Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū

[Buffalobiian]

Alternative: 昭和元禄落語心中

Genres: drama
Themes: historical, rakugo

Synopsis: Yotarou is a former yakuza member fresh out of prison and fixated on just one thing: rather than return to a life of crime, the young man aspires to take to the stage of Rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. Inspired during his incarceration by the performance of distinguished practitioner Yakumo Yuurakutei, he sets his mind on meeting the man who changed his life. After hearing Yotarou's desperate appeal for his mentorship, Yakumo is left with no choice but to accept his very first apprentice.

As he eagerly begins his training, Yotarou meets Konatsu, an abrasive young woman who has been under Yakumo's care ever since her beloved father Sukeroku Yuurakutei, another prolific Rakugo performer, passed away. Through her hidden passion, Yotarou is drawn to Sukeroku's unique style of Rakugo despite learning under contrasting techniques. Upon seeing this, old memories and feelings return to Yakumo who reminisces about a much earlier time when he made a promise with his greatest rival.

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a story set in both the past and present, depicting the art of Rakugo, the relationships it creates, and the lives and hearts of those dedicated to keeping the unique form of storytelling alive.

Links: ANN, MAL

Download: Season 1, Season 2 (END) (magnetic links)



Obligatory post after watching this to let you guys know this show is amazing. Watch this if you're after something grounded in humanity/emotions set primarily in Showa Japan. This isn't a story about story-tellers. Like many (?most) other great stories it's about people's struggles through life. They just happen to be story tellers in this case.

[David75]

There's no thread for that show ? Only discussions in the seasonal thread ?
I stopped watching it after season 1. Too tired to enjoy the atmosphere of the show.

[neflight86]

Sorry to be a poo-poo downer, but I just couldn't get past 4 episodes. I guess it felt a little too mundane for my tastes, and while the characters are (in the process of being) developed, I didn't find any of them very relate-able or particularly like-able. I'm missing out, for sure, but hopefully others will enjoy it. It is a really well produced show that could have been live action, actually, with little change.

[Munsu]

I watched a couple of episodes, and while I saw why many were praising it, I just didn't feel much for it. It's good, but far from what would entertain me.