Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

- Season 1

(2017)

After serving years as Yakumo's apprentice, Yotarou is promoted to shin'uchi. He is approached by the writer Higuchi Eisuke who wants to discuss the future of rakugo.

Yotarou has trouble sustaining his career when his criminal past becomes public.

Now married to Konatsu, Yotarou confronts his old mob boss, who he suspects is the father of her son.

Yotarou tricks Konatsu into performing rakugo at her son's school.

Yakumo and Yotarou give a 'family performance,' during which the old master collapses.

With Yakumo comatose, Yotarou finishes their performance to keep up appearances.

Yakumo recovers from his attack and decides to stop performing rakugo. Yotarou and Higuchi travel to the countryside to view a piece of the past.

Unable to perform rakugo with his feeble body, Yakumo reflects on his old age.

After a successful show in the prison where he met Yotarou, Yakumo returns to the old theatre, where he intends to give his final performance.

Saved by Yotarou from the fire, Yakumo comes to terms with his situation and reflects on what he has achieved and missed in life.

Yakumo is reunited with Sukeroku and Miyochiki in afterlife.

Sixteen years after Yakumo's death, Yotarou's efforts have made the world of rakugo flower again.