News & Announcements
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 12:30 PM | Gateway Stage, Balboa Park
San Diego, get ready to laugh! Fresh off his November 11 performance at Mic Drop Comedy, internationally acclaimed rakugo storyteller Katsura Sunshine is returning to San Diego for a special FREE performance at Yokohama Festival San Diego!
Known for bringing Japan’s centuries-old art of comic storytelling to audiences around the world, Katsura Sunshine has performed on Broadway stages in New York and entertained audiences across Japan, Europe, and North America.
Now, festivalgoers have a rare opportunity to experience his extraordinary storytelling live, right here in Balboa Park, with no ticket required.
What Is Rakugo?
Imagine an entire comedy performance delivered by one storyteller, seated on a cushion, using only a folding fan, a small cloth, and an incredible imagination.
That’s rakugo, Japan’s traditional art of comic storytelling.
Through expressive voices, animated characters, clever dialogue, and unexpected punchlines, a single performer brings an entire world to life.
It’s a uniquely Japanese form of entertainment that transcends cultures and brings audiences together through laughter.
Meet Katsura Sunshine
Originally from Canada, Katsura Sunshine traveled to Japan to study traditional theater before becoming an apprentice to legendary rakugo master Katsura Bunshi VI.
After completing his traditional apprenticeship in 2011, Sunshine went on to become an internationally recognized ambassador for Japanese storytelling, performing at New York’s New World Stages and venues around the world.
His performances combine Japanese cultural tradition with accessible humor, making rakugo an unforgettable experience for newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Follow Katsura Sunshine
Get to know Sunshine before the show! With more than 300,000 followers on Instagram and over 70,000 subscribers on YouTube, he shares hilarious rakugo clips, behind-the-scenes moments from Tokyo and Broadway, and stories from the road. Follow along and get a taste of what’s coming to the Gateway Stage:
- Instagram: @katsurasunshine
- YouTube: @KatsuraSunshineRakugo
- Official Website: rakugo.lol
Can’t get enough? Sunshine is currently touring the U.S., with upcoming shows at Japan House Los Angeles and his long-running off-Broadway hit at New World Stages in New York. See all of his tour dates at rakugo.lol/tour.
Snap a photo at the festival and tag @katsurasunshine to share the laughter!
See Him Live at Yokohama Festival San Diego!
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Location: Gateway Stage, Balboa Park, San Diego
- Admission: FREE
Whether you discovered Katsura Sunshine at Mic Drop Comedy this week or have never heard of rakugo before, this is your chance to experience one of Japan’s most distinctive performing arts.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and join us for an afternoon of laughter, culture, and international friendship.
No tickets required. Just come and enjoy the show!
