Watch Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

2016
2 Seasons
8.4 (1,031)

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a Japanese TV drama series that aired on TBS from January 13 to March 24, 2017. It is based on a manga series of the same name by Haruko Kumota. The show tells the story of a young man named Yotaro who is released from prison and seeks to start a new life as a rakugo performer. Rakugo is a traditional form of Japanese storytelling where a performer sits on a small stage and tells a humorous or dramatic story to an audience using only a fan and a small cloth as props.

Yotaro begins his training under the tutelage of a master rakugo performer named Yakumo, who has a complicated past and a dark secret. As Yotaro learns the art of rakugo and builds relationships with other performers and industry insiders, he begins to uncover the truth about Yakumo's past and the reasons behind his cold and distant demeanor.

The show explores themes of love, loss, friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to preserve traditional art forms in a changing world. It also delves into the challenges and sacrifices that artists must make to pursue their passions and achieve success.

One of the standout elements of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is its stunning visual style. The show seamlessly blends live-action performances with beautifully animated sequences that bring the rakugo stories to life. The cinematography is also breathtaking, with a rich color palette and immersive textures that evoke the feel of the Showa era in which the story is set.

In addition to its technical excellence, the show features a talented and charismatic cast of actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Tomoya Nakamura shines as Yotaro, infusing the character with a sense of joy, energy and determination that is infectious. Meanwhile, Akira Emoto delivers a powerhouse performance as Yakumo, conveying the character's inner turmoil and vulnerability with a subtle, understated approach.

Overall, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a masterful and highly acclaimed series that offers a fresh take on the classic tropes of anime and drama. Its blend of humor, heart, and tragedy make it a must-watch for fans of Japanese storytelling and traditional art forms. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of rakugo or a seasoned fan, this show is sure to captivate and move you.

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a series that ran for 2 seasons (25 episodes) between January 8, 2016 and on TBS

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Seasons

2 1

12. Episode 12

March 24, 2017

Fifteen years have passed since that fateful day. Yotaro and Konatsu's children are growing up: Shinnosuke is a futatsume, and Koyuki has entered high school.

11. Episode 11

March 17, 2017

Yakumo was listening to Yotaro's rakugo on the porch with Konatsu when he suddenly found himself lost on a scaffolding of candles. There, he met the Second Generation Sukeroku once more, who told him that he had arrived at the Sanzu River.

10. Episode 10

March 10, 2017

The Uchikutei caught fire after the performance, and Yakumo, who was alone there, was badly burned. Though he has managed to survive, his comeback will be more difficult now.

9. Episode 9

March 3, 2017

As eras change, one thing remains rock solid. To Yotaro, that's Yakumo. After being inspired by the "Shinigami" he heard from him in prison, he decided he'd follow him anywhere.

8. Episode 8

February 24, 2017

Mangetsu has returned to Kyoto-style rakugo, and Yotaro is taking on apprentices. Triggered by Yakumo's desire to quit, everyone is trying to find ways to preserve rakugo and Yakumo's own style of it.

7. Episode 7

February 17, 2017

A week after his collapse on stage, Yakumo finally awakens. But the light inside him has faded, and when he speaks next, he declares that he won't do rakugo anymore. He also quits as president of the Rakugo Association, and gives Matsuda more free time.

6. Episode 6

February 10, 2017

While performing "Hangon-ko," Yakumo passed out and dreamed of being in a hall of candles, being strangled by the Second Generation Sukeroku. Yotaro's voice brings him back to consciousness, but he won't be getting back on stage.

5. Episode 5

February 3, 2017

Hearing Yakumo's "Inokori" blasts the doubt from Yotaro's mind, and spurs his sudden rise to fame. Now, he himself is to perform that story in two months' time at a family show with Yakumo.

4. Episode 4

January 27, 2017

As far as Shinnosuke is concerned, Yotaro is his beloved father, and now that he's become a popular storyteller, Yotaro is even appearing on TV shows.

3. Episode 3

January 20, 2017

Consumed by concerns over not finding his own rakugo, as well as harboring doubts about the relationship between Konatsu and a local gang boss, Yotaro lets off steam by performing the rant from "Daiku Shirabe."

2. Episode 2

January 13, 2017

A magazine has exposed Yotaro's past as a former convict and member of the yakuza, plunging the rakugo world into scandal and sullying Yotaro's name.

1. Episode 1

January 6, 2017

After ten years' apprenticeship to the eighth generation Yakumo, Yotaro has finally achieved the rank of shin'uchi and taken on the name "Sukeroku," after his master's fellow student and Konatsu's father.

Description

Where to Watch Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is available for streaming on the TBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju on demand at Amazon Prime.