Descending Stories｜Anime

2023.01.18

Rakugo is one of Japan’s popular performing arts and is the art of sitting alone to perform comical or humorous stories. The story is told through the dialogue and gestures of the characters, and is characterized by an ending called a “sage” at the end of the story.
Rakugo is said to have originated with Anrakuan Sakuden, the author of “Seisuisho,” an early Edo period comic storytelling piece. The origin of rakugo is a funny story about “otogishu,” who served alongside feudal lords during the Warring States period, and it contains the prototype of rakugo as it is performed today.
Rakugo performers play various roles by speaking and acting, using as few props as possible, such as fans and tenugui hand towels. It requires a high level of skill and storytelling to transport the audience into the world of the story through words alone, and it takes many years of training under a master to become a full-fledged rakugo performer.

Synopsis

The story is set in Showa-era Japan and follows the lives of the rakugo performer Yurakutei Yakumo and his apprentice Sukeroku. Yakumo grapples with his troubled past while finding his identity through rakugo. The narrative explores the complex relationships he has with fellow rakugo artists and his intricate bond with Sukeroku, showcasing various aspects of human nature. The story is an emotional journey that delves into themes of connection, loss, and the different forms of love through the lens of rakugo.

Descending Stories | Recommendations

“Descending Stories” features visually stunning animation and a profound storyline. The rakugo performances are realistically depicted, captivating the audience with their charm. Additionally, the internal struggles of the characters are intricately portrayed, allowing viewers to witness their growth. The content is accessible even to those without prior knowledge of rakugo, making it especially recommended for anyone interested in Japanese culture and art. The emotional narrative and rich character development resonate deeply with the audience.
This is a great masterpiece of animation that should be seen by those who are not interested in either anime or rakugo. It is a profound human drama that can be appreciated by both movie and drama lovers.