Project Overview
The Japan Rakugo Association's original website was built on a LAMP stack over 10 years ago. It faced challenges including the burden of updates and a difficult-to-use admin interface. Additionally, slow page load times created friction for both users and the organization.
This project undertook a major structural overhaul of the site, implementing a redesign aimed at improving user experience and streamlining operations.
Technology Stack
We adopted Vercel as the hosting platform, enabling full utilization of Next.js capabilities. For content management, we implemented microCMS, creating an intuitive environment where non-engineers can easily update content.
Key Requirements
Regular Program Registration
Today's Venue Registration
Affiliated Comedian Registration
Rakugo Event Information Registration
Improvements Made in CMS Implementation
The key requirements that became challenges during this redesign were regular program registration and today's venue registration.
With the traditional site, today's venue was created by duplicating the regular program.
Since changing the workflow requires learning costs, we proceeded with the design on the premise of maintaining the existing workflow even after the redesign.
A major challenge that emerged with microCMS implementation was the existence of a frame called "alternating."
Rakugo performances have a frame called "alternating" where performers change depending on the day. Since the performing comedian is not confirmed until the day before, it is necessary to manually update the performers the day before the performance.
Since the data structure also changes somewhat, we decided to create a "Regular Program API" and "Today's Venue API" in microCMS, but this creates operational challenges.
The microCMS management interface does not provide features to duplicate content between different APIs or embed custom programs. In other words, microCMS alone cannot replicate the regular program and create today's venue as was done in the previous workflow.
Leveraging the flexibility of a headless CMS, we developed a custom management interface for today's venue. By utilizing this management interface, we can register today's venue with the minimum necessary steps.
Web Accessibility Compliance
Liberogic has created its own checklist covering WCAG 2.0-2.2 and conformance levels A-AAA, and is committed to developing websites with full web accessibility compliance.
This project aimed for WCAG 2.2 AA compliance and conducted thorough checks down to the finest details. We designed with particular consideration for elderly users and those requiring accessibility support, including font size, color contrast, and keyboard navigation.
As a result, the Rakugo Association website achieved WCAG 2.2 AA compliance and has become a site that a wide range of users can access with confidence.
Web Accessibility Audit Results
In Closing
With this site redesign, information about regular programs and today's performances has been transformed into a site where even beginners can easily find what they're looking for. The moment you think "I'd like to check that out," you can get the information you need right away.
A rakugo theater is, above all, a traditional art form you can visit at your leisure.
At a rakugo theater where you can enjoy yourself all day for just a few thousand yen, you can savor various performances from afternoon through evening. Beyond rakugo, there's manzai, kōdan, paper cutting, and more—a packed schedule of different programs that change daily. The sense of excitement wondering "What kind of performance will I encounter today?" is one of the unique pleasures of a rakugo theater.
At the heart of it all are the "regular programs" offered by the Rakugo Association.
Divided into programs such as "Jōseki," "Chūseki," and "Kaseki," the regular programs feature different performers each time, giving you the chance to encounter new performances multiple times within a month. This is why so many rakugo fans remain captivated.
Furthermore, the "rotating cast" system unique to rakugo theaters is another source of enjoyment.
Performers change daily, and not knowing who will appear until the day of the show creates a live energy that makes rakugo theaters a truly special space.
You can discover your favorite performers, but also enjoy unexpected encounters with new performances and artists. A rakugo theater is a place where each visit creates a special moment.
With the newly redesigned Rakugo Association website, you can easily check performance information.
Why not visit a rakugo theater on your next day off?
In a space filled with laughter and emotion, you can fully experience Japan's traditional culture.