Rules
(Revised September 1, 2026)
(name)
Article 1 These regulations govern the members of the English Rakugo Association (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") as defined in Article 5, Paragraph 2 and subsequent paragraphs of its Articles of Incorporation. This also includes the members of the English Rakugo Club, which is a subordinate organization of the Association.
(member)
Article 2. Members of this Association are individuals, corporations, or organizations who agree with the objectives of this Association, apply for membership through this membership system in accordance with the procedures designated by this Association, and whose membership is approved by the Board of Directors. Members are of the following four types:
① Regular Member
Individuals with extensive experience as English rakugo performers and who are generally recognized as professionals who receive compensation for their work. They are eligible to participate in overseas performances and domestic performances for which performance fees are charged, which are organized or commissioned by this association. They can also organize their own English rakugo performances, and while the association will not be involved in the operation of these performances, it can cooperate in their promotion. Members do not directly participate in the operation or execution of the association, but support the association through membership fees and annual dues.
To become a full member, you must meet the following requirements.
They possess a certain level of English proficiency and can provide explanations of rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) and answer questions about rakugo in English.
Those recognized by the association as having a certain level of rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) ability.
He is eager to work as an English-language rakugo performer and is eager to organize English rakugo performances.
② Associate Member
Those who newly become members of this association, have a proven track record as English rakugo performers, have received a certain level of recognition, and wish to work as full members will be made associate members. After a certain period of activity, they may be promoted to full members upon recommendation from all officers. Associate members can perform in the association's bilingual rakugo events, Edo English rakugo events, and English Rakugo Wonderland. They can also organize their own English rakugo events, and while the association will not be involved in the operation of these events, it can cooperate in their promotion. Associate members do not directly participate in the operation or execution of the association, but support the association through membership fees and annual dues.
To become an associate member, you must meet the following requirements.
They possess a certain level of English proficiency and can provide explanations of rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) and answer questions about rakugo in English.
Those whom the association recognizes as having a certain level of rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) ability.
He is eager to work as an English-language rakugo performer and is also eager to organize English rakugo performances.
③ Club Members
Members who perform English rakugo as a hobby become club members and belong to the English Rakugo Association and its subordinate organization, the English Rakugo Club. They are eligible to perform at events organized by the English Rakugo Club (e.g., English Rakugo Wonderland, Nico Nico English Rakugo Association). They do not directly participate in the operation or management of the English Rakugo Association or the English Rakugo Club, but support the organization through membership fees and annual dues. While they cannot host their own English rakugo events, if they have an event they would like to hold, they can perform by having the event organized by the English Rakugo Club (Nico Nico English Rakugo Association). However, the implementation of such an event will be decided after consultation between the member and the board of directors.
The club will have ABC membership levels.
Club Member A
Those recognized by the association as having sufficient English and rakugo skills. They are eligible to participate in paid events hosted by the English Rakugo Club.
If you wish to perform at an event organized by an external organization and commissioned by this association, or at an event organized by an external organization, you may participate with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Club members A who wish to participate as full or associate members can consult with the board of directors. The board of directors will carefully consider the member's intentions, skills, etc., and decide whether they can become a full or associate member.
Club Member B
Those deemed by the association to possess sufficient English language and rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) skills are eligible to participate in paid events organized by this association.
If you wish to perform at an event organized by an external organization and commissioned by this association, or at an event organized by an external organization, you may participate with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Club Member C
Those recognized by the association as having a certain level of English proficiency and rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) ability. They are eligible to participate in paid events (English Rakugo Wonderland) hosted by the English Rakugo Club.
Members may participate in events organized by external organizations and contracted by this association, which generally do not charge an admission fee, with the approval of the Board of Directors.
④ Supporting Members
Supporting members are divided into individuals and corporations/organizations, and are categorized as follows:
Supporting Member A (Individual)
Individuals who agree with the objectives of this association and wish to support it through membership fees.
Supporting Member B (Corporate)
Corporations and organizations that agree with the objectives of this association and wish to support its activities through membership fees.
(Membership)
Article 3. Any person wishing to become a member shall apply in accordance with the method prescribed by this association and obtain approval from the Board of Directors.
(year)
Article 4 The fiscal year of this association shall be one year, from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
(Membership fee)
Article 5. Those who have been approved for membership pursuant to the preceding article shall pay the entrance fee and annual membership fee specified below in the manner prescribed by this association.
Regular Membership: Entrance Fee ¥10,000, Annual Fee ¥10,000
Associate Membership: Entrance Fee ¥10,000, Annual Fee ¥10,000
Club Member A & B: Entrance Fee ¥10,000, Annual Fee ¥10,000
Club Member C: Entrance Fee ¥5,000, Annual Fee ¥5,000
However, if a member transitions from Club Member C to Club Member B, they will have to pay the difference of ¥5,000 in membership fees.
Supporting Member (Individual): Annual membership fee ¥3,000 per unit
Supporting Member (Corporate): Annual membership fee ¥50,000 per unit
Board members are exempt from membership fees and annual dues.
2. The validity period of membership shall be one year from the date of joining.
3. Those wishing to continue their membership must pay annually. Membership status will be reviewed by the association every six months (January and July), and membership status may change.
4. Those who do not wish to continue their membership must notify the Association at least one month before the renewal month. In addition, those who have their membership fees automatically deducted must cancel the automatic deduction at their own responsibility.
(Withdrawal)
Article 6. Members may voluntarily withdraw from the Association in accordance with the method prescribed by the Association. In this case, no refund will be given in principle upon withdrawal.
(Cancellation of membership)
Article 7 The Association may revoke a member's membership if it determines that the member falls under any of the following categories:
(1) When the Association determines that there has been an infringement of the honor, privacy, copyright, or portrait rights of another person or the Association, or an act that damages the reputation or other rights of the member, or an act that impairs the dignity of the member.
(2) When the following circumstances are confirmed when paying membership fees, etc.
① If the membership fee and annual dues are not paid for more than one month after the membership is approved.
② If the annual membership fee is not paid by one month after the renewal date when the membership is to be continued.
(3) When there is an act of collecting personal information such as contact information and profiles of other members through the services of this association, or when there is an act of copying, disclosing, distributing, publishing, selling, etc., the information obtained.
(4) When an act is committed that violates laws or public order and morals.
(5) When a person violates these Terms and Conditions or any other rules established by the Association
(6) When any other reason arises that the Association deems to be unsuitable for membership.
Supplementary Provisions
These regulations will come into effect on September 1, 2026.
Club members' expenses and performance fees
(Revised September 1, 2026)
The Nico Nico English Rakugo Association will be run by the participants, primarily the organizers, and expenses will be shared among the participants. 3,000 yen will be paid to the association as advertising expenses.
For performances organized by our association, as well as joint performances with external parties where a performance fee is charged, Club Members A and B will be reimbursed for their transportation expenses up to a maximum of 2,000 yen.
If a club member receives an offer to perform a rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) show (generally, no honorarium or admission fee is charged, however travel expenses may be accepted), they must obtain prior approval from the board of directors before accepting the offer and report to the board of directors after the performance. (Private offers such as weddings or gatherings with friends are excluded.) The selection of co-performers will be decided in consultation with the association.
As a general rule, the board of directors selects performers for free performances accepted by our association from among the club members, and travel expenses are not provided.
Club Member Overseas Performance Guidelines
(Revised September 1, 2026)
Definition of overseas performances
Club members can plan overseas performances, generally on the premise that no honorariums or other compensation will be provided.
At least one full member should participate, if possible.
If a club member receives an honorarium or other payment for an overseas performance they organized, all of it is initially submitted to the association, and the member who organized the performance receives 30,000 yen within the limits of the honorarium received. If the honorarium exceeds 30,000 yen, participating club members can receive a subsidy of up to 50,000 yen.
If club members other than the organizers participate, the selection of participants will be made by the English Rakugo Association.
2. Regarding participation in the performance
Once the outline of the performance is decided, the information will be disclosed to club members A and B, and those who wish to attend will be invited.
The board of directors will select the participants from among those who wish to participate.
If a member proposes an event, that member will have priority in participating. Club member C can also propose events. However, the performances and programs must be approved by the board of directors in advance.
3. Guidelines for Participants
Each participant is expected to take the initiative and cooperate to ensure the success of the event.
If you are joining or leaving the event midway through your overseas trip, please ensure that your travel schedule does not disrupt the performance.
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own overseas travel insurance and agree not to hold the association liable in the event of injury or death due to any unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or traffic accidents encountered during their trip.
4. Participant Cost Sharing
Participants are generally responsible for their own travel expenses, accommodation expenses, and various expenses incurred locally (including souvenirs and meals during performances).
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