"My Master Has No Tail" Review: Charming characters and a unique worldview

"My Master Has No Tail" - The Charm and Full Story of the Taisho Kamigata Rakugo Fantasy

■Overview of the work

"My Master Has No Tail" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by TNSK. A total of 13 episodes were broadcast from September 30 to December 23, 2022. Set in Osaka during the Taisho era, this work tells the story of a small tanuki girl named Mameda who aims to become a rakugo performer. Although she has honed her skills in deceiving people, she is moved by the performance of rakugo performer Daikokutei Bunko and applies to become his apprentice. The story depicts the master-disciple relationship and the world of rakugo that begins from there.

■Broadcast information

This anime was broadcast on major broadcasting stations such as TOKYO MX, Mainichi Broadcasting System, BS Asahi, and AT-X. The specific broadcast schedule is as follows:

• TOKYO MX: September 30, 2022 to December 23, 2022, every Friday from 22:30 to 23:00
• Mainichi Broadcasting System: October 2, 2022 to December 25, 2022, every Sunday from 2:08 to 2:38
• BS Asahi: October 2, 2022 to December 25, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00 to 23:30
• AT-X: October 4, 2022 to December 27, 2022, every Tuesday from 9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

It was also available online, on d Anime Store, Amazon Prime Video, Bandai Channel, etc. It was available in a variety of formats, including advance distribution, unlimited viewing, pay-per-view services, and the latest episode free service.

■ Story

Mameda, a little raccoon girl, comes to Osaka with the dream of one day tricking a human. However, her tricks don't work and she is seen through by the rakugo performer Daikokutei Bunko. Impressed by Bunko's rakugo, Mameda applies to become her apprentice and enters the world of rakugo. Through the relationship between master and apprentice, Mameda learns the charm and difficulty of rakugo.

■ Characters

This work features many unique characters. Mameda is a small-sized tanuki girl who has honed her skills in deceiving people, but is moved by Bunko's rakugo and decides to become a rakugo performer herself. Daikokutei Bunko is one of the four great masters of Kamigata rakugo, and becomes Mameda's master. Although she has always opposed having students, she is persuaded by Mameda's enthusiasm and allows him to become her apprentice. Other fascinating characters who add excitement to the story include Tsubaki Shirara, Tsubaki Hakudanji, Kirino Enshi, and Ebisu-ya Karoku.

■ Staff

The anime was directed by Yamamoto Hideyo, with series composition and scriptwriting by Machida Doko. Character design and chief animation director was Yamauchi Ryo, color design by Aida Misato, cinematography by Ishizuka Tomoyoshi, art direction by Saito Yukihiro, editing by Hasegawa Mai, prop design by Mimuro Kenta, sound direction by Naya Ryosuke, music by Yatoki Tsukasa, Harada Atsushi, and Honda Yuki. Animation was done by LIDEN FILMS, and production was by Shungureitei Motion Picture Club. In addition, Shofutei Seikyo, Hayashiya Somejaku, and Tsuyu no Murasaki assisted as rakugo advisors, and Shofutei Seikyo, Hayashiya Somejaku, Shofutei Kyowaka, and Hayashiya Kinuyo participated in the yose bayashi music performances. The Kamigata Rakugo Association and Nobuzane Yuriko also assisted.

■ Episode

Each episode depicts Mameda's growth and the world of rakugo. Episode 1, "I'm going to be a rakugo performer!", depicts how Mameda became Bunko's apprentice, and episode 2, "Try and steal my art if you can," depicts Mameda learning the basics of rakugo. Subsequent episodes also depict Mameda's growth and the appeal of rakugo, while also telling the stories of various characters.

■Theme song

The opening theme is "Genai Yuugi" by GARNiDELiA, and the ending theme is "Virginia" by Hinano. Both are wonderful songs that add to the atmosphere of the work.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"My Master Has No Tail" is a work based on the traditional art of rakugo, but by skillfully incorporating fantasy elements, it has become a work that can be enjoyed by a wide range of audiences. Mameda's coming-of-age story is moving, and the depiction of the world of rakugo is realistic and fascinating. In addition, the characters have distinct personalities, and new discoveries can be made in each episode. In particular, the rakugo scenes feel more real, as actual rakugo performers are involved as advisors.

■ Recommendation points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• Although the story is based on the traditional art of Rakugo, it also contains fantasy elements.
• Mameda's story of growth is moving and draws viewers in.
• The characters have distinct personalities, and each episode brings something new to discover.
• The Rakugo scenes are realistic and fascinating
• The opening and ending songs are amazing

Related information

The original work is the manga "My Master Has No Tail" by TNSK, serialized in Kodansha's "good! Afternoon". The anime adaptation brings out the best of the original work while incorporating unique expressions that are unique to anime. In addition, real storytellers are participating as advisors in the rakugo scenes, which adds a sense of realism.

■How to watch

This anime was broadcast on major broadcasting stations such as TOKYO MX, Mainichi Broadcasting System, BS Asahi, and AT-X. It is also available online and can be viewed on d Anime Store, Amazon Prime Video, Bandai Channel, etc. It can be enjoyed in a variety of formats, including advance distribution, unlimited viewing, pay-per-view services, and the latest episode free service.

■ Summary

"My Master Has No Tail" is a fantasy work themed around the traditional art of rakugo. It depicts the story of Mameda's growth and the world of rakugo, and has a charm that draws viewers in. The characters' personalities stand out, and there are new discoveries to be made in each episode. In addition, the rakugo scenes feel more real, as actual rakugo performers are involved as advisors. The opening and ending songs are also wonderful, and the work is overall highly polished. It is recommended not only for those who are interested in rakugo, but also for those who like fantasy works.