Descending Stories
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| This was really entertaining and relaxing. |
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| Just got through watching the first episode of this anime that I was kinda looking forward to since I saw one of the PVs and listened to a segment of the ED. It's one of the shows that I have very selectively chosen to follow among the anime premiering this season. And not only did it not disappoint but it also surpassed expectations. Seems like this season has stepped up its game. I was so engrossed, I didn't even realise that this was a 45+ minutes episode until the ED kicked in. It's always pleasant to watch an anime that delves into some or the other facet of the traditional Japanese culture. Think the last anime I watched that falls into this category is Chihayafuru. The whole concept of rakugo is quite interesting and instantly reminded me of a sort of an Indian counterpart of this art. It's known as Dastangoi if I'm not wrong, and I once had an opportunity to watch a live performance by a certain duo who have made quite a name for themselves in this niche field. Anyway, this show definitely appears to be packing a lot of potential. It has nailed the atmosphere perfectly. And the voice acting is stellar to say the least. Well, it's got to be. I mean, it'd be ironic if a show telling a story revolving around the art of oral storytelling comprises of a cast with mediocre voice acting skills. The music is nice too. Some jazz now and some traditional Japanese music then. This anime has already scored some hefty points in the aural department. With this one, yet another show has been added to my to-diligently-follow-this-season list, following Boku dake ga Inai Machi. Now the only other title (among the ones on my priority list this season) left for me to check out is Ajin and see how it delivers. |
| Looks like this one will be pretty good. Though I found the Rakugo boring at times |
| I absolutely loved this. His performance was great. Interesting characters and story. Waiting for the next episode! |
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| I really hope were not done with the past of the MC, and I really hope hes just not a gullible guy. |
| Wow. This was my preseason favorite, and it surpassed my expectations completely. The direction, the dialogue, the unique characters, the upbeat jazzy pieces vs the edo style biwa pieces all push what I just don't see very often- a brilliantly balanced and molded tone established RIGHT from the start. It's crazy how close the feel is to Saraiya Goyou, just a bit more upbeat. I could tell it from the previews it was going to have a similar feeling with tone and characters, but it's definitely unique in its own right. I just love how flawlessly the developments played out in interactions between Yotaro and Yakumo and how their conflict was built up to in real time, Yakumo and Konatsu in how their 'sensitive relationship' was revealed, and the growing dynamic between Yotaro and Konatsu(even if I'm not totally sold on Konatsu's character yet). But you don't usually see these kinds of conflicts that are hinted at in first episodes take center stage so soon, the double length was perfect for that matter. The storytelling is so enthralling I almost didn't even realize it was a double length. So excited to see where this goes, and I can't believe I'm saying this but bravo DEEN, almost hands down my AOTS already. |
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| Wow, I came in thinking I will drop this one after 5 minutes but suddenly I realized that 50 mounties have passed (I didn't know beforehand anything about this show, including it's episode length) This was quite good, and something I never saw before. LaceyKuroki said: Looks like this one will be pretty good. Though I found the Rakugo boring at times While I would like to prise it more, indeed some Rakugo parts were boring. Not the MC's one though, as they were made for laugh and generally no matter what form, something that people make laugh is always good thing to watch. As for master's Rakugo, yep, his part was simply too long. (Well at least we get to hear some of Katsura voice so it's fine :)) |
| This might end up anime of the season, I really liked the first episode. I really like shows that explore unique subjects, like this one with Rakugo, not something I am very familiar with. |
| To be honest, I feel a little bit speechless. I knew rakugo, yet I didn't know what to expect of this anime. Something along these lines, but still, the actual scenes' impact are strong, the voice acting and musics are top notch, and the drama story sounds promising. Really, it left a big impression on me, finally a good josei adaptation, after Chihayafuru. |
| This may not be my kind of show, it seems very bland, but somehow I ended up watching the whole 45 minutes of it. I'll keep going with it, no idea what to expect. |
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| That was really entertaining. This show seems promising so far. |
| Can anyone confirm exactly in what time period the show is set? Just curious. Besides rehashing what many have said, enjoyable first episode. |
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| A strong opening episode. I'm inclined to agree that the time period is probably late 50s/early 60s (although I hope that gets nailed down at some point). Review here: https://piratesobg.wordpress.com/2016/01/10/showa-genroku-rakugo-shinju-first-impressions/ |
| A schedule bears the same relationship to reality as Astrology. https://piratesobg.wordpress.com/ |
| Rakugo. I think I remember hearing radio shows similar to this. |
| lol |
| Really impressive start to one of three anime this season I was looking out for. Yotaro's skit halfway through sealed the deal for me. The whole show plays out and is written very dramatic like in theatre, which it's pulled off really well. The characters are all good fun (love Konatsu's design). The traditional music is just great specially the ending song. So, in other words, big thumbs up. |
StirfriedJan 9, 2016 9:39 PM
| It was extremlly good and uplifting didnt even relise its length till i read these comments XD |
| Absolutely delightful. Loved it. I loved the little details during the performance like the zooming into their feet and hand gestures. It really makes it feel like we're watching a live performance and gives the show an extra charm. The animation and music is relaxing and fitting; At points silent, especially at immersive points of the story, and in other times having excellent transition music. I'm excited for the next episode! |
 Scanlator: Shoujohearts | Dessert Scans |
| Such a rare type of anime to see nowadays. Interesting start. |
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| No idea what Rakugo was prior to watching this and now i'm in love with it. I even initially balked at the 47 min length for the first ep and it turned out amazing in the end. |
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| Okay, officially the best opening this season. I thought it would be difficult to top Boku Dake ga Inai Machi but this easily blew it away with the way it carries itself. A potential masterpiece!! |
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| I'd never heard of rakugo before, and did a quick Google search of it before watching this. Gotta say, I was not expecting to have enjoyed it nearly as much as I did. Yotaro's rough style is definitely more my cup of tea than the reserved Master's. Far more comedic and entertaining. Already getting a sense for the drama and conflicting ideals between the two old guys, too. I can see that being a major point of contention in the episodes to come. All in all, I think this edges just slightly ahead of Erased for my favourite opening episode of all the newly airing shows so far. |
 It's an entirely different kind of flying, altogether! It's an entirely different kind of flying. |
| Wow! Episode really long. A warning for those who had the intention of looking at it, it's a start soon enough and the story is not as light as it can make it look like the beginning, drawings and animations of a good standard, the characters interesting enough, we see how the next episode, then after judge whether to continue it immediately or postpone it to better times. |
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| I must admit I didn't even know rakugo existed before watching this. But this first episode was so good, I caught myself smiling so many times, I really enjoyed the characters and the atmosphere. And I almost died from second hand embarrassmenf when Yotaro started snoring in the middle of his master's presentation... Well, I'm certainly looking forward to next episode. |
| nice art style this is gonna be good |
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| Boku dake ga Inai Machi is supposed to be my bias for this season but Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is definitely competing for first place on my list. I agree, best first episode this season. I enjoyed every single second of it. I can't wait for the upcoming episodes. The animation, dialogue, art, quality, characters, voice acting, etc. were spectacularly done well. The main character is the best main character this season. No more ordinary shounen or NEET types that are just regurgitated cookie-cutter characters that are fucking boring. I like this guy's personality. Usually you only see this kind of character as a henchman on the side but now he's center stage. Well done. |
| 臭い- |
| I really love how they actually finished an entire performance (and in a dramatic way) in ep 1. That 47 minutes was totally worth it and I won't mind it (hell, I'd love it more) if they keep making it that length.. Good episode, hope to see more of something so refreshing as this. The focus is on character development and interaction, which is really nice to see. |
| Wow! This was a great first episode. I think we have a winner! That old man is suave as fuck!! I'd totally date him! |
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| That was an unexpected first episode. And the animation quality is really great for Deen, who I've come to expect pretty meh stuff from. It's so weird, the art style reminds me so much of the Umineko anime, but nobody on the staff for this worked on it. |
| I really liked it, those 47mins just went by quickly. |
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| I think it's really nice that we see a series this season which takes us a couple of decades back in time and introduces us to the traditional Japanese performing art of Rakugo. Also doesn't the theatre resemble Shinjuku suehirotei? |
| Hmmm, could we be looking at AOTS here? But like actually, this was riveting. |
| it was fucking awesome. it really blowing my mind. the atmosphere really showa-ish. the dialogue also relatable and realistic. the character also pretty enjoyable. 10/10 start! |
 "If taking responsibility for a mistake that cannot be undone means death, it's not that hard to die. At least, not as hard as to live on." |
| The dialogue wasn't as good as I'd hoped, but I'll say this: anime needs way more of this kind of stuff. It's both original and a very ballsy production - kind of like Hyouge Mono, although that's a very high bar. Wasn't immediately taken by the music, which is a huge draw for me, but lots of material to come. Great start so this is one that I'll be following without second thought. |
| the length surprised me tbh, but it didn't bore me or make me wish for it to be over already so that was very good. i want to say something more about how much i liked the episode but i can't find the words. well, if the rest of the episodes are this good i might end up reading the manga before the anime is done. :D aoi333 said: Still can't believe that DEEN was in charge; typically their shows look quite plain with forgettable designs but, everything looked timely and rich with that "rustic" feeling. The atmosphere reminds me a lot of House of Five Leaves or Kids on the Slope. I am glad someone else was reminded of saraiya goyou as well! |
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| Pleasantly suprised, the staff and trailer didnt really excite me. But it held my attention the whole time. Even when for several minutes he was Just telling this story on a cushion on a stage and still managed to entertain me. |
| wow i didn't even realize the episode was 40 minute long, after watching the first episode i was like, "that was soo comfy and captivating, felt so short! didn't feel like 20 minutes at all", and then i saw the time and it was 47 minutes! WTF just like many other poster i have never heard of rakugo before this and well that was interesting, and of course the OP song produced by Shiina Ringo is top-notch! btw DEEN actually made something amazing? is this real?? |
Kinzo said: That was an unexpected first episode. And the animation quality is really great for Deen, who I've come to expect pretty meh stuff from. It's so weird, the art style reminds me so much of the Umineko anime, but nobody on the staff for this worked on it. The art style also really reminds me of some other anime, Death Parade but not specific enough. I seriously don't know which anime and yeah the staff doesn't ring any bells :/ |
Very good first episode, even if I prefered the first half of the episode. I love the interaction between the characters. It is tagged as "Josei" so it has to be good anyway, lol. |
| Anyone knows why the first episode was almost 50min? I think this was very interesting, but I could see some people finding it boring. |
| >User since 2008 Please god help me quit this website. Such great community that doesn't even know how demographics work, AND gives """detailed"""" reviews after first episodes. |
| Regarding the show's timeline: I was watching the first episode (for like the 5th time) and I finally noticed this  The date on the magazine reads 1979 and the butler's dialogue state that it was 20 yrs ago. Making the current timeline 1992, right? I always just assumed that because of the show title that the current timeline would be in the Showa period (1926–1989) but apparently it's in the early Heisei period (1989–present), and the flashbacks are from the showa period. Either way the show has done a good job of setting up the right tone and mood to go with their time period. It's really impressive. |
| Yoo I enjoyed this episode, seems like a dark horse, good anime so far. Liking the voice actors as well, sacchan's va kobayashi yuu voicing konatsu |
AhoNoGinJan 11, 2016 10:42 PM
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| Unbelievable first episode! This one is easily a masterpiece for me! I've never encountered anything like it before. And I was hooked even before I was aware of it. Even before any music started (except from the rakugo playing on the radio). Just from the pure actions and conversations of the characters (character dynamics) and the clear, aesthetic animation. Only very few animes can make you surely decided to see it through to the end with such conviction, excitement and ebullience. And this is the first one for me. XD Episode 1 is not that of a cliffhanger too like those of most animes. It doesn't leave you hanging, it just leaves you wanting to listen more to story. Heads up to the voice actors on this one! (And I knew it! Konatsu sounds familiar. Sounds like.... Sasha. XD Kobayashi Yuu!) They're really doing rakugo in this anime. And heads up also to the director. The use of silence (not much background music) and the little (rakugo? japanese) music. Very wise, very aesthetic, very rakugo. The characters are greatly written too. In the first episode, we already see more than one side to them. The characters are also unlike any other characters. Each character's mix of personalities and motivations are unique and varied. This anime runs in the art of rakugo itself. I am rewatching the first episode. It's a good 45 minutes. |
蒼穹を舞う。  |
trinitytiger said: Regarding the show's timeline: I was watching the first episode (for like the 5th time) and I finally noticed this The date on the magazine reads 1979 and the butler's dialogue state that it was 20 yrs ago. Making the current timeline 1992, right? I always just assumed that because of the show title that the current timeline would be in the Showa period (1926–1989) but apparently it's in the early Heisei period (1989–present), and the flashbacks are from the showa period. Either way the show has done a good job of setting up the right tone and mood to go with their time period. It's really impressive. Was Japan still quite sexist in 1992? O.o |
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| An anime dedicated to rakugo. I never heard of this before, it is very intriguing though, 48 mins were over fast! I am very much liking the drama here, i can see how seriously they take rakugo. |
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