Shirokane may evoke the image of one of Tokyo's most renowned aristocratic neighborhoods, home to high-end supermarkets stocking imported ingredients and quiet residential areas dotted with embassies. But that's just one side of the city. In fact, Shirokane also has a friendly neighborhood lined with traditional shops. Now in its 10th year, HOHO has planned a rakugo performance, "Shirokane Kitasato Street Shopping District: An Evening of Food and Rakugo," at OUR FAVORITE SHOP (OFS), a shop and gallery located on Shirokane Kitasato Street. The event will feature a uniquely Japanese atmosphere, creating a summer evening.

The main focus of this event will be drinks and delicacies from the renowned shops lining the Shirokane Kitasato Street Shopping District near OFS, along with a rakugo performance by rakugo performer Irifunetei Yukyo. The performance featured a unique adaptation of the classic rakugo story "Yoriaizake," in which young men bring snacks and drink together in a lively atmosphere, likening the feast served that day to the unique setting.

Irifunetei Yukyo, who appeared accompanied by a musical introduction, thrilled the audience with three pieces: "Shichidogitsune," a story about a mysterious experience encountered by a traveler on a pilgrimage to Ise Shrine; "Yoriaizake," a story about a group of young men from a poor town who gather around a feast filled with food they each brought with them; and "Sokotsunagaya," a surreal slapstick comedy about a panicked man who encounters a corpse that looks just like him and mistakenly believes he's dead. "Since many people were hearing rakugo for the first time today, I chose pieces with a seasonal feel, incorporating a touch of ghost stories. Laughter enriches the soul, so please feel free to come and listen to rakugo," said Yukyo.



After the rakugo performance, a feast of delicacies collected from the shopping district's famous stores was lined up on the table, and it was time for some drinks. Guests were able to experience a connection with the town through the event, tasting dishes that were also featured in the "Yoriai Sake" event, such as "Yakitori (Torihira)," "Pork Tenderloin Kushikatsu (Kajin)," "Fried Onions (DAY & NIGHT)," "Sweet and Spicy Dango (Okubo Dango)," as well as "Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu) (Kawagoe-ya Tofu Shop)" and "Shirogane Wine (Hoshinoya Sake Shop)."


At HOHO, we will continue to provide you with wonderful "methods" that will make you nod your head in agreement, and we look forward to seeing you together with the wise owl "HOHO"!