Japanese tend to be known for their shyness and stoic demeanor. But as Japanese companies increasingly think more globally, workers are feeling the need to communicate and express themselves clearly in front of people of various nationalities.

As a result, some are turning to traditional rakugo comedy to brush up their skills.

"It does help you liven up the atmosphere and better communicate," Takuya Omine, 43, a native of Okinawa who works at a printing firm in Tokyo, said as he attended a workshop in Tokyo's Adachi Ward in September.