Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

Stories within stories within stories. Outside of the captivating rakugo performances told in distinct styles, this show offers an intergenerational character drama showing how the course of one's life can lead one to become bitter or give up on the best part of oneself. The show accomplishes its goal superbly, and the only negative things I could say about it would involve how much that goal appeals to me. The story by its nature involves a lot of pettiness and focuses on interpersonal relationships rather than war, politics or philosophy. The only humor is what arises naturally in such a complex bringing-to-life of the characters' experiences, with some help from a few lively characters. It did suit my taste that sexuality was treated as a normal part of life and not in the cringey way anime stereotypically portray it. This is an anime you could recommend to your mother—in a good way.

Poetic. Uplifting. Heartbreaking. This is not only one of my favorite animes, but one of the best shows of any genre I have ever seen, full stop. The attention to detail in this anime is incredible. The squeaking of the wooden stage or tapping of a paper fan, the architectural details of the theaters or the movement of fabrics, are all rendered with extreme skill. The people who worked on SGRS clearly loved traditional Japanese culture and the art of Rakugo, and it shows. The characters are wonderfully human, flawed, and complex. I found myself completely understanding why someone acted in a certain way while hating them for doing so at the same time. And just when I thought I’d figured out someone’s motivation, a new piece of information was revealed that made me reevaluate everything. I wept, I gasped, I laughed. This is what drama should be.

Complex story told in a simple way is one of the less represented types of story in anime because because it takes a lot of skill on every step of execution. Yet, SGRS just nails it to the wall so hard it's basically breaking the damn wall. Art: original manga was made by a woman who drew quite a bit of bl manga, if you know what that entails take a cookie from the shelf. If you don't, if basically means you should expect a lot of handsome and feminine men who all passively look like they are on the ready to give in to random surge of homolust. If you're not into it, don't worry, there's not reeaaally anything gay in the show and it didn't even bother me (the most heterosexual man in solar system). Well back to art. I already said designs are elegeant, flamboyant, handsome but what about the quality of it? You might know DEEN for their very memorable, experimental art house animation where they draw action scenes on as few frames as possible while using their legs or even just dropping pen on the the paper until the blobs look close enough to what should be happening. Unfortunately none of that is here, you'll have to make do with accurate lines, consistent animation quality (no sakuga here but it's decent throughout) and beautiful backgrounds. Sound: Hoooooo damn baby/10 Yes I think it's that good. As SGRS is all about storytelling through gesture, mimicry and most importantly voice, a lot of love went into voice acting. It's just a pleasure to listen, usually anime is quite cheesy in this aspect and tends to be overly dramatic but in a show drama it's right as home. All the little nuances, tones and rhythm are there and they flow wonderfully. It's eaey to get completely immersed and feel yourself in the audience. Music is not too common throughout and most of it will be diagetic which once again helps the immersion. It's not intrusive and doesn't stand out too much but it's still really good. In particular I'd like you to enjoy the opening song written by Shiina Ringo. If you're on this site i can pretty safely call a weeb so go give her good ass music a listen (and then google tokyo jihen). Story: In short, it's all about characters, the way the grow, interact and just live feels very natural and genuine, they feel like real people. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's grounded and realistic, it's still a drama, not a biopic but it's still way, way more real than most anime out there. Everyone has some human flaws, they struggle with problems you can relate to without being a storyteller in 20th century japan. That's what this show is about, there are plenty of bright and cheerful moments but otherwise it's a struggle against tradition, against society and against yourself, a lot of the times you have to do one of these to make it through life and it's engrossing to watch such a varied cast of sympathetic characters be thrown into the maelstrom of life and fall with it their own way. I won't say it deeply explores those topics but it doesn't have to, it's about characters, not social commentary. Fun factor: while I think everyone who considers anime their hobby should watch it, the ones who are most likely to enjoy the most are fans of period pieces and slow burn dramas. It might seem like a serious show that would require a lot of investment to watch but in reality it's a very straight and comfy ride that can both make you laugh and tear up.

I don't think I'm the best kind of guy to review this kind of anime, but considering just how good it is and still how neglected it was by the bulk of mainstream viewers, I decided to see if I can help boosting this anime's reviews. "Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu" was easily one of the best anime series I've seen from 2016. I knew nothing about rakugo before going in and I felt super entertained by the rakugo performed in this series. Right on the first performance in the first episode I was really drawn to it. I caught myself laughing at the presentation along the crowd that was watching it in the theater. So the anime is not just drama revolving around the performers doing rakugo, it is also full stetches of rakugo. The first episode features minutes upon minutes of one of the characters doing their routine. And one may think that this sounds boring, but it is actually very cool! So every once in a while you'll catch a full rakugo routine and this is important, because getting to watch the evolution of the characters' rakugo along with their own evolution is pivotal to the story. The series is gripping. It is involving. I can't remember the last time I started and finished an anime series in less than a week. You get to see characters growing, the evolution of their rakugo, the evolution of their relationships with one another, all this set to a constantly evolving post-war Japan. If there is one minor personal drag I have is that I would sometimes get annoyed at a certain characters' BS. Like "Ugh, there goes Kikuhiko again with this sh*t" or "Sukeroku, could you just stop being a dirtbag for a freaking second and listen?". But again, this is a personal issue of mine, specially because it doesn't keep the characters from being complex and well done. I apologize if all of this sounds like a bunch of rambling, but I'm not used to writing anime reviews. Give this series a watch. It is criminally underrated considering something like Re:Zero is very likely to win Crunchyroll's "Anime of the Year" poll and we rarely see someone talking about Rakugo Shinjuu.

Every art form faces the same question eventually: what survives after the masters are gone? That question sits at the heart of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, a series ostensibly about rakugo - the traditional Japanese art of solo storytelling - but in reality, about legacy, mortality, reinvention, and the uneasy relationship between the past and future. Across decades of Japanese history, the anime examines how traditions endure, how they change, and whether preserving an art form requires protecting it from change or embracing change. What makes the anime remarkable is that it never treats these questions as philosophical. It's instead embodied by its characters, their rivalries, their ambitions, their failures, and all the stories they tell on stage. One of the anime's most compelling themes is the tension between innovation and tradition, an how each is personified by a character. Within the world of rakugo, there exists a constant struggle between performers who seek to preserve established forms and those who want to push the art in new directions. The conflict is never portrayed as simple or one-sided. Tradition provides continuity, discipline, and cultural memory. Innovation brings vitality, relevance, and new popular audiences. This tension feels especially relevant today. Many traditional performing arts, whether orchestras, ballet companies, opera houses, or theater institutions, face similar challenges. Preserving historical forms can protect artistic heritage, but preservation alone does not necessarily fill seats or attract new generations. Rakugo Shinjuu understands this dilemma with remarkable nuance. The series refuses to portray either side as entirely correct. Instead, it explores the difficult reality that art must somehow remain itself while continuing to evolve. That exploration is elevated by the show's extraordinary sense of historicity. Few anime immerse viewers so completely in a particular place and time. The series unfolds against the backdrop of pre- and postwar Japan and the social transformations that follow. Economic changes, shifting cultural values, changing laws, evolving entertainment industries, and generational differences all influence the lives of the characters. The result is a work that feels genuinely historical rather than merely historical-looking. In many ways, its a quintessential historical anime. Its setting is not a costume draped over a modern story. Rather, the historical period shapes every conflict, aspiration, and decision. The viewer comes away not only understanding the characters more deeply, but also understanding the world that produced them. Most impressively, the series incorporates actual rakugo performances into its storytelling. The performances reveal character psychology, artistic philosophy, personal growth, and emotional states that dialogue alone could never communicate. Watching different performers interpret the same material demonstrates how individual artists shape inherited traditions into something uniquely their own. The the voice acting performances are among some of the finest ever recorded for anime. The cast must portray characters across multiple stages of life while simultaneously conveying subtle emotional evolution over decades. Yet this challenge is only half the task. The actors must also perform rakugo itself. The viewer also learns through rakugo itself. The stories function as lessons in performance, empathy, humor, tragedy, and human nature. By the end of the series, one develops not only an appreciation for the art form but also an understanding of why it matters. The anime's cast feels startlingly human. The characters often behave in ways that are frustrating, contradictory, or difficult to understand in the moment... because real people do the same. They carry emotional baggage, make decisions based on pride, fear or jealousy, and spend time wrestling with consequences. These characters possess strengths and weaknesses in equal measure. They make admirable choices and terrible mistakes. They act selflessly at times and selfishly at others. Most importantly, they change. Their personalities are not frozen in place to serve the needs of a plot. Instead, years of experiences, regrets, successes, and failures leave visible marks upon them. The relationship between the two main characters is simultaneously a rivalry and a brotherhood. They admire one another, challenge one another, depend upon one another, and occasionally find themselves in conflict with one another. What makes this dynamic so powerful is that neither side can be reduced to a simple role. They are not merely rivals competing for recognition, nor are they simply friends supporting each other. Instead, they occupy that complicated space where affection and competition coexist. Each sees qualities in the other that they envy, respect, and perhaps even need. Their relationship becomes a driving force not only for their personal development but also for the evolution of rakugo itself. Despite its slower pace, the series remains engrossing. Each episode deepens existing conflicts while introducing new questions, creating a desire to continue watching. The narrative momentum does not rely on cliffhangers or spectacle. Instead, it comes from viewer investment in the characters themselves. Viewers continue because they need to know what these people become, how their relationships evolve, and what legacy they ultimately leave behind. In the end, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is not simply one of the greatest historical anime, or the greatest anime abiut about an art form. It is one of the greatest anime about people. Through its exploration of tradition and change, rivalry and brotherhood, memory and mortality, it captures something universal about the stories we inherit and the stories we leave behind.

This story is truly unique, revolving around rakugo, and I love what they do with it. Throughout the series we are presented with long bits of rakugo stories. If you're not one to enjoy the arts this may be a bit annoying, but I personally loved it and thought it added so much to the storytelling that this series presents. The rakugo stories that our characters perform tend to align with how they are feeling/things going on in their real life. The storytelling is truly phenomenal. Assuming the anime did a good job at portraying rakugo, it definitely has me interested in the art, and if I understood Japanese I would absolutely go see a live show. Also, the music in this anime is incredible. For the show itself, the first few episodes are kind of strange and don't really need to be there. Yotarou, who we are introduced to as our main character, is not a main character at all once Yakumo's flashback begins. This, however, was a bonus for me as Yotarou was incredibly annoying in season one. The flashback, though, is an amazing story. It could have been a stand-alone series itself. While the stuff outside of the flashback sets us up for season two, I think that could have been done in one episode before the flashback and one episode after the flashback. We also get a huge timeskip at the end, which feels infuriating having only watched season one. The reason for this is because of the build-up before the flashback, we think we will get a story of growth from our recently-released-from-prison main character, but we don't. I saved writing this review for after I watched season two just to see if it was a valid timeskip or not, and I do believe that it is. They just baited us too hard at the beginning to have a timeskip like that, but trust me after watching season two, you'll get over it and understand why they did it.

This story is not the gold standard in manga/anime, it is the platinum standard. Masterful story telling, both in rakugo and the actual story itself. There are not many stories that can get in your feels, but there are certain points in this show that you catch yourself thinking, "Damn, this is really good". (S2-Ep10 - IYKYK) I understand what there are some that were a bit hesitant in watching it, but I think if you are one of those people that are hesitant, watch a few episodes and power through and you will be rewarded. I am glad I took the time to re-watch this after almost 10 years since I first had the honor of doing so.

What happens when you create a story about storytellers? Rakugo is a dying art form in the face of modern entertainment. This is a story about how it struggles through the ages. Most of the series takes place in the past as a backstory. In a drama that plays out like a novel, you watch the absolute worst and best come out of the characters. You cheer for them, you reject them, but ultimately there's a feeling of bitterness and despair that always follows them around, despite never being a "dark" show. Yota, Konatsu, Bon/Kikuhiko (later known as Yakumo), Hatsutaro (later known as Sukeroku), Miyokichi all of these are different people, maybe even living in different times. Yet they all have one constant in their lives, Rakugo. It's either passion, hate, or bitterness, but they are connected by it. They find meaning because of it, some have died because of it, some have been hurt by it, and others have found homes and families because of it. Kikuhiko and Hatsutaro have the sweetest friendship. Their rivalry feels natural and palpable. A classic "hard work" vs "talented and lazy" where the show strikes the perfect balance in showcasing the limits on relying on just one of these traits for success. As the series progresses, they meet Miyokichi, a geisha and a former prostitute, who quickly becomes Kiku's love interest, but later on is dumped by Kiku because he wants to solely focus on his art. After being left behind so many times in the past, she was obviously devastated and heartbroken. She finds solace in Sukeroku's arms, who was facing his own rejection with his master, and has a child with him named Konatsu. "People can't understand everything about each other. And yet people still live together. The love of sharing trivial, meaningless things with others is human nature. I suppose that's why humans can't stand to be alone." Miyokichi finds herself fed up with Sukeroku because of his rakugo, probably because it reminded her of Bon, and leaves him and the child. When Bon sets out to find Sukeroku. Eventually Miyokichi comes back to meet Bon, clearly still in love, and tries to commit a lovers' suicide. Fortunately, Sukeroku manages to stop her in time. An emotional confession follows and Miyokichi begins to resent herself. As these characters reach their emotional climaxes, the wooden balcony collapses and Sukeroku, in a desperate attempt to save her, falls with her while Bon holds onto Sukeroku's hand. Sukeroku, in an attempt to prevent Bon from falling with them, releases Bon's hand and falls with his wife. Effectively leading to a lover's suicide. It's an emotional scene and quite perfect. While many consider Miyokichi to be the sole person in the wrong, that's anything but the truth. All three of them and their selfishness contributed to the culmination of this tragedy. "I was so determined to live alone, and yet... Why must a person's nature be so foolish?" The production is also charming. The opening, aside from being an absolute bop, is filled with foreshadowing both in visuals and lyrics. The animation is poetic; the colours are sublime and the atmosphere immaculate. “All the good, all the bad… your rakugo has given me every emotion imaginable.” The main thing, and I keep coming back to this, is how great rakugo is used to tell the story here. Foreshadowing in episode 12 for example or how the same story changes when it is narrated by a different storyteller. Every time someone comes up on stage I can't help but feel captivated. "An entertainer is only worth something if they're seen. What do you have to hide?" It's a tremendous and beautiful series. Deceptively simple, rich and layered. A phenomenal story that unfolds with the utmost delicacy. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a riveting tale of a dying art form. With visual poetry to match and a memorable score that feels earnest. It starts with one of the strongest pilots in anime, slows down in the middle as it navigates the lives of Yakumo and Sukeroku (both of them tend to change their names throughout the series) then picks right back up with so much emotion and warmth you don't know whether you should cry your heart out or smile ear to ear. It's funny just how much I ended up admiring this even though I had zero knowledge about the existence of Rakugo. The more I watched, the more I fell in love with it. Just like Ping Pong the animation or even Haikyuu where you don't necessarily need to understand the sport to fall in love with it, Showa Genroku offers a similar experience where a completely unfamiliar concept is made familiar and intimate. The only difference is that instead of the thrill or rivalry of a sport on display, there's instead this lingering feeling of losing something beloved. Something that has a rich history and is dying out because of the lack of accessibility. Something that the everyday person doesn't find interest in anymore. Something that can be easily replaced. The imminent "death" of an art form. There's a lot more ideas to explore, an uncertain future to watch and maybe a blossoming romance? I do like Yota and Konatsu's pairing. I hope they actually become a thing. Let's see how the next season fares in comparison. "Is that end enough for you?" NO IT'S NOT 9.5/10

I went into this anime with high hopes. This is the first ever anime I went with high hopes as I always, ALWAYS keep zero expectations. The difference this time is not because of its score, rank, or who directed it. It is because of Rakugo. Believe it or not, I knew Rakugo through this Canadian guy who has done English rakugo and he killed it! So I went into this with somewhat expectations, and I am happy to say it absolutely delivered!! First off, Rakugo is not a topic that people can make many episodes on. For most, it is quite boring and depending on the Rakugo story even for me it is a little boring. I found the essence of this to be super similar to Your Lie in April, in that Arima quit the Piano and so did the older apprentice in this as well. And the other apprentice was trying to reignite the flame within the older apprentice. Just like Kaori was trying to reignite the flame within Arima. The Negatives: Only one negative, it was a little confusing in that they jumped from the "present" to the past once or twice and it took a little while to adjust, and towards the end when they jumped to the present it took like 5 minutes to figure that out haha. Oh and this might be small, but not the biggest fan with the OP. It was not that good in my honest opinion. It might be small, but I do this with every single anime so yeah. The Positives: First and foremost, the story. Beautiful yet somewhat sorrowful story as well. It was insane how the older apprentice predicted he might end up as his first master it was eery. The animation was surprisingly high quality I was quite surprised. Good Animation. Finally, there was some goooood Rakugo in there, the story selections were really spot-on. The lrakugo story performed by the older apprentice, the one about the purse, it was so good. All the Rakugo stories in here were performed with such emotions I could hear it in the VA's voice. It shocked me how good it was, as Rakugo also relies on facial expression and I did not think they could make up for it but I would sya it is about 70% as good as IRL rakugo, although the comedic rakugo was not as good as comedic rakugo IRL. The background music was good as well. All in all, solid anime! I took a point off for the OP and another point off because although it was amazing, I feel like the story was a little too slow, which most like (I am a SoL lover) but in this case it was way too slow. Thanks! -CyanCheetah

[TL;DR: A sublime and heartwarming story about the art of storytelling and the remarkable people involved. Two polar opposites united in the struggle to save a dying artform from obscurity. Even if you don't like (or know) rakugo, this heartfelt look behind the scenes of this performing art - and into the souls of those who practice it - could enrich your life in unexpected ways. It's short (13 eps) and great, a big recommendation from me!] Here we are again. The Japanese and their incessant propensity to turn absolutely EVERYTHING under the sun into a form of art. Not just the usual stuff, like painting, music, the myriad of martial arts or even cooking. I mean, most people already know some of the odd ones, like flower arranging (ikebana), paper folding (origami) or short poetry (haiku), and some of the lesser known ones, like wood joinery (miyadaiku) or stacking stones just the right way (gobouzumi). If you visit japan, point at something, anything, and you can bet your assets there is a whole art form connected to it, complete with centuries worth of tradition, a laundry list of strict rules, official associations and a strong hierarchical ranking system. And also how such a system can both preserve values and stifle progress. How it can teach incredible skills while killing individuality. How it can weather the tides of centuries and then swept away by a breeze... Rakugo, the art of storytelling, is no different. It's not theater and not stand-up comedy, it's something in-between. A single artist, performing an entire short story himself, playing the narrator and all the characters, and his only prop is a small folding fan. These stifling constraints where artistic talents can truly shine. Or can they? Bon and Shin, two young boys thrust into the world of rakugo, having completely different personalities and outlook on not only life but on the artform itself as well. Bon falling headfirst into the footsteps of giants, while Shin trying to carve his own way in a relentlessly strict jungle of rules and tradition. This uncanny duo, while heading in both directions, are still inseparable and fight as much as they depend on each other. Shōwa Rakugo is exactly as it says on the tin: rakugo in Shōwa-era Japan. Don't let the intro text fool you, all that stuff about an ex-yakuza and a tomboyish girl and whatnot. They are in about two episodes of the thirteen and have basically nothing to do with the story at all. The whole series is one giant flashback sequence of Bon retelling the story of his youth and his perilous climb through drama and adversity to reach the top of the rakugo profession. Save for the very beginning and end the entire series takes place in Shōwa-era Japan, mostly around the 1950's. This already gives the series a unique vibe, since we don't often see this period depicted in anime. Much less through the lens of such an interesting and dying art form. In the post-war era, with the huge influx of western culture, music, movies, etc, the popularity of traditional entertainment such as rakugo crashed through the floor. Seen as outdated and archaic by most, it was up to the performers to save this art from extinction. The excellent dynamic between Bon and Shin is what kept this story together. We get to watch their totally different styles of rakugo. Shin being the energetic and fun crowd-pleaser and Bon being the sublime, dramatic/emotional one. Me, not being the theatrical type, I was honestly surprised how entertaining it was watching the shows and everything that goes into these performances behind the scenes. I already liked "profession" type anime before, like New Game for video game development, Bakuman for manga and Shirobako for anime making, etc. Shōwa Rakugo did an excellent job at immersing the viewer - even a completely oblivious one like me - into the world of rakugo without being too show-off-y or pedantic. By simply showing us how an average rakugo show is performed, we learn everything we need to know about the concept. In subsequent shows we can actually see the small details what makes each performer unique in their own way, and how the entire experience can change dramatically just by the way someone tells the story. The drama part, well, it's a rollercoaster. Happy times, sad times, downright dreary times, it's all in there. The relationships between the characters are what drives the story forward, and just like life, they are unpredictable and we don't always get what we want. But if we try, sometimes we get what we need. [***The next paragraph is SPOILERS, skip it if you want***] That dumb b#tch ruined EVERYTHING!!! I can scarcely put into words how angry I was at Miyokichi for basically the entire series, but especially at the end. A flagrant wh#re who doesn't give a sh#t about anything or anyone, sailing through life as a freeloader not giving a f#ck who's lives she ruins in the process as long she gets her booze and entertainment. She even revenge-married Shin after Bon (rightfully) dumped her, and then ruined his life as well. The crazy harlot even abandoned her own child! She would've just outright murdered Bon if Shin didn't jump in at the last second. And don't even at me with the "she was so madly in love" bullshit, because you don't friggin kill the person you love, only unhinged egomaniac psychos do that. I was so friggin mad Shin had to die like that, especially after he finally got his act together for the first time in his life. Eh. [End of Spoilers] I guess it's a huge achievement on the creators' part for making me care about these characters so much, that the show can ellicit such strong emotions. It was a nice breath of fresh air after the long trail of trope filled shovelware anime I've been watching lately. Shōwa Rakugo actually made me care a lot more about the characters and the story than I imagined, and I'm really thankful for experience. In closing, all I can say is: watch this! It's only 13 episodes, so it won't take much time out of your busy schedule, and it's a really nice ride from start to finish. The art is great, the sound and music is excellent, the VO is phenomenal. The entire show is just a really entertaining experience that'll stay with you for a while. Thanks for reading!

Living your life, and living with the consequences of how you chose to live your life... Shouwa Genroku dives into serious themes in life, weaving together a story revolving around the art of rakugo with artistic, enrapturing finesse. This was probably the first real josei I’ve watched and the experience was pretty good. It kinda gives you the kinds of feelings you get listening to slow jazz, and I’d recommend it to those who are looking for a different anime experience or a show with a more serious and pensive mood to it. The unlikely friendships between vastly different people who, throughout the show, remain uniquely themselves through & through; the layers & layers of warped, conflicting feelings; the unfathomable, almost perplexing struggles; and the attention to detail — these were elements of the show that make it josei as it is, and quite a fine one at that. It’s got a certain mature, sometimes mundane, feeling to it, and so I didn’t exactly feel like I enjoyed myself watching it, but Shouwa Genroku definitely has a sort of appeal to it that hits different. [Josei is an anime genre mainly targeted at female young adults or older, and tends to reflect the more mature issues in life] I loved the aesthetic, the form of storytelling, and the depth. It does appear slow-paced at times (and the art of rakugo may take a while for some to appreciate) but even with that, every moment still managed to pull me in by the collar and immerse me in the story. Perhaps not a show for everyone, and honestly speaking, it wasn’t my usual kind of show either. However, it somehow really felt quite like life itself — sometimes complicated, sometimes lighthearted, sometimes boring even, and sometimes not giving me any particular feeling at all — and that, I would say, would be the charm of this show!

The life of the theater. An actor playing a role for a demanding audience. A presentation told to not only the musicians’ tune but also the environment of the theater. A story is unfolded, characters appear and then disappear, and in what can seem like a few minutes, the act is over. A final bow and then dismissal. In a year where so many titles were known for their action or supernatural qualities, it’s hard to believe a title like Rakugo became so beloved. The show’s concept is extremely simple – for “Act 1” (or Season 1), we spend a majority of the time learning about the pasts of two men, Kikuhiko and Hatsutaro, entering the world of rakugo. Rakugo could be seen as a minimal sort of theater – a lone storyteller sits on stage and, using only a paper fan and small cloth, tells a long story that is often comical or sentimental. With such a lack of props or other actors to assist the storyteller, the strength of the performer is tested. How can he differentiate between multiple people? How can he represent an object with just his props? Most important, can he entrance the audience within the story? In a way, it could be seen as the ultimate monologue for an actor or, for a looser comparison, equivalent to the silent films of old, where an actor had to master the art of body language to convey emotion. With such a niche and down-to-earth premise, it wouldn’t be surprising to have the anime left to the wayside by more broadly appealing and flashy looking shows. It is, however, this very core that Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (SGRS) sticks to that makes it as lovable as it is memorable. The stories of our leads serve as an excellent introduction to the world of rakugo. Set in the 1930’s, where it is seen as one of Japan’s main entertainment sources, we observe Kiku and Hatsu’s rise through the world of rakugo under the instruction of their master Yakumo. Like many shows with dual protagonists, the boys have a contrast that distinguishes them from one another. Kiku’s personality is more formal and introverted and is much more reflective of the current desires and status of the rakugo association. Hatsu, on the other hand, is far more brash and extroverted, seeing the storytelling in a more vibrant way than most are used to. These contrasts extend into their preferred style of rakugo. Kiku’s sly and cunning approach to storytelling make him excel in the more seductive story type, whereas Hatsu’s range and animated approach make him a star at comedic pieces. Despite all their differences, a bond is formed between them that’s deeper than even they realize. As they rise through the ranks of rakugo, both Kiku and Hatsu learn more about each other than they initially thought. This level of humanity is much appreciated and serves as a way to add more depth to each of the leads. This is also quite crucial when in the mix of the supporting characters, such as Yakumo and geisha Miyokichi. Though the setting is simple, the emotions are quite complex as characters try to find their place in this art and make or break connections with one another due to their beliefs. It’s easy to claim that SGRS is trying for melodrama, but the show’s slow sensual nature helps mature rising overdramatics. Arguably the most important aspect of the show is in its namesake: the rakugo. When not focused on the lives of the co-leads, the anime allows them to show their progress as developing shin’uchi. We are treated to them acting out these stories, from the perspective of both the audience and the storyteller. This latter part is crucial to seeing the storytellers as people and not just as people reciting old tales. The camera can pan to the storyteller’s neck covered in beads of sweat or adjusting their position on stage, a subtle way of recognizing the humanity of the performer. What’s more, the focus on these stories allow the anime to show its sincerity towards its source material. It feels like creator Haruko Kumota earnestly wishes to show his love for the art by letting the characters present these stories. Of course, longer stories cannot be told due to time constraints, but some shorter stories are presented in full to the audience. Tales such as Toki Soba and Shiba Beach are as interesting as the performers make it out to be and seeing what kind of story is found in each episode was just as intriguing as the continuing plot. But even when not focused on the drama or the rakugo, there is another haunting truth underlying the whole show: the passing of time. As I said previously, the show’s premise is sort of niche. Not many people are involved or know rakugo, much less seek it out of interest. This fact becomes more apparent in the show: as the years go by and major events such as World War 2 transpire, new forms of entertainment and technology become available. What once was prevalent is now becoming outdated or turned away for said new entertainment. A clash of ideals also interferes this art, as talk of what truly is rakugo, or if it could be changed, surfaces. Even if delved in deeper, and even if there is some grand plan to “save” the art, would it even work? As the generations pass by and the characters get older, there may come a time when rakugo will disappear. Despite this, the characters still remain hopeful and persevere in a craft that still has meaning to them. Like any performance, all it takes is one performer and one person to watch. If there’s any setback against the show, it may very well do with the format or editing of the anime. The beginning episode is twice the length of a normal episode and establishes the characters that will be featured in the present. However, a majority of the anime takes place in the past, meaning the “teaser” doesn’t come to fruition until the 13th episode. Some of the drama, as well meaning as it is, can also be a bit tone deaf. There are times when a character will spark drama with an incendiary line only for no further action to proceed it. In the first episode, for instance, Konatsu accuses Kiku of the death of her father. Tension is felt, but the next scene is quickly shown with no further investigation of the claim. It makes sense not to “give the plot away”, but then again, why show this in the first episode? The introductory episode, while good for setting up the events of the present, is not the focus of the first act and thus feels like awkward foreshadowing for a flashback, if that makes sense. This sparked drama also hints at a show that could potentially be much darker than what is shown, but currently the events are more of everyday realism than a scandalous form of slice-of-life. I do appreciate the more approachable tone but I’d rather the show eschew from its sinister undertones and focus more on its captivating strengths in rakugo. Speaking of captivating, a plus must be given to the show’s use of sound. The soundtrack of the show fits well with a historical drama, whether serving as an introductory theme to the rakugo performers (using the plucks of the shamisen and beat of a large taiko) or building tension with a rapid tempo increase in acoustic guitar and trumpet. Special attention should be given to the show’s opening “Usurahi Shinjuu”, a seductive bit of jazz pop that splashes dramatics with quiet drawn vocals and descending flute lines (perhaps a nod to the anime’s “descending stories”), and the ending “Kawa, Taredoki”, an instrumental trumpet-led jazz piece that somberly closes each episode like the touching ending to a rakugo story. Overall, I give SGRS a 7/10. Though not as resonant as I wanted it to be, the first season of Rakugo is still an entertaining and meaningful look into the lives of those passionate about the storytelling art. Those that are involved in the dramatic arts, or those looking for a historical tale with more realistic characters, should definitely give this one a watch. Do you like or dislike this anime? If you haven't watched it, are you encouraged to watch it or not? Le…

I would like to say this is a masterpiece, as it is for some and almost for me, but I cannot. I deeply appreciate the intensity of the story, I felt like I was someone carefully chosen to have the privilege to enjoy it. I really felt like an spectator in a theatre (closer to the stage every chapter), marvelled by the innumerable aspects of life that are here represented so thruthfully. I tend (or try) to rate animes, at least, animes like this, by its ability to represent or to understand life and human emotions. This might be a 9 because of that, you can empathise with nearly every character. The story and the characters seem realistic, complex. Sometimes, when a ouvre is so good that all you can say about it is reasons to not give a perfect score, it probably deserves a perfect score. But I feel like this anime lacks some kind of spark of geniality and maybe sometimes a darker tone. Nearly perfect.

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu focuses on the bond between a former yakuza member named Sukeroku and a former dancer turned rakugo apprentice named Yakumo who each undergo their own different developments involving the Japanese storytelling performances known as rakugo. The series goes through a number of decades in exploring the different tribulations faced by both men as they progress through the world of rakugo from learning the flaws of their storytelling style to trying to adjust rakugo to the changing times of audience interests in different entertainment venues. Before I get into my thoughts on the series as a whole, I should explain more about rakugo. Rakugo is a performance where a storyteller sits on stage to tell a long and complicated funny or sentimental story. Each storyteller has their own different style of storytelling they would present in their performances that can be theatrical, sentimental, musical, or telling a ghost story. Around the time of the post-World War II era that part of this series is set in, rakugo was in a period of transition as the performance struggled to connect with audiences as they sought out other forms of entertainment with the coming of new technologies like television. Moving onto my thoughts on Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, the series does a great job with getting into the heads of Sukeroku and Yakumo within rakugo. Both men have had their different upbringings in life and both enter the world of rakugo for different reasons that shape their approaches to their performances. As a former felon, Sukeroku sought to become a rakugo performer to clean up his life and goes for a more casual approach for a rakugo style compared to the more traditional style employed by those within the rakugo association he's part of, this leading him to become more aware of how the traditional style is turning away audiences with the changing times. As a former dancer, Yakumo was injured in his former profession and finds that he has no choice but to take part in rakugo to still have a profession to follow. However, his disinterest in it is apparent from his performances being too focused on execution over emotion until Sukeroku's presence gives him inspiration to develop his own unique style. Both men also find themselves following different paths with rakugo that lead the series to take a more dramatic direction as episodes progress. The series also believably depicts rakugo with its performances and traditions. Each of the rakugo storytellers have their own unique styles for wordplay and performances they play out in the depiction of their stories and these nuances are believably depicted. It also believably portrays the struggles of the profession during and following World War II as performances become censored by the military and start to attract less audiences, struggling to stay relevant when more options of entertainment have become available to the Japanese populace. The younger generation of performers also start clashing with their older predecessors over changing with the times so rakugo does not totally die out as a form of entertainment. Issues with Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu are mostly minor. The animation for the series is a bit underwhelming with a decent number of shortcuts employed with minimal movement and still shots often employed. The series is left open-ended as it still continues on to its later second season focusing on Yakumo training a new student in old age. Also due to its very Japanese and historical themes, the series may not be for everyone due to its heavy Japanese themes. Still if you have a love for elements of Japan's history or wish to know more about the country's culture, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu does a great job focusing on how the tradition of rakugo is viewed by Sukeroku and Yakumo as they become more involved within its performances and traditions.

Rakugo is a story about storytellers. As one of the most hailed less popular series on online forums, I have decided to watch this anime on a whim. I finished the first season in one sitting (which rarely happens) and found myself surprised by this anime. Maybe it was because this was the first Josei anime I have watched. But the themes discussed in this anime are what I have never experienced before, or often just not talked about in real life. Prostitution. Broken Romance. Linging Hatred without Malice. Adultery. Haunting Past. All under the scope of realism. That's what makes this anime special. It's not a show in which you just say "cuz it's anime". But why such a low rating compared to others (7/10)? Well, to me, 7/10 rating is still above average (I tend to give an average anime around 6/10). It has reveals some good aspects but had faults which just didn't suit me. But unlike other anime I rated 7/10, this one has elements of a masterpiece. Edit: raising to 8/10 after finishing 2nd season. This season is incomplete without finishing the second one. Story: 6/10 As a story about storytellers, the way the plot is present is fabulous. But Rakugo has overlooked one of the most important aspect in storytelling: THE TOPIC. Rakugo, or Japanese storytelling is a slow medium which has little place for the fast and evolving world of today. The story seems rather slow paced (compared to other anime these days), and that alone may throw people off. But Rakugo just isn't a topic that can keep the interest of a viewer for 13 episodes. As I got halfway into the season, I was finding myself skipping parts of anime, given how repetitive it got. Could have avoided this by having much less episodes. The story itself has intriguing elements, but it just feels like that I am turning on an anime at half-speed after a certain point. The pacing felt even slower than Shinsekai Yori in my opinion. It might have just been due to watching a genre I wasn't used to. Edit: raised to 8/10 after finishing 2nd season. Art: 8/10 Solid. But I am not the judge at art. Sound: 8/10 The background music is properly played at right time. Solid. edit: raised to 9/10 after 2nd season. I didn't notice too much in detail when I first saw this. Character: 10/10 This is where Rakugo shines at. All characters feel just realistic. They just feel like the average John Doe we may meet in real life. And flawed like any normal human beings. I am astounded by how complex the characters are, unlike a couple hotshot characters in main stream with no substance to relate (Eren Yeager for example). And we can feel the characters' pain as we delve into their past and learn about them. It's as if you are listening to their live accounts of the story. And this alone, is I see why this anime is praised as a masterpiece. And I agree that the character development in Rakugo is one of the best I have seen in this medium. Enjoyment: 6/10 But it just felt too slow. Just like how willpower is a depletable resource, there was a limit for me how to get in this anime. Overall: 7/10 It is one of the anime with complex themes and deep characters, but sadly is plagued by a repetitive topic and slow pacing. However, the character development alone can place this in the masterpiece section for some. I plan to finish the second season and see if it changes my view. I have halfway in season 2 as of writing this review. Edit: 8/10 after 2nd season

The only reason this show doesn't get a 10/10 from me is the ending; it didn't wrap up the season as it should have, rather leaving the watcher with a whole lot of questions despite the show having obviously done its best to leave them emotionally satisfied after a rollercoaster of a ride. This is a quiet anime with amazing characters and a story that sneaks up to tug at the heartstrings before you have time to realize that was the plan all along. Beyond that, the viewer gets to learn about a traditional Japanese artform. I can't recommend it enough, especially as it seems the second season helps settle some of the unrest left by the ending of the first. This is how storytelling should be done.

"Rakugo" is a classic traditional Japanese entertainment where one person single handed plays a story with multiple characters. It sounds boring. That's what I initially had in mind but I gave it a chance so I started watching and as each episode goes by I got more curious and enjoyment out of it. I like how the story is arrange, the character development is just steady grows as each episode goes. The attachment I had for both main character is so equal where I dont favour one or another. Basically, Bon and Shin were living together as kids with a Master of Rakugo. How the build up each other personality and fill up each others lives. Thus, this anime shows how tough is life for both of them and surviving as life goes on. It is interesting to see how the story revolves around these two people. I do recommend it, really kills time.

What looks like some unrelatable historical piece is actually an impressive drama, about a man's life, successes, and regrets. The ending is truly great, and most shows don't come close to that elusive, satisfactory ending, or the feeling of authentic, gritty streets of japan. It's something you won't expect to be as good as it is, but trust it a little. I guess I need to write a bit more, i wanted this to be a short review, MAL. Let's see, good character progression, check Great ending, check. There's another season after this when you come back from the past, where the main story of this season takes place, and that's good so far, in the middle of it.

This anime is not for audiences who like fast paced action packed animes that leave you on a cliff hanger like Bleach, One Piece etc... This also includes battle of wits animes such as Death Note, One Outs, Liar Game etc... This target audience is primarily focused at viewers who enjoy the Seinen Drama genre, although it says it's target audience is Josei, I believe that this is targeted at Seinen millennials who have matured early as the women depicted in this anime goes against the modern day feminist teachings and thus does not fit the Josei genre. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu has a slow start and many of you will stop watching there at episode 1, those of you who have made it past the monstrously long and boring first episode will endure 1 more episode before the core of season 1 starts which is at the flashback. To those of you who have made it to the flashback, the rating of 9 which I've given this anime starts here. From the very moment of the flashback till the last episode this anime is well written and for those of you who live life for amusement, this anime delivers on moments of ironies that life throws at you which have you almost believe in karma. On a personal level, this anime speaks volumes to my observations on life, the carefree guy who is lazy, a total slob, doesn't try very hard but blessed with talent versus the responsible hardworking perfectionist who fails to understand why life can sometimes be so cruel. Miyokichi is a perfect representation of the stereotypical nature of women, wants to have an easy life, depending on her man, a real chameleon who can manipulate and persuade most men, many times in the anime I felt that something was off about her yet her behavior and charm continues to have me second guessing my gut instincts, a brilliant portrayal of the stereotypical woman. If you're someone who isn't after a fantasy anime which helps you escape reality, like animes that thrives on character development with realistic relationships and no action, just drama then I shit you not, this anime is made for you.

I really enjoyed watching Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju's 25 episodes, because it is an intricate story with impressive characterization told well. It follows a group of people whose lives are intertwined, starting around the beginning of the Showa era (1926) and ending around its conclusion (1989). Rakugo, an oral tradition of retelling one of many stock stories in one's unique style and with one's own interpretation, is important to all of the characters, several of whom are professional storytellers. Characters are richly dimensional, with complex feelings and attitudes, real personalities, and deep emotional lives. When rakugo isn't on the stage, almost all the rest of the series' runtime develops these characters and their relationships. Its themes are treated with depth and subtly: one's relationship with one's art over a lifespan, love and loss, decisions and regret, continuing to live, the nature of family. Fittingly, it contains stories within stories, so the plot isn't told completely linearly. Relationships and lives change, some end and some begin, they learn rakugo and progress through the ranks of storyteller. It's melancholic and dramatic, but I don't think it veers into melodrama. It has a **lot** of rakugo performances in it, so you will have to at least tolerate those to enjoy the series. I feel like a learned a fair amount about rakugo itself, and even have the gist of several of the stories that are told multiple times, like Shinigami, Jugemu, and Shibahama. I have no idea whether the history in the anime is anything like reality. If you liked March Comes in Like a Lion, I think you'd like Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, because they both spend a good deal of time on characters' conflicting feelings about their passion as they strive to improve their skill and gain recognition.