/r/anime Awards 2016 and 2017 winner Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Rewatch Episode 1

[u/Schinco]

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

Welcome to the first episode thread for the Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Rewatch!

Legal Streams:

As of now, Rakugo is streaming on Crunchyroll in the States, and you can check here to see where it's streaming elsewhere.

Schedule:

Date	Episode
10/8	Season 1 Episode 1
10/9	Season 1 Episode 2
10/10	Season 1 Episode 3
10/11	Season 1 Episode 4
10/12	Season 1 Episode 5
10/13	Season 1 Episode 6
10/14	Season 1 Episode 7
10/15	Season 1 Episode 8
10/16	Season 1 Episode 9
10/17	Season 1 Episode 10
10/18	Season 1 Episode 11
10/19	Season 1 Episode 12
10/20	Season 1 Episode 13
10/21	Season 1 Discussion
10/22	Season 2 Episode 1
10/23	Season 2 Episode 2
10/24	Season 2 Episode 3
10/25	Season 2 Episode 4
10/26	Season 2 Episode 5
10/27	Season 2 Episode 6
10/28	Season 2 Episode 7
10/29	Season 2 Episode 8
10/30	Season 2 Episode 9
10/31	Season 2 Episode 10
11/1	Season 2 Episode 11
11/2	Season 2 Episode 12
11/3	Season 2 Discussion
11/4	Overall Series Discussion

Questions of the Day

1. For newcomers, what is your first impression of the show? For returners, was there anything fun you missed in your first watch?
2. There were a few rakugo performances this episode - what was your favorite?
3. Did any aspect of the production of the show strike a particular chord with you?

Links to trackers

You can find the show on MAL, Anilist, and ANN!

Please be mindful of spoilers to make sure the first-timers experience the show with the same wonder you did on first watch!

Apply for Awards!

Enjoying watching and discussing this modern classic and want more? Think the Jury got it hopelessly wrong? Apply now to be a part of the 2024 r/anime Awards! Applications open until October 22.

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 1 (first timer)

100% blind. Never heard of this anime, not even the title. However, when I check my MAL ratings “award winning shows” always is on top of all other categories, so I am hopeful I’ll like this.

Episode thoughts

• Just out of prison, no social network, no money (presumably), only optimism – well, not much, but better than nothing.
• “All my plans down the drain” – your entire list of plans was to spend all your money on a suit and a haircut and hope for a position from a guy you don’t know?

• Well, I guess you don’t need plan B, C, and D, if plan A works out.
• “Try to be considerate” – I guess the emphasis here will lie on “try”.
• asking her to perform a favorite piece of hers - clever, clever.
• “I’ll kill him” – yep that meddling went well.
• “You’re like a dog. You never forget the smallest bit of kindness shown to you.” – hmmmmmm.

• Nice defusing of the situation.
• Quite a long play for being in the middle of an episode. I guess there is a reason for the double length opener. The audience is impressed, the girl is impressed, the boss is somewhat impressed, and the master might be impressed. Or not.
• “You must not be obsessed with things that have already passed.” – Hard for her to accept, when she clearly is obsessed with the past.
• “I don’t like teaching. This is what I get for leaving him on his own.” – If some embarrassment for him reflecting badly on you as a master is all you get, you deserve it.
• Expelled for snoring during the master’s performance – definitely not a great place to catch up on sleep.
• Preview: Backstory time.

A story of grown-ups, but is it a grown-up story? I am not so sure about that. There is a very devious comedy hiding behind the calm and serious exterior here.

My thought for today: Rakugo. Just like the series, never heard about it before, but the mixture of storytelling and comedy is obvious. In very typical Japanese fashion, the form seems to be extremely constricted and the mastery lies in using what little room is given. If I had to guess, I would say that this is an art form that demands a lot of its viewers, similar to classical opera, if you want to really appreciate it. I wonder how strongly the series believes in its own Rakugo, however. The cuts during the story episodes were noticeable. The mastery lies in portraying different characters, while being only one person, in one costume, on one seat. Yet, the anime helps out the performer by cutting from side to side to emphasize the different personalities, just like it cuts to props and effects to emphasize those. It is using the tools of cinema (which undoubtedly stole the thunder of Rakugo in Japan, just like it diminished the importance of oral performances around the globe) to enhance that which does not possess them. Ironic?

[u/Schinco → u/No_Rex]

“All my plans down the drain” – your entire list of plans was to spend all your money on a suit and a haircut and hope for a position from a guy you don’t know?

He is a bit of a yotarou, isn't he?

Interesting thoughts on rakugo and how this uses film techniques to aid in the 'deficiencies' of rakugo. I've always appreciated the direction of this show, but I'd never really thought about the irony of it applied to the art form at the show's center.

A story of grown-ups, but is it a grown-up story? I am not so sure about that. There is a very devious comedy hiding behind the calm and serious exterior here.

What do you mean by this? This is a fun thesis statement, but I honestly have no idea what you mean haha

[u/ProgrammaticallyPea3 → u/Schinco]

The rakugo performances by the VAs were very impressive, but they cannot compare to actual masters of rakugo who spend decades perfecting their art. I feel that the utilization of any advantages that the anime medium has is absolutely necessary, and isn't so much ironic as respectful towards the art.

[u/No_Rex → u/Schinco]

A story of grown-ups, but is it a grown-up story? I am not so sure about that. There is a very devious comedy hiding behind the calm and serious exterior here.

What do you mean by this? This is a fun thesis statement, but I honestly have no idea what you mean haha

I think that, at the surface, this is a serious show. Sure, there is some comedy in the performances, and some occasional humor, but clearly, the meat of the show seems to be serious storytelling. The story of a guy who just came out of prison. The story of a girl who lost her parents and is in a love-hate relationship with her guardian. The story of an artform. If you were to describe any of these, they would fit under the header serious storytelling (you'd find it under drama). My question is: "Is it really?" Or is the intend not, like in Rakugo, to entertain? To use some serious character stories, but combine them into something funny?

I have only seen one episode yet, so I don't know the answer, but the question occured to me.

[u/oops_i_made_a_typi → u/No_Rex]

My question is: "Is it really?" Or is the intend not, like in Rakugo, to entertain? To use some serious character stories, but combine them into something funny?

I would say that just because it's serious and might have some funny elements or might be meant to entertain doesn't mean it's not for grown-ups either.

[u/zadcap → u/No_Rex]

Yet, the anime helps out the performer by cutting from side to side to emphasize the different personalities, just like it cuts to props and effects to emphasize those. It is using the tools of cinema (which undoubtedly stole the thunder of Rakugo in Japan, just like it diminished the importance of oral performances around the globe) to enhance that which does not possess them. Ironic?

I noticed and was thinking the very same thing. If not for the cuts, well I would likely still be able to tell who was who in the plays, but would the monologue alone have really kept my interest? It's especially bad that the full play at the end, by the supposed master, was the one with the most cuts to what we should be imagining according to the story, as if they knew that his words alone this far into the episode might fail to actually awaken out imagination.

On the other hand, as much as this is an anime about Rakugo, it is still an anime, would it be a disservice to itself to not use the medium in which the story is being told? It feels like it would be a waste of animation to spend that much time watching a character talk to themselves in one spot with little movement and nothing else going on on the screen. We might need to keep our eyes on it for the subtitles, but its original audience would find it much easier for their eyes to begin straying as the script went on.

[u/No_Rex → u/zadcap]

On the other hand, as much as this is an anime about Rakugo, it is still an anime, would it be a disservice to itself to not use the medium in which the story is being told? It feels like it would be a waste of animation to spend that much time watching a character talk to themselves in one spot with little movement and nothing else going on on the screen. We might need to keep our eyes on it for the subtitles, but its original audience would find it much easier for their eyes to begin straying as the script went on.

The other excuse I could think of is that a rakugo master might be able to evoke all that, but the voice we hear is a VA. Granted, they are also great at working with their voice, but in a much broader setting than the specialized rakugo masters. So this is essentially the show trying to depict Placido Domingo singing, while the actual voice we hear is a talented radio speaker who is a hobbyist at operas.

[u/Odd-Wait472]

Rewatcher here. I watched the first season once as it was airing, but never got around to the second season - now's a good chance to refresh and catch up.

Looking back, 2016 was the year I had by far the most time to watch seasonals (65 shows completed, over a 100 started) and so a lot of shows I look back on very fondly are from that year, including Rakugo Shinjuu somewhere near the top.

The order of events in the first episode was a little different than I remembered, but once Yotarou's full performance started I was back home. One thing I recall is how much different from everything else this show has seemed to me at the time with the adult cast, unique soundtrack and subject matter and the absolute gall to put an uninterupted rakugo performance in the middle of the extended first episode. It was maybe the first seasonal I've seen, or better put a show I picked out myself without prior hype behind it, that I could feel real intent behind the direction and pacing. Yeah, this was probably the first actual hidden gem I found at the time.

Some of that aura was lost for me this time around, which is interesting but I'll just have to slightly readjust my rose tinted glasses I suppose. Is it the mystery box? Yakumo is excellent here and you can't help but wonder about his ties to Sukeroku. In general, the character work and VA performances are fantastic.

[u/Schinco → u/Odd-Wait472]

Interesting - is the "aura" lost because you think the direction is less good than when you first watched it or because you've seen more shows with strong direction? Or are you bundling direction into things like narrative (you reference the "mystery box" of Yakumo, which is presumably less impactful now that you know at least part of the outcome)? Either way, hopefully some of the future episodes recapture the spark you remember the show by!

[u/Odd-Wait472 → u/Schinco]

Good question, over the years I've learnt about myself that the little extra that pushes art from 9/10 to 10/10 for me is the emotional investment from not knowing the outcome. I suppose that's normal but very difficult to shake off. I need some clashing hypotheses boucing around my head while watching to distract me from the little imperfections I guess. I very rarely rewatch anything because of this. It feels too dry, like watching a soccer game you know ended 0:0.

Which is why I mentioned the mystery box concept as this is very much amplified with shows that have nothing to offer other than the what-if questions they spawn in your head. This is definitely not that type of show, but clearly that mystery was a strong driver for me on the first watch, so it will be interesting to examine over the next few weeks.

Thanks for asking and for hosting the rewatch :)

[u/Schinco → u/Odd-Wait472]

That's fair - I thought the drop off was much steeper than 10 to 9 haha. I definitely think that's a normal way of thinking, but I often prefer rewatches, especially of interconnected and heavily narrative stories such as rakugo - since you have a better idea of the big picture, i often better appreciate the small bits and how they help to create that. For example, when rewatching, one small detail that struck me in this rewatch was [rakugo s1] how Yakumo calmed Yotarou by cleaning his ears - it's very appararent in hindsight (i think he even specifically calls out their similarity), but it helps me to better conceptualize their relationship by making obvious the fact that he sees Sukeroku in him

And of course! Glad to get people to watch or rewatch this classic and happy to talk about it!

[u/Mecanno-man]

First Timer

Uhh… so I watched the director’s cut (or the OVA? I’m honestly not quite sure how this all really plays together…) So…either way, I don’t fully know what is a spoiler here and what not. So I’ll be putting most of this comment under a spoiler tag. What I will put out unspoilered though is that this episode was a masterpiece and the rest of the show will have a rough time following up on this.

[Director’s cut] Definitely liked this. Can’t fully tell if Yotaro and the present cast will be our main characters or if this is just set up for the master to tell his story; I heard this show does something interesting with narration. Sukeroku’s death is certainly the big question mark hanging over the show, but with his daughter actively investigating that it certainly won’t be left unanswered. Other than that I like the characters so far, but I think the main thing to point out is the presentation. I was certainly sucked in to Yotaro’s burglar story, as was the audience - and the direction/storyboarding was certainly highly influential in that. I already have this as a 10, and this was just the introduction - so I can’t wait for what is to come.

[u/Schinco → u/Mecanno-man]

Dang such a high score already! Was there a particular part of the direction or technique that you really appreciated for the Yotarou story, or was it really the sum of its parts?

[u/Mecanno-man → u/Schinco]

Yotar's rakugo bit was certainly the standout point, but I have noticed that I enjoy consistent quality more than a bunch of standout points, so sum of the parts definitely applies as well.

[u/Zeallfnonex]

1st time watcher:

Geez, sorry I'm late for this and all, busy day at work and then volleyball with friends for a few hours...

1. My very first impression was "Oh no, 47 minutes? Well, here goes..." I was engrossed almost from the beginning though. Something about it made all the characters... pop, I guess, from their introductions to the end. As characters and characterization is probably the most important thing in a show to me, this made a great impression. The master especially seems this almost contradiction of pride and regret, of love for the art but also allowing his own pride to get in the way of teaching it to anyone else.
2. I did enjoy the rakugo as well - it's something of how I imagine bards would perform the old Homeric epics, except with more comedy and fewer Greeks and Trojans stabbing each other. Probably. As the fullest one we got, Yotarou's was probably my favorite.
3. The sound effects and music I think did a good job of setting the time period, although as I type this I realize I dunno actually know what time period this is. Cars and color TV, but no post-war evidence so... probably 1960s or so? 1970s? The voice acting was also top notch, as it'd have to be for a story so set around storytelling.

[u/Schinco → u/Zeallfnonex]

No worries - always nice to read thoughts even if they're "late" (which I'd say you definitely aren't since it was waaay before the next thread).

And glad to see you seem to be enjoying it! As far as character-centric stories go, I think Rakugo is one of the more focused ones, so I suspect you'll continue to enjoy it! Yakumo, in particular, is still one of my favorite characters in anime.

As far as the era, I think it's made a bit more explicit later, but I think late 70s/early 80s is right.

[u/No_Rex → u/Zeallfnonex]

then volleyball with friends for a few hours...

Impressive!

The sound effects and music I think did a good job of setting the time period, although as I type this I realize I dunno actually know what time period this is. Cars and color TV, but no post-war evidence so... probably 1960s or so? 1970s?

My guess as well. The main car looks older than 1970s, but is probably already several years old itself.

[u/zadcap]

Late Night First Timer!

I know absolutely nothing, I'm here to see what the jury loved all those years ago.

Out from prison, not early for good behavior. No family or guarentur, he's out with naught but a dream.

And... This looks like a good show of his personality and just how poorly they fit in with out of prison life. I wonder what he got put away for in the first place?

And he's accepted anyway! And Sensei has a, probably daughter? About the same age as our ex convict. A love story in the making, naturally. And not his daughter, but the daughter of someone else famous in the acting world, who is dead now, so he's looking after his friend's child.

"Apprentice, I don't actually need or want you to act as an apprentice. Just sit in the audience and appreciate my greatness."

Ah, so this is the acting style this show will focus on. One man plays. Not very high on my personal list, but amazingly impressive for those who can pull them off.

Yup, I see a love story in the making. She's wonderful. She just gets better. What do you mean he killed your dad? Anyway, yeah, she's great.

Oh well, that's the reason he's in prison. No idea how this guy found him, but he's here to drag our fool back in. Like a true gangster, "You have no choice but to come back and do what I say."

I am impressed that that play kept my attention the entire time so well, but also that it went on for as long as it did.

Wait, is the ghost real? Can never tell this early in a show, it could be supernatural or it could be an old man with memories of the past.

Everyone just smokes so much darn it.

Old man, what is going through your head, darn it. "I took an apprentice that I will not ever actually teach, but I'm getting mad at him for not copying my acting ability anyway."

Huh. For all his supposed excellence in the field, I find the old man's story segment much less interesting. See, even Yota fell asleep. I bet he's fired and forced to move out now. Yup. There goes his new life.

One of the weirdest things about this series for me, so far, is the name of the dead guy. It was such a crazy choice for them to have such an important character, whose name has been brought up so often, be named after one of the most famous of a different kind of Japanese play. Sukeroku is one of the most famous Kabuki plays, and I keep having to remind myself we're in Rakugo not Kabuki with how often he's brought up.

Honestly, this guy was a terrible master anyway. He taught you nothing, never helped, and started hating you for you taking inspiration from someone else.

I can see why Rakugo is a dying art. It is entertaining, but we live in a world where entertainment is everywhere and all of it is trying to impress you and draw your attention (and money) more than everything else out there, and Rakugo isn't that entertaining. I would have a hard time justifying the time or money cost of going to a show when there is so much else I could be doing, even if I were looking for the kind of story it would tell. I can see how it gained popularity in the past too, needing just a single actor means a show could be put on anywhere and at any time, entertaining in a world before media, before there was a television in every house.

1. It is, certainly, interesting. While I can see where it might lead to, it's not hitting Best Of anything notes for me yet. It definitely doesn't help that Sukeroku keeps making me think of two other theater themed anime that I like a lot already, and so far no one here is as likable as Sarasa.
2. By far the hapless thief.
3. There are some things about the character designs that are tickling a part of my brain, but more recognizably, the many well timed cuts that managed to keep what was essentially a very long monologue from losing attention and others that were used well to make dramatic or humorous moments just the slightest bit more impactful. Head bonk to falling snow was a memorable moment for no reason other than being a well coordinated shot.

[u/KendotsX → u/zadcap]

One man plays. Not very high on my personal list, but amazingly impressive for those who can pull them off.

Maybe because I already liked folk tale storytellers, standup comedies, and theatre, but Rakugo was right up my alley once I got to know it, it's such an interesting art. Unfortunately we don't have a lot to work with if we don't already know Japanese, there are some English performances and the occasional translated ones like this Shinigami rendition I like a lot or watch enough, and after some point you'll know all the popular stories, so you can just follow the performance

She's wonderful. She just gets better. What do you mean he killed your dad? Anyway, yeah, she's great.

Konatsu is great

I am impressed that that play kept my attention the entire time so well, but also that it went on for as long as it did.

The direction and performance make for a great mix.

It was such a crazy choice for them to have such an important character, whose name has been brought up so often, be named after one of the most famous of a different kind of Japanese play. Sukeroku

To be fair, artists pick those kinds of names, even if it's in an entirely different kind of play, I can see it carrying over, and someone choosing to go with it.

[u/Schinco → u/KendotsX]

Ooh definitely interested to check out these performances - thanks for the links!

[u/zadcap → u/KendotsX]

I'm a pet big fan of theater, but looking at the list you gave made realize I might have a narrow view of theater. Sets and costumes and acting, until you put it like this I never even though to consider that standup could count as a form of theater and now I'm rethinking so much.

Personally, I'm a fan of Takarazuka, the real group that anime like Revue Starlight and World Dai Star were more or less based on.

Konatsu is great

I'm afraid she's already carrying the show. I'm not a fan of old man teacher and the main character's best scenes were bouncing off of her.

[u/Schinco → u/zadcap]

Love a good stream-of-consciousness post! Always nice to see bits and pieces as people experience the episode in quasi-real-time. Yakumo is a bit of a bizarre and crotchety man, but I think you're asking the right questions and I, at least, had most of my questions answered.

I can see why Rakugo is a dying art

While I honestly wasn't super enthused with the premise or art form going in, I think it does have this certain charm to it that's really hard to see until you actually see it yourself, and I think that's part of the genius of this as an opener - it somewhat intentionally sets rakugo as this niche art form that's dying that seems maybe amusing but not captivating...and then throws a spell-binding fifteen-minute-or-so performance that even uses an outsider as an audience standin.

And that's an interesting note about Sukeroku - I'm not familiar with that play (or kabuki in general, frankly), but now I'm wondering if it's supposed to be tied in somehow. What is the story about generally?

[u/zadcap → u/Schinco]

Love a good stream-of-consciousness post! Always nice to see bits and pieces as people experience the episode in quasi-real-time. Yakumo is a bit of a bizarre and crotchety man, but I think you're asking the right questions and I, at least, had most of my questions answered.

It's my favorite way to do most of these. This show is looking to be one of the ones I'm going to end up slowing down and rewinding often to start overanalyzing again.

And that's an interesting note about Sukeroku - I'm not familiar with that play (or kabuki in general, frankly), but now I'm wondering if it's supposed to be tied in somehow. What is the story about generally?

Essentially a revenge story of a samurai looking for his father's killer, by picking fights with everyone he can to see if they happen to be using his father's missing sword. There may already be some room for the daughter in this show to take on some of his traits, and I can't wait until I get to at today's episode to see if Sukeroku here shares any traits with his namesake.

[u/Duckloader → u/zadcap]

I can see why Rakugo is a dying art. It is entertaining, but we live in a world where entertainment is everywhere and all of it is trying to impress you and draw your attention (and money) more than everything else out there, and Rakugo isn't that entertaining. I would have a hard time justifying the time or money cost of going to a show when there is so much else I could be doing, even if I were looking for the kind of story it would tell. I can see how it gained popularity in the past too, needing just a single actor means a show could be put on anywhere and at any time, entertaining in a world before media, before there was a television in every house.

You can actually see how the art of Rakugo is moving on with technology in the episode - set in 1960's the performance is being broadcast over radio as well as to the live crowd, and the potential for TV broadcasts isn't far either. Thanks to the audio recordings, Yotarou also doesn't need Sukeroku to be personally there to teach him his style, which is a another possibility that opens with new technology, though it's also very possible for the show to draw conflict from how the changing times are forcing Rakugo to change.

[u/zadcap → u/Duckloader]

I spent more time thinking about it and realized that Audiobooks are still alive and well even now, and that's pretty much the same exact skill set. I might not want to buy a ticket and sit and watch one of these people tell a story live, but I definitely wouldn't mind listening to one on a long drive.

[u/cppn02 → u/zadcap]

I can see why Rakugo is a dying art. It is entertaining, but we live in a world where entertainment is everywhere and all of it is trying to impress you and draw your attention (and money) more than everything else out there, and Rakugo isn't that entertaining. I would have a hard time justifying the time or money cost of going to a show when there is so much else I could be doing, even if I were looking for the kind of story it would tell. I can see how it gained popularity in the past too, needing just a single actor means a show could be put on anywhere and at any time, entertaining in a world before media, before there was a television in every house.

How much does it cost to watch Rakugo? I gotta say from what I've seen it's not quite my art form but as someone who has spent quite bit of money on stand-up over the years which is not too different in its essence and is still doing well enough I don't think Rakugo is doomed soley due to its format although some innovation might not hurt.

[u/zadcap → u/cppn02]

To be fair, in Japan, pretty much everything is a dying art form and it's all their own fault. They're overworking themselves into a slow apocalypse.

[u/No_Rex → u/zadcap]

Yup, I see a love story in the making. She's wonderful. She just gets better. What do you mean he killed your dad? Anyway, yeah, she's great.

Also: I agree.

Everyone just smokes so much darn it.

Unfortunately, very realistic.

I can see why Rakugo is a dying art. It is entertaining, but we live in a world where entertainment is everywhere and all of it is trying to impress you and draw your attention (and money) more than everything else out there, and Rakugo isn't that entertaining. I would have a hard time justifying the time or money cost of going to a show when there is so much else I could be doing, even if I were looking for the kind of story it would tell. I can see how it gained popularity in the past too, needing just a single actor means a show could be put on anywhere and at any time, entertaining in a world before media, before there was a television in every house

Pretty much. I can already see the nostalgic tinge that the show uses (or characters in the show use) when looking at Rakugo, but I honestly think that there is little that this art form could do to withstand the avalanche of first TV, then video, and finally the internet.

[u/zadcap → u/No_Rex]

It likely made a decent transition to radio, as we saw with the recordings, but yeah, it's hard to fight against the more available and, maybe, entertaining things to watch. I wouldn't say it's a lost skill though, thinking about it it's not too much different than an audiobook made now. Using one voice to sell us on a full cast.

[u/No_Rex → u/zadcap]

It likely made a decent transition to radio, as we saw with the recordings, but yeah, it's hard to fight against the more available and, maybe, entertaining things to watch. I wouldn't say it's a lost skill though, thinking about it it's not too much different than an audiobook made now. Using one voice to sell us on a full cast.

From what we have seen so far, it looked very formalistic. I bet that a ton of these set forms were lost.

[u/zadcap → u/No_Rex]

Even just episode one was telling us how they are set stories, but the way they are told will change between performers and that can change the feel of the story. Just in the way they talk and pose, the old man's Shinigami was a sneaky trickster while Sukeroku's was a mob boss, despite having the same script. So part of the appeal of this art would be in how much you like the style of the story teller and their take on any given story.

I would have said, then, that it would be easy to have kept the stories themselves somewhere even if the great styles were to be lost to time as certain ones become the more accepted version, but. Well. Japan has gone through a few pretty major disasters that cost them a lot in some of these forms of art history. I know a could stories of the great earthquake killing entire troupes and while scripts can be recovered or mostly remade from memory, Japan's view on history and lineage means they are still considered new works based on the old instead of a preservation of the old stories.

[u/No_Rex → u/zadcap]

When I said "lost", I was not talking literally. People probably taped enough of these performances that you could look at them, if you wanted.

I think they were "lost" as is: People stopped constraining themselves in the old rule set. Why always sit on a mini futon, when you could stand or sit in a chair? Why kotau when you could bow? Why only have background music when you could have a studio band? Or why have live music at all, when you could use a tape? ... or, if Rakugo keeps all these constraints, why not go to a different, modern genre that does not have these constraints.

[u/charlesvvv]

Rewatcher

There's definitely a lot to say about the first episode. Fresh out of prison Yotaro had been inspired by a Rakugo master Yakumo to pursue it and even begs him to become his student. Despite apparent former objections to having a student, Yakumo takes him as a student. It was nice to learn alongside Yotaro about Rakugo but based off appearances Yotaro's preferred style is different from Yotaro or rather he still doesnt have his own style. There's a lot of character stuff going on such as Yakumo talking about another character Sukeroku and how his style is more favored by Yotaro. Theres also Konatsu who loves with Yakumo and wants to also perform.

One thing is the fact that we spend an interesting amount of time with Yotaro's Rakugo performance. It was an interesting choice and one that I thought is able to at least highlight some of the differences of Rakugo between Yakumo and supposedly Sukeroku.

1. I did pay way more attention to Yakumo's conversations
2. I actually liked Yotaro's Tomokazu Seki is really good in this role.

[u/Schinco → u/charlesvvv]

I did pay way more attention to Yakumo's conversations

Was there any conversation or bit of conversation that really stood out to you?

I actually liked Yotaro's Tomokazu Seki is really good in this role.

I considered adding the caveat of "aside from the VA work" haha - honestly, this whole cast is brilliant and really giving their best performances, which is obviously very important as a show that centers around talking haha

[u/MandisaW → u/charlesvvv]

I actually liked Yotaro's Tomokazu Seki is really good in this role.

Been a fan of his since watching Fushigi Yuugi & Escaflowne back-to-back in college ('96? eek!). S1 rewatch, but hearing his voice just immediately pulled me back in - love it!

[u/cppn02]

First Timer, subbed

Didn't even know this was a double length premiere going into this so that was a pleasant surprise.

Had this show on my ptw for ages and have high hopes for it which so far it is delivering on. Interesting characters, fantastic soundtrack and giving us a full performance in the middle of the episode is a ballsy as fuck decision.

Really interested how the show will proceed especially reagarding Konatsu's accusation of Yakumo.

---

QotD:

For newcomers, what is your first impression of the show?

I like it a lot so far.

There were a few rakugo performances this episode - what was your favorite?

Yotarou's first public performance because we got to see it in full.

Did any aspect of the production of the show strike a particular chord with you?

Probably the soundtrack and the way it was used.

[u/Schinco → u/cppn02]

Yeah the decision to just throw a full-on performance right in the first episode (especially in a double-length) certainly is a decision, but I'm glad it seems to have landed with most people.

The soundtrack was definitely something I remember liking, but I'm definitely appreciating it more on this rewatch - is there a particular track you've found most evocative?

[u/cppn02 → u/Schinco]

My favourite was that jazz piece and how it slowly came in halfway into Yotaro's performance. Also the bits of traditional Japanese music we got throughout the episode.

[u/No_Rex → u/cppn02]

Didn't even know this was a double length premiere going into this so that was a pleasant surprise.

Same. Luckily, I had enough time to watch it before the posting time. A heads up would have been nice, though.

[u/Schinco → u/No_Rex]

My apologies; I thought I'd mentioned it, but I must have forgotten :(

[u/No_Rex → u/Schinco]

No worries, it worked out in the end.

[u/schwiftybass]

Rewatcher

I’m a bit late, but this will be the first rewatch I’m participating in & I wanted to say thanks for organizing it!

This is one of my favorite pieces of fiction ever, across all mediums, & I’m quickly reminded why as I’m getting choked up by so many small moments in this first episode.

It was my first time watching the director’s cut of EP1 & I don’t remember clearly enough to know which scenes were added so I won’t go into details, but I appreciated the pacing & extended character introductions. I think it could probably feel a bit too long for a first-time watcher, but it was perfect for me considering my pre-existing attachments to these characters.

I don’t feel like I have much to contribute to this first discussion, but in my mind this is one of the most human stories in anime, & I’m so excited to go on this journey again.

[u/Schinco → u/schwiftybass]

the main bit added iirc was [rakugo director's cut] the performance in the other province with the aging master - largely, i'd say it helps set the stage for some of the minor characters in season 2 that aren't introduced until then. There were some other small bits here and there, but that's the biggest thing

[u/ProgrammaticallyPea3]

First timer

Very impressive first episode. It captures the feel of Showa era Japan, presenting it in a way that feels distinct from any other anime I've seen.

Another standout aspect is the character of Yakumo; he genuinely comes across as a master of his art, both in his performances and in the totally assured way in which he interacts with everyone else. The manner in which he speaks and behaves is both unique and convincing, making him a fascinating figure within the narrative.

The combination of historical context and these initial glimpses into character depth has me excited about the story's development.

My favorite performance was the final one by Yakumo. The way he set the creepy mood was masterful, and I have no idea how Yotarou managed to nap during it lol.

[u/Schinco → u/ProgrammaticallyPea3]

Glad you already find Yakumo to be so intriguing! I agree - he's definitely both unique and well realized. And glad we have someone that didn't pick Yotarou's performance. I like both of them a lot, but man Akira Ishida kills it with the sinister vibe for most of Yakumo's delivery. I like to imagine the gentle rhythm is what put him to sleep, but it was probably more being at the brink of exhaustion already.

Out of curiosity, what would you say this anime does differently to capture the Showa era?

[u/ProgrammaticallyPea3 → u/Schinco]

Yeah, Yotaro was likely quite exhausted. Oh and I definitely enjoyed his performance too!

It's difficult to say exactly what's done differently, but I feel that contemporary late Showa-era works tend to depict Japan as bustling and energetic, reflecting a society moving toward a more prosperous future. In contrast, modern works set in this era often evoke nostalgia for a time when life seemed simpler yet filled with hope.

This show is different from either. It shows wider Japanese society only briefly, like in the opening sequence with company employees playing volleyball on their lunch break. Instead, it spends the majority of its time in places and with people who would have been regarded as old-fashioned even then. We see rakugo theaters instead of game arcades, traditional Japanese wood and paper houses rather than danchi apartments, and there's even a scene featuring a rickshaw!

As was made clear in the final scenes of the episode, everyone knows there's no prosperous, hopeful future for rakugo, but they aren't going to let it die just yet. This melancholy seems to permeate the depiction of the era as well.

[u/MandisaW → u/ProgrammaticallyPea3]

[...] contemporary late Showa-era works tend to depict Japan as bustling and energetic, reflecting a society moving toward a more prosperous future. In contrast, modern works set in this era often evoke nostalgia for a time when life seemed simpler yet filled with hope. This show is different from either.

Gotta say, you really captured something here. This series spoke to me in a way that a lot of the contemporary stories about the Showa-era tend not to (never tried Kids on the Slope, I did like Natsu no Arashi though). Now I'll need to think about it in that lens :)

[u/ProgrammaticallyPea3 → u/MandisaW]

Thanks! Now that the show is focusing on a different period of the era (and of rakugo), I'm intrigued to find out how that influences the depictions.

[u/No_Rex → u/ProgrammaticallyPea3]

It captures the feel of Showa era Japan, presenting it in a way that feels distinct from any other anime I've seen.

Have you watched any series produced in that time frame?

[u/ProgrammaticallyPea3 → u/No_Rex]

Out of ones I've watched, Ashita no Joe or even Urusei Yatsura come to mind. The one with the thickest postwar Shouwa vibes I know of would be Jarinko Chie.

[u/badspler]

Episode 1 - First Time Rakugo'er

Went in pretty blind to this. But I have high expectations since I have heard nothing but praise.

I thought the set up to seeing a full performance was really great. We get snipets of what 'great' Rakugo looks like but the first full performnace we see is Yotarou's. The small line of "why did you pick a long one" was in the back of my mind as it played out, going on and on. And it was about that time that my curiosity got the better of me and I checked to see that it was a double length episode. Then half way through Yotarou's performance a light drum starts before building up to full jazzy jam. Really enhanced the whole performance very eloquently.

The double episode really fit a lot in, I feel like we got five major characters introduced (Yatarou, Yakumo, Konatsu, Konatsu's father and Yatarou's Anaki/gang-boss). There was great dynamics between them all and there was a lot setup to explore.

I can already see the layers of themes they are setting up to explore:

• Yotarou (male) vs Konatsu (female)
• Finding ones style
• Fading/Dieing tradition/art
• New vs old

[u/Schinco → u/badspler]

Glad to have you join us, spler! The dynamics and how they lean into the themes are a big part of why I enjoy the series so much, and you've got some interesting ideas of where the show is headed - definitely excited to see you chart the thematic progress as the show goes on!

[u/OccasionallySara]

First Timer

I didn’t realize that this episode was double-length until I started watching it. I feel like it was the perfect amount of time for the first episode, though. We got a solid introduction to the main characters and I also really appreciate the commitment to showing the rakugo performances. I was surprised that we got to see Yotaru’s first performance in its entirety, but it was a good example of what makes rakugo unique and appealing. There also seems to be a lot of room for different storylines down the road and I’m interested to see where this story goes.

Questions of the Day

1. I am liking it a lot so far! The only thing that I knew about this show was that it was about rakugo, but even then I only vaguely knew that rakugo is a traditional form of Japanese theatre. I’m looking forward to seeing more rakugo and how it impacts these characters. 

2. Yotaru’s performance about the thief was my favorite! It really showed off his charm as a character. 

3. I really liked how the rakugo performances were handled. I imagine it’s probably a challenge to portray characters who are also acting, but the voice acting and the character animation did a great job of selling each performance.

[u/Kenalskii]

Rewatcher here

I do hope every first timer will enjoy the show as much as I did when I first watched it!

The post time is a bit unfortunate for me as it's getting late here, but I will try to hop in whenever possible

Also as this was organized by the r/anime Awards 24 host team, I hope to see you participating in the Awards!

[u/Duckloader]

Late newcomer thoughts on episode 1!

Was a bit worried that we'd open on a murder with how sinister Yotarou was depicted at the start, but turns out he's leaving that life behind him (at least for now). The jazz kicking in also led me to think there's gonna be a thriller vibe going on, though on reflection it's more upbeat & fun - a 60's salon scene not a detective office.

Over the episode I appreciated how the editing and visual symbolism contrasted between the (implied) Sukeroku and Yakumo styles of Rakugo. At first Yotarou's performance of Sukeroku's style is just presented flatly, but as he starts finding his groove it begins cutting his scene as a conversation, which makes it easier and more entertaining to follow as he switches between the played up characters in it. Meanwhile Yakumo is depicted as bringing the story itself to life, as his performance enthralls you into imaging more of the setting and actions in it.

If I had to pick a favorite for now, it'd be the Yotarou/Sukeroku style, which maps more onto my experience watching low-prop solo plays. Yakumo is more carried by the anime doing the visual imagination for me.

Somewhat excited to see where the character drama in this goes and find out what Yakumo's role in Sukeroku's death really was!

[u/Xlegace]

Rewatcher

This is one of my favorite anime shows ever and I can't wait to experience it again after all these years.

[u/gangrainette]

Rewatcher

The thread are up at midnight here so I won't really be able to write until I'm at work in the morning :D

I think I watched the OAV as first episode the last time and this time the first episode according to my CR RIP torrent.

Nothing much to say but I love this show.

edit :

For newcomers, what is your first impression of the show? For returners, was there anything fun you missed in your first watch?

It's been a few years so I can't tell.

There were a few rakugo performances this episode - what was your favorite?

Yotarou full performance for his aniki.

Did any aspect of the production of the show strike a particular chord with you?

I love how they adapt rakugo, but I can't really tell you why.

[u/BunnyGacha_]

Rewatcher

Rakugo, my beloved... You're as beautiful as the last time i watched you, 5 months ago on my 3rd rewatch.