Rakugo, or a type of traditional Japanese humor with a long history, is the focus of this little book for children. I don't know much about rakugo, apart from seeing it on TV or in movies, so, in that respect, it won't affect much my review.
This book is a compilation of some very simple stories, with very simple humor, and a couple of puns and plays on words to make the reader laugh. It is all quite childish, and even if they may bring the reader to chuckle a couple of times, the level of the humor (as a read) is just too low. Also, being rakugo dependent on word play, this book, even with its easy Japanese, may be a difficult read for foreigners (because it will be difficult to get some of the puns without an acceptable level of the language). On the other hand, the book also contains a couple of pages dedicated to explain the world of rakugo, the theaters were it is shown, the variety shows that surround it...
Probably best to watch the real thing. Rakugo seems to be lost without the acting of a performer.
The best: a nice introduction to the world of rakugo
The worst: too simple
Alternatives: I don't know much about rakugo, so... manga with humor: "OnePunch Man" or "ヒロイン失格", and in English: Terry Pratchett, "The Order of the Stick" & "War and Peas: Funny Comics for Dirty Lovers" for older readers
5.5/10
(Original Japanese)
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