Urawa University Alumnus Ryota Yanagiya Commemorates Promotion to Shinde Urawa University Graduate Yanagiya Ryokuta's Shindai Promotion Commemorative Ceremony

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Hisada Yu presented rakugo storyteller Yanagiya Ryokuta with a "Ushiro-bakumaku" and "Yose-nobori" in celebration of his promotion to makuchi (professional comic storyteller) on the second floor of Urawa University Building 2.

Presentation Ceremony of Ushiro-bakumaku and Yose Noboribori to Mr. Ryuta Yanagiya

Ryuta Yanagiya graduated from Urawa University's Faculty of Integrated Human Services (now the Faculty of Sociology) in March 2007, and was introduced to the master, Hanaroku Yanagiya. In 2018, he was awarded the "29th Kita-Topia Young Rakugo Actor Competition Incentive Award.

At the presentation ceremony, Professor Mikio Takano of the School Education Department of the Faculty of Children's Studies introduced Ryuta Yanagiya's biography and explained the significance of his promotion to makuchi. In the world of rakugo, it is important to grow as a human being. He expressed his hope for further growth, saying, "In the world of rakugo, it is important to grow as a human being, and by fusing your mind with your form, you can become a more wonderful rakugo performer.

Professor Takano introducing Mr. Rokuta

Next, President Hisada handed over a "backdrop curtain" and a "Yose banner. The Yose banners were drafted by Urawa University staff and supervised by Professor Mika Funaki of the Department of Children's Studies. She explained that "the Yose character is superimposed on the alphabet 'ROKUTA' to create a design that brings up auspicious motifs such as Mt.

Professor Funaki explaining the design

Afterwards, the venue was enveloped in a warm, congratulatory mood when Koki Tada, a current student in the Department of Integrated Human Services, presented a bouquet of flowers.

Ms. Tada presenting a bouquet of flowers

President Hisada congratulated the graduates, saying, "Graduates are an asset to the university, and we are delighted that they have created a new asset in the form of a 'shin-uchi' performer. Noting that he himself had been familiar with rakugo since childhood, he said, "I would like to take this opportunity to visit a rakugo theater again. He also quoted the punch line from the rakugo play "Manju kowai," which put the audience at ease.

President Hisada presenting the catalog

Touching the backdrop, Ryota Yanagiya thanked the audience with a laugh, saying, "I never thought I would be carrying the university on my shoulders. I will devote myself to becoming a better rakugo performer. He also encouraged the audience to "please come to our performances.

After the presentation ceremony, a commemorative mini rakugo performance was held, in which Ryota Yanagiya performed "Shimekomi. The audience laughed and applauded warmly throughout the performance, which was a glamorous conclusion to the celebration of his promotion to the rank of machete.

Mr. Midorita expressing his gratitude

The performance of Ryota Yanagiya's promotion to the rank of makuchi is as follows

March 21 (Fri.) and 29 (Sat.) at Suzumoto Engeijo (Suzumoto Engeijo), from 5:00 to 8:50 p.m.

Shinjuku Suehiro-tei Theater] Thursday, April 3 and Monday, April 7 [First Seats] 16:45 - 20:30

Asakusa Engei Hall] Tuesday, April 15 and Saturday, April 19 [Middle Seats] 11:40-16:30

Ikebukuro Engeijo: April 23 (Wed.) and 26 (Sat.) [Lower Seats] 13:00-17:00

Performances presented by National Engeijo: Friday, May 30, 13:00-15:45

Urawa University - Fostering the Ability to Support People

Since its inception, Urawa University has emphasized practical education and moral education based on the philosophy of "cultivating virtue through practical study. Based on a broad range of liberal arts, Urawa University strives to nurture individuals with the practical ability to contribute to the local community in the areas of childcare, early childhood education, elementary education, and social welfare in a professional capacity, while nurturing a rich humanity.

Name of corporation: Kuri Gakuen Educational Corporation

Name of University: Urawa University

Location: 3551 Osaki, Midori-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 336-0974

　　　　　　　　　 15 minutes by school bus from JR Higashi-Kawaguchi Station.

　　　　　　　　　 　5 minutes by school bus from "Urawa Misono Station" of Saitama Rapid Transit.

President: Yu Hisada

Established: 1946

Faculty of Children's Studies (Department of Children's Studies, Department of School Education), Department of Sociology (Department of General Welfare), Department of Social Studies (Department of Social Work)

　　　　　　　　　Department of Sociology (Comprehensive Welfare, Contemporary Society)

Website: https://www.urawa.ac.jp/