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Release #4 - Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju 4

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This multi-generational epic dives deep into rakugo, a rich form of Japanese storytelling theater. Small-time crook Yotaro has never forgotten the rakugo tale The God of Death, which the master Yurakutei Yakumo performed for Yotaro during his time in prison. After his release, he goes to Yakumo's theater and pleads to be made his apprentice. Yakumo reluctantly accepts, but Yotaro quickly finds the world of rakugo is complex and grapples with a growing bond with Yakumo's ward, Konatsu. Meanwhile, the two young people bring reminders of Yakumo’s own inescapable past. Descending Stories received an anime adaption by Studio DEEN that streamed on Crunchyroll in winter 2016. A surprise fan and critical favorite, it has been renewed for a second season airing in January 2017. The manga ran in Kodansha’s ITAN magazine from 2010-2016 and completed at 10 volumes in June. Localization of Descending Stories is supervised by the Rakugo Kyokai Association, the official guardian of the classic art form.

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Kodansha
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162 pages
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4: Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju 4
0 views • Aug 27, 2025
After Sukeroku’s expulsion, Kikuhiko’s path to stardom seems clear, but the idea of inheriting the Yakumo name is a cold comfort. Sukeroku, disgraced, makes the heartbreaking decision to put his art aside and take responsibility for his new relationship with Miyokichi. As years pass and distance grows, Kikuhiko decides it’s up to him to bring his friend back to the theater. His determination takes him to the country, where Sukeroku now lives with his spirited young daughter. Kikuhiko is ready to stay as long as he needs to convince Sukeroku, but old wounds may come back to haunt them both.