Membership Categories

(Revised September 1, 2026)

 

① Full Membership

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 preside over 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 whom the association recognizes as having a certain level of rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) ability.

• He is eager to work as an English rakugo performer and is also eager to organize English rakugo performances.

 

② Associate Membership

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 comic storytelling) ability.

• He is eager to work as an English rakugo performer and is also eager to organize English rakugo performances.

 

③ Club Membership

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 can 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 Membership

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.