Rakugo comes with a small vocabulary of its own. These terms recur throughout our articles and in any writing about the art; this glossary gathers the essentials in plain English so newcomers can follow along with confidence.
- Rakugo (落語)
- The art of solo comic storytelling itself; literally "fallen words," after the punchline that ends each tale.
- Rakugoka (落語家)
- A professional rakugo storyteller. Also called a hanashika.
- Kōza (高座)
- The raised platform or stage from which the storyteller performs.
- Zabuton (座布団)
- The flat floor cushion the performer kneels on throughout the story.
- Makura (枕)
- "Pillow" — the informal opening chat that warms up the audience and sets up the tale.
- Ochi / Sage (落ち / サゲ)
- The punchline or final twist that concludes a story and gives rakugo its name.
- Sensu (扇子)
- The folding paper fan used as an all-purpose prop — chopsticks, pipe, sword, oar and more.
- Tenugui (手ぬぐい)
- A cotton hand cloth mimed as a letter, wallet, book or towel.
- Koten rakugo (古典落語)
- The classical repertoire of traditional stories handed down over generations.
- Shinsaku rakugo (新作落語)
- Newly written, original rakugo stories, often on modern themes.
- Yose (寄席)
- A traditional variety theatre where rakugo and related arts are performed.
- Zenza / Futatsume / Shin'uchi
- The three main professional ranks: opening act, mid-rank performer, and headliner.
- Edo rakugo
- The Tokyo-centred tradition, known for a crisp, understated style.
- Kamigata rakugo (上方落語)
- The Osaka–Kyoto tradition, livelier and more musical, sometimes using a small table.
- Kendai (見台)
- The small lacquered table used by some Kamigata performers, occasionally tapped for rhythm.
- Ninjōbanashi (人情噺)
- A sentimental, human-drama story, as opposed to a purely comic one.
- Kaidan (怪談)
- A ghost or horror story, traditionally performed in summer.
- Deshi-iri (弟子入り)
- Entering apprenticeship as the live-in pupil of a master storyteller.
Further reading
For a fuller reference, see the Wikipedia overview of rakugo.