Warning may contain minor spoilers. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju I wasnt quite sure what this anime was about when I first heard about it but I was curious since I have heard many others praising it. At first I watched this anime in the hopes to learn more about Rakugo however what I got in the end was a lesson about life and death. https://wallpapercave.com/wp/wp4091162.png Story: The plot just like S1 is outstanding and it really grabs your attention and keeps you at the edge of your seat. Drama comedy romance mystery Rakugo has it all. It attracts you into the story through its unique storytelling and makes you feel like you are living in the Rakugo world. Rakugo takes storytelling to another level and I have never been so emotionally attached to an anime like this. Characters: In Rakugo S2 we see the presentday Yotaro and Yakumo both working together to help Rakugo gain more popularity and acceptance. This season adds more depth and development to the characters especially Yotaro and Konatsu. In addition every character presents complex emotions which makes them feel more real and relatable. Konatsu for example shows forgiveness towards Yakumo when she realizes how much he has done for her. Yotaro is first portrayed even named as a simpleton but later on we see that he is someone who takes initiative and confronts his challenges. I couldnt help but respect Yotaro for his determination to enjoy everything he does. Although each character has their problems and flaws just like a real human they are overall likable and relatable. https://2.bp.blogspot.com/3TtpdlDJ0/U587gsnxfI/AAAAAAAAAk8/VusX6NDvCD4/s0/kumotarakugo01.jpg Art Music: The art in Rakugo is stunning and it helps to capture the little aspects well. Although not as impressive as some other anime in the medium the animation is certainly unique and stands out. In addition the OST is arguably one of the best in the medium. The use of the soundtracks during some moments chilled me to the bone and provides more emotional value. https://wallpapercave.com/wp/wp4091143.png My thoughts: To me Rakugo is an anime that exploits the complexity of human nature and human emotions. It accurately portrays the incomprehensible emotions that we humans experience every day whether it would be love hate happiness or sadness. Such incomprehensible emotions that we experience are what make us human. Rakugo has helped me realize several things and has made me question my own beliefs. A big theme in Rakugo is humanity humans desire intimacy even if it means getting hurt because of it. Perhaps that is what it means to be a human: to make friends to fall in love to build a family and to die. The relationships between each character in Rakugo help establish the idea of humans depending on each other to move forward whether its Sukeroku inspiring Yakumo to continue doing rakugo or Yotaro inspiring Yakumo to keep living. As the viewer you get attached to the characters and their relationships and often will emphasize their ideals. http://www.animeevo.net/wpcontent/uploads/2017/03/Rakugo21121700x385.png Rakugo also makes an emphasis on death: humans fear death even the thought of dying makes us shudder. Rakugo presents death as a way of gaining freedom because that is when humans are truly free and atoned from their sins. Live is full of hardships and loneliness but the relationships we build the people we meet the places we go the things we do during that short life will all help make life much more enjoyable. Rakugo encourages the viewers to keep on living because in the end they will be rewarded. http://www.anigamers.com/uploads/entries/ShowaGenrokuS220170129202512.JPG Conclusion: Rakugo is a story about finding and developing your own identity building relationships and facing others. It is a story of life I have never felt the urge to cry this much after finishing an anime. I have learned many things from watching this anime and I hope that future viewers will also take away something. Most importantly you should enjoy watching it. https://anigamers.com/uploads/entries/ShowaFamilyTree20170916091020.jpg Thanks for reading my review and have a nice day