Rakugo (comic monologue)
  There are a number of theories concerning the origins of rakugo, but the genre is generally considered to have originated during the early Edo Period. In rakugo, a single performer typically acts out the parts of multiple characters while seated on stage. The performer wears a traditional Japanese kimono regardless of what kind of story he is telling and impersonates various roles—old and young, men and women—by mimicking their mannerisms and gestures without employing any special costumes or makeup. In addition to humorous stories, themes include warm human relationships and other dramatic tales.

Kodan (historical narrative)
  The historical narrative, or kodan, was originally employed as a means of describing military tales such as the Taiheiki, or Records of Great Peace, in an easy-to-understand manner, almost like a history lecture. For this reason, kodan tales are concerned primarily with military adventures, tales of human emotion and relationships, and stories of heroic exploits. Like rakugo, kodan narratives are told by a single storyteller, but whereas rakugo performances are delivered in a conversational style, kodan could be described as a reading performance. Naturally, the performance involves more than simply reading the story aloud, and the performer employs a distinctive speaking tone and props while communicating the story. Common props include paper fans and small desks (known as a shakudai).

Rokyoku (uses song and speech to tell a tale along with a musical accompaniment)
  In rokyoku recitation, the performer uses song and speech to tell a tale along with a musical accompaniment provided by a shamisen. The genre enjoyed popularity with listeners nationwide via records and radio until the late 1960s and early 1970s. Taking from the rich and giving to the poor in the manner of Robin Hood is a common theme, as are family quarrels, the martial arts, warm human relationships, and military adventures. Recently, a number of motivated young performers have become known for their dynamic performances.

Manzai (comic dialogue) / Mandan (comic monologue)
  Manzai comic dialogue is generally performed by two-person groups, with one performer acting as the "funny man" and the other as the "straight man." Today's style of manzai, which consists mostly of everyday conversation, developed during the Taisho period from the performance style used until that time, which employed congratulatory language. Most dialogues present current events in an interesting or funny manner. The comic monologue, or mandan, consists of a single performer delivering the same type of content as would be presented in manzai, making it similar to standup comedy in the United States.

Other performance
  There are a number of other performance styles associated with the yose tradition, including magic tricks (kijutsu), recitations of short stories (konto), acrobatics or other tricks (kyokugei), and impersonations (seitaimosha). Outside the yose tradition are a number of popular entertainment forms that are performed in a street setting (daidogei, or street performances), including juggling, pantomime, and acrobatics. Despite a gradual movement beginning in the Meiji period that saw them banned, some locations are once again recognizing street performances as a valid type of performance art that can contribute to larger efforts to promote regional development. This perspective underlies Tokyo's 2002 "Heaven Artist" program, which authorizes certified street performers to practice their craft in designated locations at certain times.