Project Overview
The previous official website of the Rakugo Association was a LAMP-based website built over 10 years ago. It had issues such as time-consuming updates and a difficult-to-use admin interface. Furthermore, page load speeds were slow, making it a burden on both users and administrators.
This project involved a major overhaul of the site's structure, renewing it with the aim of improving the user experience and operational efficiency.
Using Technology
We use Vercel as our hosting platform, which allows us to build a site that fully utilizes the features of Next.js. We also use microCMS as our content management system, creating an environment where even non-engineers can intuitively update content.
Main development requirements
Registering regular programs
Today's Yose Registration
Registration of affiliated comedians
Registering Rakugo performance information
Points devised in conjunction with the CMS
The challenges faced in this renewal were the registration of regular programs and the registration of today's variety shows.
On the previous site, regular programs were duplicated to create today's variety show.
Changing the operational flow requires learning costs, so we proceeded with the design on the assumption that the existing operations would be maintained even after the renewal.
A major issue that arose with the shift to microCMS was the existence of a section called "alternating."
Rakugo performances have a "alternating" schedule where the performers change depending on the day. Since the performers are not confirmed until the day before, the performers must be updated manually the day before the show.
Since the data structure would also change slightly, we decided to create a "Regular Program API" and a "Today's Variety Show API" using microCMS, but this led to operational issues.
The microCMS administration screen does not provide the functionality to duplicate content between different APIs or to incorporate your own programs. In other words, with microCMS alone, you cannot duplicate a regular program and create today's comedy show, as was done in the previous operational flow.
Therefore, we took advantage of the flexibility of a headless CMS and developed a unique management screen for Today's Yose. By using this management screen, you can register Today's Yose with the minimum number of steps required.
Web accessibility
At Liberogic, we have created our own checklist that complies with WCAG 2.0-2.2 and conformance levels A-AAA, and we are working to create websites that are compatible with web accessibility.
This project was designed with the goal of achieving AA compliance with WCAG 2.2, and meticulously checked the website. The font size, color contrast, keyboard operation, and other aspects were carefully considered, with particular attention paid to elderly users and those with accessibility needs.
As a result, the Rakugo Association website has achieved WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, making it a site that can be used safely by a wide range of users.
Web accessibility test results
lastly
With this website renewal, even beginners can easily check information about regular programs and today's vaudeville performances. The moment you think, "I'd like to go," you can get the information you need right away.
Above all, yose is a traditional culture that is easy to attend.
For just a few thousand yen, you can enjoy a whole day at a yose, where you can enjoy a variety of performances from noon to night. In addition to rakugo, there is a wide variety of programs that change daily, including manzai, storytelling, and kamikiri. The excitement of wondering, "What kind of performance will I see today?" is one of the joys of a yose.
At the heart of this are the "regular shows" provided by the Rakugo Association.
Divided into programs such as "upper seat," "middle seat," and "lower seat," with different comedians appearing each time, the fixed-seat program offers the opportunity to encounter new performances multiple times throughout the month. This is the reason why it continues to fascinate so many rakugo fans.
Another fun thing is the "alternating" system that is unique to yose.
The performers change daily, and you never know who will be appearing until the day itself, giving it a lively feel that makes the yose an even more special space.
Not only can you find your favorite performers, but you can also enjoy discovering new shows and performers you've never heard of before. A yose is a place where each and every performance creates a special experience.
The newly renovated Rakugo Association website allows you to easily check information about yose performances.
Why not try visiting a comedy hall on your next day off?
You can enjoy traditional Japanese culture to your heart's content in a space filled with laughter and excitement.