Greetings,
I am a Rakugo performer, Yanagiya Tozaburo the third. For the goal of transforming "Japan's Rakugo into the world's RAKUGO," I moved to New York, America, five years ago. In 2021, I established the RAKUGO Association of America and took on the role of its president, dedicating myself to increasing the recognition of Rakugo, the Japanese language, and Japanese culture in North America, as well as to the development of future generations. In 2024, I am working daily towards the non-profit organization status in the state of New York, contributing to Japanese culture. To date, I have performed over 400 Rakugo performances in English and Japanese across America and Canada. I have also volunteered extensively to deliver laughter around the world and have been receiving positive feedback for the "Free Online Bilingual Performance for the Children of the World" held every year-end.
☆ I want to make the world peaceful with Japanese laughter
☆ I want to accurately convey the wonderful culture of Japan through Rakugo
☆ I want to continue spreading Rakugo, RAKUGO in both English and Japanese
With this in mind, I humbly ask for your assistance for my solo performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.
What I Want to Achieve with the Solo Performance at Carnegie Hall:
Make Americans laugh with English Rakugo "RAKUGO"!The laughter expressed through Rakugo includes Japan's wonderful culture (such as Kabuki, sumo, tea ceremony, food culture, seasonal customs) and depicts warm feelings and interpersonal exchanges without hurting anyone. This "unchanging human emotion" is not only in Japan but also relates to parent-child relationships, love, master-servant relationships, affection for animals, and interpersonal relationships that open up through laughter worldwide. I believe that the expression through Rakugo, RAKUGO, can bring "new peace and tranquility" to this divided world plagued by war. My mission of transforming "Japan's Rakugo into the world's RAKUGO" is something I am committed to contributing to with all my life.
Funding Needs and Usage for the Performance:
The performance at Carnegie Hall requires a significant amount of money. Even if all tickets are sold out, it will be a performance at a loss, and the funds already paid to Carnegie Hall have come from my personal savings and loans from generous individuals.
Below are the necessary expenses:
Production staff cost: $4000
RAA staff travel, accommodation, etc.: $3000
Poster and flyer production: $1000
Performance program: $500
Crowdfunding return "Yanagiya Tosanro Special Documentary, Interview" video production cost: $3000 Carnegie Hall contract fee: $3650
Stage personnel cost: $1110
Hall rental fee: $3815
Usher fee: $1430
Insurance: $460
Sound system fee: $585
Ticket issuance fee: $475
Sound fee: $2360
Security fee: $440
Stage personnel cost (performance): $2360
Media liaison fee: $125
The total necessary expense is $28,310, of which $25,000 is requested through crowdfunding for this project.
Project Implementation Period:
From March 24, 2024, at 6 PM Eastern Standard Time to April 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Regarding Returns:
All rewards will be sent by May 30, 2024, Eastern Standard Time, after the end of the project on April 30, 2024.
Returns for all courses include:
"Yanagiya Tosanro Special Documentary, Interview" video "A separate performance video of the Carnegie Hall performance"
(The commercial recording of the Carnegie Hall performance costs over $80,000, so the same content will be re-recorded and reproduced at a different hall.)
Course Jugemu:
$100 Return
Includes the "Yanagiya Tosanro Special Documentary, Interview" video and "A separate performance video of the Carnegie Hall performance" (as mentioned above).
Course Hatsutenjin:
$150
A direct message from Yanagiya Tosanro
Includes the "Yanagiya Tosanro Special Documentary, Interview" video and "A separate performance video of the Carnegie Hall performance" (as mentioned above).
Course Toki Soba:
$350
"A one-hour online life consultation with Yanagiya Tosanro, who excels in giving compliments and boosting self-esteem."
Includes the "Yanagiya Tosanro Special Documentary, Interview" video and "A separate performance video of the Carnegie Hall performance" (as mentioned above).
Course Shibahama For Individuals and Corporations:
$3000
A custom solo performance by Yanagiya Tosanro
Includes airfare and accommodation within the United States and Canada
We will consult with you to tailor the event to your needs and visit your city, whether it's for corporate clients, employees, or a private event with friends and acquaintances.
