AJALT hosted its annual gathering on November 2. Students and instructors enjoyed a Rakugo workshop with a lesson and performance by Kikumaro Hayashiya, a master Rakugo-artist. They learned a brief history of Rakugo and got to try out some of the gestures and manner of speech that bring characters to life in a Rakugo performance. Finally, Mr. Hayashiya performed “Tokisoba,” a classical repertoire. The guests also enjoyed the tea ceremony, calligraphy, Japanese chess, and origami. Everyone had a great time.