Episode 40: Descending Stories

This month, join us as we discuss Haruko Kumota's fantastic josei drama, Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu! From his childhood up until his death, Yakumo Yurakutei VIII has upheld a very particular expectation of rakugo -- but things start to shift once he accepts his very first apprentice, and as the final years of the Showa Period come to a close. This intimate character study of a prominent rakugo performer asks the audience to reflect on the nature of art and performance, the evolution of entertainment in society, and the multitudes of ways that humans connect. Hear all our thoughts this episode! Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my YouTube Channel and Twitter