Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

Aka: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju Sukeroku Futatabi-hen
Aka: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju season 2

If Natsume Yuujinchou didn't have another season this year... i could say with almost certainty that this would be my number one show of the year...
Alas Natsume Yuujinchou Roku starts in a week and a half so... it'll have to settle for number 2.

Showa Genroku rakugo Shinju as a series follows the life of the 8th Generation Yakumo.
And i do mean that literally.
we start off with him as a child.
and we experience his entire life.

For those unaware (like i was before i saw this show) Rakugo is a type of Japanese Theater performed by one actor. There are no sets and they very rarely move off a single cushion however the have have some props (a glass of water, a candle, a fan... or even if the story calls for it the burning of incense)
The story is told almost exclusively with your voice.

Considering this is an anime and the voice actors literally had to be able to perform these pieces in ways that also shows if the character was nervous or confident or tired of having a heart attack. This is possibly the best show of voice acting i have seen in any piece of media ever. From the first minute to the very last line i found myself drawn in and loving every moment of the show.

It runs the gamut of emotions where you can be laughing one second while crying the next (and wow did i cry a lot during both season of this show). However, the most important aspect is that the characters feel real. Their lives feel real and when they hurt you feel for them... when they are happy you cheer them on.

This is a truly wonderful show and even though i'm sad it's over (and there really is no room for a 3rd season... in the end the story has been told) i'm happy that you can go over to crunchyroll right now and watch it all.

I feel like i'm not doing this show enough justice but I really hope you take the time and watch it.

Between the story, the animation, the acting and the music... i just can't say enough good things about it.

Also i've never had a intro song tell a story that actually made me cry... i had to pause the show and compose myself before continuing on with the show... that's how emotionally connection to this show i became.

However why take my word for it, see for yourself! http://www.crunchyroll.com/showa-genroku-rakugo-shinju

Next should be either Masamune-kuns' revenge or Blue exoircist~