[Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa] Held a solo performance of a young female rakugo artist "Katsura Yonemai" from Tanabe City, Wakayama. Laughing and touching traditional performing arts by local storytellers
Rakugo event will be held on April 4, 2026 (Sat)
Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa (Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture / General Manager: Kazunori Tanaka), an all-inclusive resort overlooking the magnificent Pacific Ocean from all guest rooms, will hold a solo performance by Katsura United States Mai, a female rakugo artist from Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, near the hotel. As a triumphal performance by young storytellers who have completed three years of training, we will provide an opportunity to enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts close to them.
Background of Rakugo Event
Rakugo is a traditional Japanese performing art that uses only folding fans and towels as props, and draws multiple people and scenes with only narratives and gestures. The simple yet advanced storytelling brings out the imagination of the audience, and the unique exaltation that the story develops toward "Ochi" is attractive.
In this event, we will propose a new style of stay that combines cultural value with the accommodation experience by providing opportunities to experience traditional performing arts through performances by young local rakugo artists. You can easily experience traditional performing arts as a pleasure of sightseeing and travel.
■Point 1: A triumphal solo performance by young rakugo artists from Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
Katsura Yonemai was born in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. While studying at Kansai University, he met rakugo and lost his career due to the COVID-19 disaster, and decided to become a disciple in the wake of the rakugo storytelling of the fifth generation Yonedanji Katsura. He started in February 2022 and trained as the first female disciple for Yonedanji, and has reached the beginning of the season in 2025. Currently, he has also appeared regularly at Radio Kansai's "Ken Shimizu Voice Bridge" (every Sunday from 6:30 to 7:15), and is expanding his field of activities while young. In this performance, we will show a program "Zoo" that even beginners of rakugo can enjoy.
■Point 2: “Japanese culture experience” to be held at the hotel banquet hall
Japanese banquet hall "Kumano" (Photo is a layout for banquets)
The venue is the Japanese banquet hall "Kumano" on the third floor of the hotel. Chair seats and cushion seats are prepared at the special venue where the stage is set up, and you can view them in unreserved seats. Not only staying guests, but also residents living in the area and participation on a day trip are possible.
In a relaxed space unique to a resort hotel, you can enjoy a cultural experience where you can enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts close to you.
Outline of "Katsura Rice Dance and Enjoy Rakugo Time"
Date and time: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Opening: 18:00
Start of performance: 19:00
Final performance: Scheduled for 20:00
Venue: Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa 3rd floor Japanese banquet hall "Kumano"
Price: 2,000 yen (tax included) ※Tickets available on the day
Capacity: 70 people (40 seat cushion seats / 30 chair seats)
Appearance: Katsuramaimai Mai
Organized by: AHS HC
Co-organizer: Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa
Ticket reservation start: Thursday, February 12, 2026
URL： https://grand-mercure-wakayamaminabe-resortandspa.jp/plan/rakugo-event-0404/
All-inclusive "Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa"
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- A superb view location that stands on a hill in Minabe-cho and overlooks the sea below
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- Hot spring open-air bath where you can feel the breeze blowing from the sea
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- Breakfast buffet where you can enjoy a rich taste, such as comparing the taste of Nankoume, a specialty product
This is an all-inclusive resort hotel located in Minabe-cho, Japan's largest plum production area (*) in the central part of Wakayama Prefecture. You can enjoy breakfast-style meals in the morning and evening, alcohol during dinner, drinks containing alcohol in the lounge, and local confections within the room rate. In addition, you can enjoy a resort stay that has forgotten the hustle and bustle of everyday life, overlooking the magnificent Pacific Ocean scenery from various places in the hotel, such as guest rooms, open-air baths, and footbaths with hot springs.
* https://www.minabe-kanko.jp/
[Location] 348 Omotsumari, Oaza Yamauchi character Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama 645-0012, Japan
【TEL】 03-6627-4732 (Reservation Center)
[Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Minabe Station, about 10 minutes by car from Minabe IC
[Official Website] https://grand-mercure-wakayamaminabe-resortandspa.jp/