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Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju 2016

“Flourishing Shōwa – Rakugo Double Suicide”

★ 8.0/10 · 62 votes TV-14 AnimationDrama 2 seasons · 25 eps Ended
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Quick answer

What is Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju?

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a television series centered on the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling. The narrative follows a recently released prisoner who becomes determined to apprentice under a renowned rakugo performer named Yakumo.

Type
TV series
Year
2016
Status
Ended
Episodes
25
Runtime
26 minutes
First aired
Jan 9, 2016
Last aired
Mar 25, 2017
Original language
JA
Origin
JP
Networks
MBS, TBS, CBC, BS-TBS
Genres
Animation, Drama
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

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Estimate the schedule using 25 episodes and an average 26-minute runtime.

Trailer

Overview

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a television series centered on the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling. The narrative follows a recently released prisoner who becomes determined to apprentice under a renowned rakugo performer named Yakumo. This decision surprises those around Yakumo, as he has never taken on an apprentice before. The ex-prisoner is given the nickname "Yotaro" and eagerly begins learning the craft while integrating into Yakumo's household. During this time, Yotaro encounters other individuals in Yakumo's life, including Konatsu, who was taken in by Yakumo after the death of her famous storyteller father. The series explores themes of redemption, mentorship, and the preservation of traditional Japanese performing arts through the interactions between these characters as they navigate their relationships within the rakugo community.

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Should you watch it?

“An ex-prisoner becomes apprentice to a legendary rakugo storyteller.”

# slow-burn# character-driven# melancholic# thoughtful# traditional
Reasons to watch
  • Rich character development and emotional depth
  • Unique exploration of rakugo storytelling tradition
  • Strong voice acting and atmospheric presentation
Keep in mind
  • Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
  • Requires interest in traditional Japanese arts

You enjoy character studies rooted in cultural traditions.

Suitable for mature audiences interested in drama and traditional performance.

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Cast

Tomokazu Seki Yotarou (voice)
Koichi Yamadera Sukeroku Yuurakutei (voice)
Akira Ishida Yakumo Yuurakutei (voice)
Kappei Yamaguchi Amaken (voice)
Megumi Hayashibara Miyokichi (voice)
Yu Kobayashi Konatsu (voice)
Toshihiko Seki Eisuke Higuchi (voice)
Shigeru Ushiyama Matsuda (voice)
Koji Yusa Mangetsu Tsuburaya (voice)
Sanae Kobayashi Yakumo Yuurakutei (young) (voice)
Ayaka Asai Koyuki (voice)
Mikako Komatsu Shinnosuke (voice)

Episode guide

Season 1 · 13 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 12 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is rakugo?

Rakugo is a form of traditional Japanese comedic storytelling performed solo on stage.

Is the series based on something else?

Yes, it is based on a Japanese manga series by Haruko Kumota.

Who are the main characters?

The main characters include Yotaro, a former yakuza member, and Yakumo, a legendary rakugo performer.

Does it have multiple seasons?

The provided sources indicate it aired from 2016 to 2017, suggesting at least one season.

Is it subtitled or dubbed?

The original version includes Japanese voice actors with potential for subtitle or dub options depending on release.