Most Underrated Anime You Need to Watch
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
In the latter half of the 20th century, a prisoner makes his way to the doorstep of the renowned performer Yakumo Yurakutei. A skilled master in the art of the one man show called Rakugo, Yakumo has never taken on an apprentice and is vocal about letting Rakugo die alongside him.
Undeterred by this, the former prisoner asks Yakumo to make him his apprentice. Once a delinquent, the prisoner found a new purpose in life after watching the performer do Rakugo, and wishes to carry on the art form so that it can continue to impact others.
While hesitant at first, Yakumo Yurakutei accepts the prisoner’s request and grants him the name of Yotaro for his performances. With time though, it is made clear to Yotaro that Yakumo wishes for Rakugo to die with him despite his love for it, as penance for past mistakes and tragic losses it incurred on him.
A beautiful anime that never misses a beat with its tragic storytelling, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is the type of anime not seen often from the medium. Its diverse cast of characters, and the ways their stories intersect over the course of two seasons, is a sight to behold, and stands out even among other dramas.
It’s can be a slow burn at first, and some might be put off by a series about an obscure form of performing arts found almost exclusively in Japan. For those that can stomach it though, there’s little doubt they’ll see exactly what makes this series so special.
