Rakugo
Ewan, teaching in Tokyo, is interested in Japanese story-telling. "I don't know if you have heard but story-telling in the U.K. is enjoying quite a revival. Edinburgh has the first center for story-telling ever created in the world, funded by the Scottish Storytelling Forum and the Church of Scotland. I'd really like to know more about rakugo."
Rakugo means "falling down," meaning that at the end of every story there is a punchline that somehow leaves you floored. With its origins way back in Edo period (1603-1868) Japanese story-telling has been enjoying a new lease of life, thanks to a kids TV program several years ago that helped draw new audiences.
Nagatani is a company that organizes a lot of classes in traditional Japanese culture. It owns a theater in Tokyo called Ueno Hirokoji-tei where one rakugo class is held, the school having a strong relationship with Rakugo Geijutsu Kyokai-Rakugo Art Association.