Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

Former inmate Yotaro seeks apprenticeship under rakugo master Yurakutei Yakumo after prison performance

Released from prison, ex-criminal Yotaro seeks out Yurakutei Yakumo, the artist who performed the rakugo tale "Shinigami" for him while incarcerated. Yotaro successfully petitions to become Yakumo's apprentice, entering a world filled with unexpected complications. He navigates strange developments within the rakugo community while forming a close connection with Yakumo's ward, Konatsu. Simultaneously, Yotaro must confront unresolved issues from his previous life that continue to influence his present circumstances and relationships.

Yakumo recounts his past with Sukeroku, who was named Hatsutaro.

Yakumo narrates the history of a promise he made with Sukeroku. In his youth, he was adopted by the 7th generation Yakumo and given the name Kikuhiko. During this time, he encountered Sukeroku, an eccentric child with innate rakugo talent who desperately wanted to inherit the Yakumo name. Sukeroku was assigned the stage name Hatsutaro. Despite his unconventional behavior and rough performance style, he cherished rakugo above all else. The narrative follows the training days of these two polar opposites as Kikuhiko reluctantly trains alongside the passionate Hatsutaro. This account details their early interactions and the foundation of their shared history within the rakugo world.

Kikuhiko struggles with skill gaps and school while war looms over rakugo

Following their debut performance, Kikuhiko recognizes the significant skill disparity between himself and Hatsutaro. Although Hatsutaro suggests exploring erotic narratives, Kikuhiko remains overwhelmed by the effort required to memorize beginner material, leaving no room for advanced study. His morning school attendance further widens the gap, as Hatsutaro dedicates his days entirely to rakugo training. Despite these challenges, Kikuhiko increasingly embraces the art form and establishes a more routine existence. However, the encroaching shadow of war threatens to disrupt this progress, endangering the bonds of rakugo, personal affection, and friendship that have begun to form.

Episode 4

The fifth installment of the anime series

The sixth installment of the series presents its narrative content

Kikuhiko's Rakugo Fame and Sukeroku's Arrogant Behavior

Kikuhiko gains significant popularity after discovering his own rakugo style, to the point where he obsesses over the art form even while spending time with Miyokichi. In contrast, Sukeroku’s rising fame fuels his arrogance, leading him to perform stories unsuitable for his status and provoke conflicts with established masters. He frequently complains to Kikuhiko about the criticism he receives from these elders. Their interactions are interrupted by the arrival of Miyokichi, who steps in to address the situation amidst Sukeroku’s escalating misconduct and Kikuhiko’s distracted state.

Kikuhiko's Success Prompts Sukeroku's Surprise Regarding His Unshared Journey

Kikuhiko’s tour with the 7th Generation Yakumo proves highly successful, earning his master’s satisfaction and plans for a swift promotion to shin'uchi. However, Sukeroku’s difficult behavior forces Yakumo to exert significant effort to secure his advancement. Complicating matters, Sukeroku discovers a startling truth from Miyokichi: Kikuhiko never informed her about his trip. Miyokichi displays a sad yet familiar expression of heartbreak, which remains strikingly beautiful. This revelation highlights the emotional distance between the characters while the master focuses on managing the contrasting outcomes of his students' recent activities and career progressions within the troupe.

Sukeroku insults the Rakugo Association president while Kikuhiko ends his relationship with Miyokichi.

The Seventh Generation Yakumo promotes Kikuhiko and Sukeroku to shin'uchi status. Their debut ceremony proceeds successfully, but Sukeroku subsequently clashes with the Rakugo Association president by insulting him through his specialty performance. After his master reprimands him for this behavior, Sukeroku delivers a passionate monologue regarding his personal feelings about rakugo. Meanwhile, Kikuhiko meets with Miyokichi to terminate their romantic relationship. Both characters stand at critical junctures as their respective paths are poised to shift dramatically in the aftermath of these intense personal and professional confrontations.

Kikuhiko reflects on departures while Yakumo recounts the tale of Kowakare and his own sins.

Kikuhiko faces a period of farewells, parting from Sukeroku, his rakugo partner, and the woman who raised him. Despite receiving numerous apprentice requests and overwhelming media attention, he feels exhausted by the constant focus. The individuals most significant to him continue to leave his life, leaving him in a state of struggle. In response to this turmoil, the Seventh Generation Yakumo performs the rakugo piece titled "Kowakare." Alongside this performance, Yakumo shares the narrative of his personal transgressions. The episode suggests that these events are part of an inescapable cycle of karma, highlighting the persistent nature of fate and loss surrounding Kikuhiko's journey.

Kikuhiko Reunites with Sukeroku and Learns of Konatsu's True Identity

Kikuhiko discovers that the girl he met at a hot springs soba shop is Konatsu, the daughter of Sukeroku and Miyokichi. She guides him to their home, where he finds Sukeroku living in destitution. The backstory reveals that Miyokichi forced Sukeroku to abandon rakugo, yet he refused to seek employment. Consequently, Miyokichi worked in nightclubs to support him until she eventually left in frustration. Despite the difficult circumstances and Sukeroku's current state, Kikuhiko remains focused on the past. He delivers a single, direct message to Sukeroku, urging him to return to Tokyo and resume his rakugo performances.

Sukeroku performs Shibahama at a hot springs inn while time resumes for everyone.

At a hot springs town inn, Kikuhiko, Konatsu, and Matsuda gather to watch Sukeroku perform rakugo. Sukeroku senses the audience's deep appreciation for the art form and reflects on his identity as a storyteller. Kikuhiko provides the montsuki belonging to the 7th Generation Yakumo for Sukeroku to wear. Sukeroku then performs the tale "Shibahama." This performance causes the stagnation in time affecting Sukeroku and Kikuhiko to resume its flow. The passage of time also restarts for Miyokichi, marking a significant shift in their respective situations as the performance concludes.

Kikuhiko assumes the Yakumo name as rakugo traditions evolve and shift with the times.

Kikuhiko’s duty involved practicing traditional rakugo that remains unchanged, while Sukeroku focused on creating performances that adapt to the times. Their long-standing promise, centered on their dedication to the art form, finally reaches its conclusion. Kikuhiko ultimately decides to adopt the Yakumo name, marking a significant transition in his journey. As the era begins to fade, both the art of rakugo and the people involved undergo change. The narrative explores the evolving nature of their craft and the shifting dynamics between the two performers. Viewers are left to consider what choices Kikuhiko will make regarding his future in rakugo and the destiny that has defined his path throughout this period of transformation.