Yotarou
main character
TV
8.6
My TrackerPLANNING
Episode: 0 / 12
My Score:
Anime DetailsFINISHED
Estimated watch time
4h 48m
⚡ 3 days at 5 eps/day
Tags & Tropes
Rakugo100%Josei87%Acting86%Elderly Protagonist86%Primarily Adult Cast83%Male Protagonist81%Time Skip76%Historical75%Pregnancy30%
TVFINISHED2017 WINTER8.6 / 10 AniList score
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
昭和元禄落語心中～助六再び篇～• Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen
Synopsis & Story
Unable to forget a performance of "Shinigami" performed by the rakugo master Yakumo in the prison where he was being held, Yotaro's first act upon his release was go right to the theater, where he begged, pleaded, and was finally accepted as Yakumo's live-in apprentice. After years of refining his art, Yotaro was promoted to the rank of Shinuchi and inherited the title of 3rd Generation Sukeroku. For the sake of his master Yakumo, Konatsu, and to change the image of Sukeroku inside them both, what kind of rakugo will Yotaro discover? This celebrated human drama, based on a story by Haruko Kumota, offers an honest and sympathetic look into the lives and livelihoods of rakugo storytellers in the Showa era. (Source: Crunchyroll)
Trailer
Watch on YouTubeWhere to Watch Officially
A streaming link is not listed for this title yet.
Featured Cast & Voice Actors
Franchise Universe & Related Entries
Aniphoria guide
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju: should you watch it?
At a glance
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju has been exceptionally well received, with an average AniList score of 86/100 — 87% of 17,333 ratings are 8/10 or higher.
It ranks #47 highest-rated anime of all time, and #4 highest-rated anime of 2017, and #62 most popular anime of 2017 on AniList.
Of the 25.8K AniList users who started it, 3.1% dropped it, so it is rarely abandoned; 21.8K have finished it.
At about 4 h 48 min in total, it is a short commitment — a weekend binge.
Best for viewers who enjoy Drama — especially rakugo, josei, acting, elderly protagonist.
Where it fits in the series
- Watch first: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (2016)
Episodes
12 episodes are listed.
Main cast & creators
- Original creator
- Haruko Kumota
- Director
- Shinichi Omata
- Series composition
- Jun Kumagai
- Character design
- Mieko Hosoi
- Music
- Kana Shibue
Opening & ending themes
Openings
- OP1“Imawa no Shinigami” by Megumi Hayashibara · eps 2, 4-6
Endings
- ED1“Hikobayuru” · eps 4-10
Theme data from AnimeThemes.moe.
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju FAQ
- How many episodes does Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju have?
- Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju has 12 episodes of about 24 minutes each, roughly 4 h 48 min in total.
- How long does it take to watch Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju?
- About 4 h 48 min back to back. At two episodes a day it takes 6 days; at one hour a day, about 5 days.
- Is Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju finished?
- Yes. Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju has finished airing — the final episode aired March 25, 2017.
- Is there a season 2 of Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju?
- No sequel is listed for Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju as of October 2026. You can continue the story in the original manga.
- What should I watch before Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju?
- Watch Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju first — Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a direct sequel.
- Is Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju based on a manga?
- Yes. Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju adapts the manga by Haruko Kumota.
- Who animated Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju?
- Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju was animated by Studio DEEN and directed by Shinichi Omata.
- Who sings the opening of Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju?
- The opening, "Imawa no Shinigami", is performed by Megumi Hayashibara.