Storyteller Kanda Beni is coming!

At Faculty of Global Studies, we have a policy that in order to become a global talent that can compete on the world stage, you must first know yourself, and under this policy, we offer various courses in the first year with the theme of "Knowing Japan." Among these, "Japanese Studies," taught by Dean, examines what Japan is and what it means to be Japanese from a cultural perspective. In particular, with regard to traditional culture, we value opportunities to come into contact with the real thing, and this year we held a special lecture by invited storyteller Kanda Beni.

In the class, he took up a passage from "Hachinoki" and explained the scene where Sano Genzaemon Tokoyo leaves in "Iza Kamakura" in his unique style of storytelling. He even had the students dictate the story to him, and gave an interesting explanation of the traditional storytelling art and the history depicted in it. The students raised their voices and tried their hand at storytelling in a kodan style, and everyone was excited by the storytelling art of tapping a folding fan on the table after each passage.

Master Kanda Beni is a leading figure who also serves as the president of the Japan Kodan Association, and has been in this business for 40 years. His traditional storytelling, backed by deep knowledge and culture, was excellent and captivating. The students were overwhelmed and laughed out loud at his humorous explanations, and had a truly enjoyable and valuable learning experience.

Profile of Beni Kanda

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture. After dropping out of the School of Commerce at Waseda University, she attended the Bungakuza Theater Institute and began her career as an actress, but in 1979 she became captivated by the storytelling style and charm of storytelling by the storyteller Kanda Sanyo II, and became his disciple, taking the name Kanda Beni.
In 1989, he was promoted to a shin'uchi and held a promotion celebration show at Honmokutei.
He has pioneered a new genre of "theatrical storytelling" that makes the most of his unique character, and with his bright, fun and easy-to-understand style, he specializes in a wide range of works from classics to contemporary pieces.
In addition to storytelling, she is also active as an actress, film critic, essayist, and reporter.
He established the Beni School in 2002 and currently has four disciples. This year marks his 40th year in the art.
In order to popularize storytelling, he enthusiastically teaches at his storytelling school "Benijuku," teaching over 100 students in Tokyo and Fukuoka.
From 2001 to present, he has been a personality on ANA's in-flight comedy show.
His books include "The Tale of Genji: Red Love," "The Tale of Red," and "A Woman Standing Alone."