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「#1」
The best anime of 2016 returns for its second season. And if I were a betting man, I’d say it’s a shoo-in for 2017 as well. It’s so so so good to have this series back, it almost doesn’t feel real. Not many truly great anime get sequels, but Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is going to get a full adaptation, which sets 2017 off to a pretty great start, even if the rest of the winter season doesn’t appear to offer anything of this quality storytelling. I wanted to discuss the thematically rich OP that was posted online prior to this episode’s airing, but since it didn’t appear here I’ll wait until next week to dissect that masterpiece of an opening – seriously, go watch it if you haven’t already. I’ve probably do so about 22 times so far and will continue to have it on repeat for the coming weeks and months, no doubt.
What better way to re-introduce us than have Yotaro continue from the exact same spot that he left us – on stage, breaking the fourth wall, summarising the events of last season and how he’s been sitting there the entire time waiting for the show to continue. I was already smiling before the real show began, and it never left throughout the remainder of the episode. In contrast to the highly dramatic double length premiere last season, this was much more pleasant, casually paced, and barely scratched the surface of the second arc of the series. More than anything, this episode serves as an oppertunity to just watch these characters on-screen once again and appreciate their banter with one another and the passion they have for this dying art form.
Without the flashback arc, Yakumo’s character would likely seem bitter and unlikeable, but with the context we have – which is basically his entire life – it makes him impossible to dislike, even if his views and decisions contradict the destined direction of the series. He is stubborn yet acknowledges that rakugo must move forward with the times; as is pointed out here, he is the “Shinigami of Rakugo” – a man who wouldn’t mind the art form dying with him. He gets a weird satisfaction from that idea, yet he doesn’t oppose Yotaro’s choices to take rakugo into the next generation.
It’s been 10 years since the very first episode when Yotaro met Yakumo and Konatsu, and that passage of time doesn’t feel like a lost opportunity. There were likely many stories to tell in that time period, but this feels like the perfect place to pick up where we left, and witness the tale that’s meant to be told. Although I expect Yakumo to remain the lynchpin of the series, Yotaro is replacing Sukeroku (in more ways that one) as the other protagonist this season, and although we’d only seen him in two episodes before, this served as a reminder of just how likeable and fun-loving this ex-convict is. From his goofy smile to his natural stage presence to his speak-first-think-later attitude, he’s a bright light in a dim world and brings positive energy to every scene. The inclusion of his character in this second season is likely to change the tone and atmosphere here, so if the romantic tragedy of the past wasn’t to your personal taste, then I predict this season’s message of hope and adapting to the modern times will be more to your preference. Personally, I can appreciate both sides of Rakugo Shinjuu, and after being spoiled about a particular event (which I wish I hadn’t, but it’s hard these days with fans online being unable to contain themselves), I know that even if Sukeroku Futabi-hen spreads a message of hope and modernisation, it’s very likely the emotional highs of the first season could be matched, or even exceeded. We shall see…
For the time being, we have the formal introduction of writer Higuchi Eisuke (Toshihiko Seki), who pairs with Yotaro to begin writing new rakugo stories that will stand the test of time. I say formal introduction, because we briefly saw Higuchi late in the first season when he begged to be Yakumo’s apprentice. To think that a seemingly unimportant scene (except to show that Yakumo wasn’t thinking of being anyone else’s master) would lead into this new storyline. It’s deftly handled and sets up exciting prospects. But if there’s one character I cannot wait to see more of, it would be Konatsu. She’s still stubborn and likely holds resentment for Yakumo even after hearing the story of her father, but the fact she’s a new single mother puts her in an interesting position. And it also sets up that amusing “relationship” between her and Yakumo, where he is essentially the dad, even though he calls her his sister. It could be a straight-forward romance, but Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is multi-layered in everything it attempts, and this family dynamic we have between the three leads is sure to be a source of much enjoyment and drama for the rest of this season.
I’m keen to see Konatsu’s motherly side, and I expect the real father of her child won’t ever be revealed. It seems like an unimportant detail (though it could tie into the overall story by the end, who knows), but one fact I hope isn’t ignored is Konatsu’s love for rakugo. She watched Yakumo’s performance from a distance with a distasteful expression, because as a woman, she is still not permitted to sit on that stage and tell the stories of her father. Yakumo included her in the story and three promises he mentioned to Yotaro, but I expect this old man’s conservative ways are going to cause friction when it comes to accepting a woman’s right to being a rakugo storyteller. I pray she gets that time to shine and prove herself, and be an example of rakugo’s modernisation. Women are now much more common in the rakugo world, so we already know what direction things should go. I just hope that is what awaits with Konatsu’s story, along with Yotaro doing rakugo for rakugo’s sake.
I know us RC writers aren’t meant to reveal which shows we’re blogging until a few more weeks, but I’m gonna break the rules and say I’m blogging this masterpiece until its completion. See you next week!
Preview
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This was also my Best Anime of 2016, and I came in watching the series with high expectations, only to find myself being astonished for what I have watched.
I watched the first episode the first time like… 5 hours ago? And I already replayed it for like thrice already. This just shows how beautiful and groundbreaking this first episode is! immediately after watching, I searched for reviews for this because the feels won’t go (I read Guardian Enzo’s review a few hours ago, and I kept on refeshing RC’s home page to see your take on the ep Samu :D)
In the first few minutes of
YotaroSukeroku III breaking the fourth wall and doing a recap of the first season using Rakugo, I was smiling as well. I so loved his imitation of Yakumo VIII which was on point.But my favorite part of the episode was the bridge scene between Konatsu and
YotaroSukeroku III. Even though what came across to me was that his love for Konatsu was not romantic in nature, I still felt butterflies in my stomach. I knew they would have a good chemistry since they were introduced to each other in the first episode of the first season. Cannot wait for the development of their relationship!Wondering what will be Higuchi’s role in the bigger scheme of things. Somehow, I still do not trust him a bit. We’ll see.
Watched the new OP online, although I personally think that Urasai Shinjuu is better than the new OP, the symbolisms and themes in S2 OP’s sequence is really great and full of meaning. Looking forward to your analysis of the OP.
Excited for next week’s episode, especially on that bit in the preview wherein Yakumo was playing with Konatsu’s son <3 (I mean this aloof person can play with a kid? hahaha)
Nice to know you're covering this one again. Also signed up so I can comment here and discuss with everyone the next epsiodes. If Deen will be able to execute this beautifully, we may see an anime being AOTY two years in a row. 🙂
Sorry I couldn’t get it out sooner! The bridge scene was beautiful, I love Yotaro and Konatsu individually but they’d also make a strong couple as well. I’m keen to see where that relationship goes, and if their “partnership” blossoms into more.
I actually don’t want to see them as a couple… It would be rather overused: x marries y out of pity, but love blossoms eventually… I would be super-happy if they stayed friends in marriage, but not lovers.
Showa Genroku S2 will fully adapt the source manga, which ended in June 2016.
I loved your beautiful analyses during the first season, Samu, so I am so super hyped to keep following you and Shouwa Genroku this season!
Aw, thanks for the kind words! I’ll do my best 😉
RAKUGO IS BACK AND READY TO STEAL THE TITLE OF BEST ANIME OF 2017!
Seriously, I love this show so much! It jumped onto my top favorites list faster than Baccano! did. As soon as I got home from work, I told my fiance we had to watch the new episode. I was just smiling from ear to ear. This series is just a breath of fresh air compared to other anime we have been seeing as of late.
I’m so happy you’re blogging it, Samu. Not blogging this series should be labeled as a cardinal sin. It’s truly what makes anime a fantastic medium for storytelling.
What is rightfully owed cannot be stolen 😉
It’s also up there on my favourites list, so there’s no way I couldn’t blog it. It’s a blessing of a show and I love talking about it just as much as I enjoy watching it.
First of all, I am so glad to see that you picked Rakugo for the best title of 2016, even though this year offered some outstanding continuations (like Haikyuu, Hibike, Ansatsu or too short but still good Shokugeki) as well as great new ones (Erased, Re:Zero, Fune wo Amu until the certain episode). It was also the best anime of the year for me, having such an excellent storytelling, cast as well as technical aspects.
Moving to this episode, secondly I need to thank you for blogging the second season, as there is no need to tell how good is it going to be. With terrific introduction, we had some heartwarming moments, small piece of master Yakumo’s rakugo, new character appearance and solid closure. I don’t know if this season is going to be better than the story of Yakumo’s past, which was splendid thanks to this relationship with Sukeroku, but I see a lot of potential in Yotaro’s character. Also I wanted to try to hold myself from watching the new OP until it appears next week in episode, but you’ve made it even harder for me now…
The Best Anime of 2016 wasn’t even a toss up for me. There were other great titles, but none are the level of this show.
You’re in for a treat (albeit a sinister one) with the OP if it does air next week. It’s a good oneeeeeeee!
“NIPON ICHI!”
Found this on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/5mepip
It’s a summary of the deleted scenes in the first ep of s1. There’s ~30 min of content that was in the Yotarou-hen OVA (and included in the BD release of the series), but not the broadcast (which was already a double-length episode). Sadly, there are no subs of the OVA or BD version, so this is the next best thing.
That’s a shame. Hopefully the official English release will include the OVA.
I’m still salty Konastu didn’t become a rakugoka. They should flesh out her drama more.