On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Japan-Sweden Society (JSS) hosted a cultural event titled “JSS Scandinavian Evening~Rakugo and Music~” at the restaurant La Mensa Jasmin in Hiroo. The evening featured performances by Sanyutei Kouseinen, a Rakugo performer from the Godaime Enraku Ichimonkai, and Luna Naruse, a musician specializing in the traditional Norwegian instrument, the Hardingfele. The event was honored by the gracious presence of H.E. Ambassador Kristin Iglum of Norway.
Sanyutei Kouseinen, also known as Johan Nilsson Björk, is a Swedish-born professional Rakugo performer and an apprentice of Sanyutei Koraku, a renowned Rakugo master and regular on the popular entertainment TV program “Shoten”. Kouseinen delivered an engaging performance that blended classic and modern Rakugo stories, performed in multiple languages—Japanese, English, and Swedish.
Luna Naruse is a talented musician known for her mastery of the Hardingfele. She recently performed at the Norwegian National Day celebration at Expo 2025 in Osaka, introducing Norwegian musical traditions through this distinctive instrument. At the event, she performed several traditional pieces, offering insightful explanations of the Hardingfele and the sometimes melancholic tone of Norwegian music.
As Ms. Naruse is a member of the Japan-Norway Society (JNS), several JNS members also attended the event. Guests enjoyed a memorable evening of multilingual Rakugo storytelling and a rich musical program that blended Norwegian tradition with contemporary artistry.
