Joshiraku: Finding the perfect balance between laughter and emotion

"Joshiraku" - A humorous anime depicting the daily life of a female Rakugo performer

"Joshiraku" is a TV anime series based on the manga written by Koji Kumeta and illustrated by Yasu. Broadcast from July 6 to September 28, 2012, this 13-episode work captivated many fans as a comedy anime depicting the daily lives of female rakugo storytellers. It was broadcast on a wide range of networks, including MBS, TBS, CBC, BS-TBS, Bandai Channel, Niconico Video, Video Market, and Showtime, and brought laughter to viewers in its 30-minute slot.

Original story and anime adaptation

The original work was written by Koji Kumeta and was serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shonen Magazine. Koji Kumeta is known for his unique humor and character portrayals in works such as Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Katte ni Kaizou, and his style is fully displayed in Joshiraku. For the anime adaptation, a luxurious staff including director Mizushima Tsutomu, series composition by Yokote Michiko, and character design by Tanaka Masayoshi came together to bring out the best in the original work. In addition, Hayashiya Shinpei participated in the supervision of the rakugo, and by reflecting his specialized knowledge of rakugo in the anime, he created a more realistic worldview.

Main Characters

The main characters of "Joshiraku" are five people: Harokitei Kigurumi, Bohatei Tetora, Buratei Marii, Kuryuu Miyutei Gankyo, and Anrakutei Kukuru. Each has a unique character, and the interaction between them is what makes the work so appealing.

• Wave Floating Tei Kokuri (voiced by Kotori Koiwai)
  She is a petite female Rakugo performer who wears a pink kimono and has a cheerful personality. She is affectionately known by the nickname "Kigu-chan" and likes cute things, but she also has a dark side that she hides. The fact that she has a dog adds depth to her character.
• Bohatei Tetora (voiced by Yamamoto Nozomi)
  She is a female Rakugo performer who is easygoing and considerate of those around her, and is good at both the funny and tsukkomi roles. She plays a role in keeping everyone from going out of control, and while she has great luck, she also has a laid-back side. Another gag element of her is that she has a constitution that doesn't make her gain weight even if she eats a lot.
• Kaburatei Marui (voice: Ayane Sakura)
  She is called "Marie-san" and is a female Rakugo performer who speaks in a masculine Edo dialect. Although she plays the straight man role, her vain and easy-going personality makes her prone to being pushed around by those around her. She has a complex about being tone-deaf and is not good at feminine mannerisms, which is an interesting setting.
• Kuryu Miyutei Marukyo (voiced by Yoshino Nanjo)
  She is a cool female Rakugo performer who wears square glasses and is known for her cynical remarks. She can stir up trouble with her unexpected proposals, and when she gets angry, she becomes violent, but she also has confidence in her singing. She is a childhood friend of Tetora, and they are also good friends in private.
• Anrakutei Kurai (voice: Goto Saori)
  She is a female Rakugo performer with long, straight black hair, with two split bangs. She has a gloomy, emotionally unstable personality and often makes self-deprecating remarks. She has a rich imagination, to the point where she embodies a phantom pregnancy. The fact that her mother is missing also adds depth to her character.

Stories and episodes

"Joshiraku" is a comedy anime that depicts the daily lives of female Rakugo performers. Each episode is made up of humorous episodes that unfold in various situations, such as the time they spend in the dressing room, Rakugo practice, and behind the scenes of a performance. Below are the subtitles of each episode.

• First place: Ordinary questions and answers, differences, shouting instruction
• Second Place: Backstage Wealth, Three Towers One Ryo Loss, Girl with a Cold
• Third Place: Mujou Bath, Asakusa Pilgrimage, Sanada Zoo
• 4th place: Glasses girl, Good Good Daiba, Rabbit's eyes
• Fifth Place: Daughter Praise, Stylish Town, Glasses Farewell
• 6th Place: Four-part Beginning, Eight Scenes of Musashi, Revenge of a Servant
• Seventh Place: Yankees are scary, fish talk, backstage investigation
• 8th place: Golden bag, staggering, has it stopped yet?
• 9th place: Shiritotechin, Ueno no Kuma, Negoto
• Tenth Place: Karanasuya Orchestra, Shinjuku Aragoto, Mushibahama
• 11th Place: Parent-Child Play, Five People, Tree Disaster
• 12th place / Dreaming Vengeance, Koiinou, Blue Hair
• 13th place: Character crushing, Akibaburu, a little extra commentary

Each episode skillfully combines the laughs that come from the clash of their personalities with the charm of the traditional art of rakugo. In particular, the scenes in which the girls perform their rakugo material allow you to feel the fun of rakugo. The story also depicts the friendship and growth of the girls through their daily lives and relationships.

music

The music of Joshiraku is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work. The opening theme, "Thank you for the rest..." is written by Aki Hata, composed and arranged by Akira Kanzaki, and sung by Goku♨Rakujokai, and it livens up the atmosphere of the work. The ending theme, "One Hundred Views of Japanese Smiles," is written, composed, and arranged by Kenichi Maeyamada, and sung by the Momokurotei Ichimon, and is a song that symbolizes the girls' smiles and humor.

Animation Production

The animation was produced by JCSTAFF, and the production was done by the Joshi Rakugo Association. JCSTAFF is a studio that has worked on many popular anime, and their technical skills and expressiveness support the quality of "Joshiraku." In particular, attention to detail can be seen in the character expressions and movements, and the depiction of the backgrounds. In addition, the Rakugo scenes are designed to recreate the atmosphere of traditional Rakugo, making it enjoyable from a visual perspective as well.

Evaluation and acceptance

"Joshiraku" has won many fans with its unique humor and charming characters. It has been especially well received by fans of the original work, and its anime adaptation has brought its appeal to an even larger audience. It has also attracted attention as a work based on the traditional art of rakugo, and has sparked an interest in rakugo for many people. Viewers have praised the characters' personalities and dialogue, as well as the entertaining rakugo material, and many watch the show repeatedly.

Recommendations and related works

For those who enjoyed "Joshiraku," we also recommend "Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei" and "Katte ni Kaizou," both of which are also based on the original work by Koji Kumeta. These works are also known for their unique humor and charming characters, and are loved by fans. Another work based on rakugo that we recommend is "Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju." This work is a drama that depicts the world of rakugo in depth, and will allow you to learn even more about the charm of rakugo.

"Joshiraku" is a humorous anime that depicts the daily lives of female rakugo performers, and you can enjoy their personalities and interactions, as well as the charm of rakugo to the fullest. Please watch it once and experience its unique worldview and laughter.