- Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp.
- Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall: 0155-56-8600.
- Pre-Sale: Until December 19, 2025, 23:59 JST (via select platforms).
- General Sale: From December 20, 2025, 10:00 JST.
- Same-Day Tickets: Limited at box office ~30 minutes before doors, if available; expect ¥3,000.
- Travel Support: For trains, contact JR Hokkaido or Obihiro Tourism.
Ticket Types & Pricing
Official Pricing (Tax Included)
- All Seats Unreserved: ¥3,000.
Reseller Pricing (Per Ticket, Subject to Change)
- Unreserved Seats: ¥3,500–¥4,500, ~5–10 tickets post-sale, based on cultural event trends; limited resale due to single performance.
Notes
- All seats unreserved; first-come, first-served seating—arrive early for best spots. No specific age restrictions, but family-friendly with student programs.
- No refunds for schedule changes; refunds only for full cancellation (no exchanges or changes).
- Wheelchair users should contact Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall (0155-56-8600) post-ticket purchase for arrangements.
- Video, photography, and audio recording prohibited; performers and program subject to change.
- Secure via Jasumo by December 20, 2025, for official ¥3,000 pricing to avoid resales, given the ~500-seat capacity and regional enthusiasm.
Sales Schedule
- Pre-Sale: Until December 19, 2025, 23:59 JST.
- General Sale: From December 20, 2025, 10:00 JST.
- Same-Day: Limited if available.
Venue Details
- Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall (Hokkaido)
- Location: 2-1-1 Chuo, Makubetsu-cho, Nakagawa-gun, Hokkaido 089-1202.
- Capacity: ~500 seats.
- Access: ~20-min drive from Obihiro Station (JR Tokachi Line); local buses from Obihiro.
- Attractions: Tokachi Millennium Forest (15-min drive, nature trails), Obihiro Zoo (25-min drive), lavender farms (seasonal, ~10-min drive).
Booking with Jasumo
- How: Contact via the Jasumo Contact Form. Specify date, time, and ticket type (e.g., Unreserved Seat, 2 tickets).
- Benefits: Bilingual support for Ticket Pia or venue bookings, assistance with Japanese ticketing systems, group bookings up to 4 tickets.
- Note: Book by December 20, 2025, for official ¥3,000 pricing; resales may reach ¥4,500 due to the event’s cultural draw and limited seats.
Inquiries
- Performance and Ticket Inquiries:
- Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall: 0155-56-8600.
- Venue Inquiries: https://www.town.makubetsu.hokkaido.jp/.
Disclaimer
Jasumo provides a specialized facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, assisting with ticket acquisition for cultural events like The 4th Makubetsu Rakugo Festival Special Performance “East and West Rakugo Masters’ Meeting” through authorized platforms like Ticket Pia. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide international customers through the official booking process, addressing challenges such as:
- Language Barriers: Japanese-only ticketing systems; Jasumo offers bilingual support.
- Local Platforms: Assistance with registration and payments for Ticket Pia or phone bookings.
- High Demand: Limited ~500-seat venue and rakugo’s regional popularity make tickets competitive; we manage deadlines to maximize chances. Securing tickets is not guaranteed. Book via Jasumo by December 20, 2025, for official pricing to avoid inflated resales. For travel planning, we can coordinate with Obihiro Tourism.
Reviews
- East-West rakugo clash was hilarious—masters like Hikoichi stole the show with timeless laughs!
- Jasumo handled tickets smoothly; Makubetsu’s hall felt like home for this cultural gem!
- Laughter-filled afternoon near Tokachi farms—a perfect Hokkaido rakugo adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the program for The 4th Makubetsu Rakugo Festival Special Performance?
A: Rakugo storytelling by East-West masters, student experiences, and amateur contests with shamisen, ~2–2.5 hours, subject to change.
Q2: Can international fans buy tickets without speaking Japanese?
A: Yes, Jasumo offers bilingual assistance for Ticket Pia or the venue. Contact via the Jasumo Contact Form by December 20, 2025.
Q3: Are children allowed, and what are the policies?
A: Family-friendly with student programs; no specific restrictions, but unreserved seating—arrive early with young ones.
Q4: What are the accessibility accommodations at the venue?
A: Wheelchair access available; contact Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall (0155-56-8600) post-ticket purchase for arrangements.
Q5: Why is this event special?
A: A Hokkaido-exclusive festival uniting rakugo styles for cultural exchange in a ~500-seat rural hall, boosted by nearby Tokachi’s natural beauty.
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