Le Gang du Zabuton (RAKUGO.fr): Bringing the Art of Japanese Rakugo to Life in France
Based in Paris, Le Gang du Zabuton / RAKUGO.fr is a performing arts group dedicated to introducing the traditional Japanese storytelling art of rakugo to French-speaking audiences.
By blending deep respect for Japanese culture with a distinctly French sensibility, the group presents rakugo in a way that feels both authentic and accessible to contemporary audiences.
What Is Le Gang du Zabuton?
Le Gang du Zabuton (RAKUGO.fr) presents rakugo not simply as a translated form of entertainment, but as a complete stage art that emphasizes storytelling, rhythm, pauses, and physical expression.
Performers appear on stage wearing traditional Japanese attire and use only a fan and a small cloth—classic tools of rakugo—to draw audiences into richly imagined worlds through words and gesture alone.
This minimalist style highlights the power of storytelling and allows each performer’s expressive skill to take center stage.
A Long-Term Commitment to Rakugo
Sandrine Garbuglia, the author of all the rakugo story adaptations, and Stéphane Ferrandez, the first French storyteller trained by Osaka rakugoka in 2009 during their residency at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto, have been promoting rakugo in France, Europe, and Japan for over 17 years, including five tours in Japan.
In 2024, they created Le Gang du Zabuton after meeting La Cie des Bons à rien.
Since then, they have been sharing the teaching and practice of rakugo with a group of six passionate and talented disciples, continuing to expand the reach of this traditional art form.
Enjoying Rakugo in French
One of the defining features of Le Gang du Zabuton (RAKUGO.fr) is its rakugo performances in French.
To bridge cultural and linguistic differences, stories are carefully adapted so that even first-time audiences can easily understand and enjoy the humor, emotion, and subtle meanings of rakugo.
In addition to French-language performances, the group also organizes rakugo shows in Japanese, events with subtitles or explanations, and interactive workshops.
These activities make Le Gang du Zabuton (RAKUGO.fr) a valuable cultural space for Japanese language learners as well as dedicated fans of Japanese culture.
The Members of Le Gang du Zabuton
Le Gang du Zabuton is composed of a diverse and dedicated team of performers and creators who share a common passion for rakugo:
- Émeline Aelig
- Alexandre Cyprien-Scerri
- Stéphane Ferrandez
- Sandrine Garbuglia
- Maxence Henri
- Mycki-Kun
- Alain Marras
- Marie-Annick Méline
A Bridge for Cultural Exchange Between Japan and France
The activities of Le Gang du Zabuton (RAKUGO.fr) go beyond stage performance alone.
Through rakugo, the group introduces Japanese values, humor, and narrative traditions to French society, fostering cultural exchange in a natural and engaging way.
As one example of how Japanese culture continues to live and evolve outside Japan, RAKUGO.fr remains an inspiring presence and an important bridge between Japan and France.
Official Website:
Le Gang du Zabuton – https://www.rakugo.fr/