Shanel Kamara 3/6/17 Shanel Kamara 3/6/17

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.09

By Shanel Kamara

Okay, now this is the reason why I adore this show, the reason is that whenever you think you know something it turns out that you know nothing. In other words, always expect the unexpected, which is still something I struggle to grapple with concerning this show.

Shanel Kamara 2/20/17 Shanel Kamara 2/20/17

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.07

By Shanel Kamara

It's official; I am completely hooked on Shouwa! I loved the unexpected twist this episode. I knew the death of Konatsu’s parents was a delicate matter that weighed heavily on the characters minds, particularly Konatsu who blamed Yakuma for the demise of her father and Yakumo who blamed himself for not being able to save Konatsu’s parents despite being in such close proximity to them. However, I never suspected that the truth regarding the manner in which they died was different to what actually happened.

Shanel Kamara 2/6/17 Shanel Kamara 2/6/17

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.05

By Shanel Kamara

Oh My Gosh! that last scene in Shouwa featuring Yakumo and Sukerou had me on the edge of my seat; I wish the preview would not keep me in suspense regarding Yakumo. I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers. They stir up your anticipations but force you to accept the fact that you will have to wait to find out what happens next. I suppose in a way that is good, though because it means that the show is keeping you engaged. Lately, I have noticed that most of the shows I tend to prefer feature cliffhangers or plot twists. It may sound a tad cliche, but Shouwa is unlike any series I have previously watched.

Shanel Kamara 1/23/17 Shanel Kamara 1/23/17

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi E.03

By Shanel Kamara

Before I delve into the review of this week’s episode of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, I would advise anyone who has not watched the previous season or the last two episodes, to watch them. This review will not contain any real spoilers, but in order to grasp what is going on, you need some knowledge of who the characters are and how they relate to one another. For instance, even though Yotarou is married to Konatsu, he insists on calling her “sis.” They are, in no way, related to one another. Moreover, they are not childhood friends. I could go into a lot of detail about how these two met and so forth, but I will leave it to anyone who is interested in catching up by watching previous episodes.

Shanel Kamara 1/16/17 Shanel Kamara 1/16/17

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.02

By Shanel Kamara

This show is one that I will definitely not tire of watching. The explanation of how certain characters connect to the protagonists and their role in the preservation and development of rakugo is sound. I thought how minor character, Higuchi Eisuke from season one, who Yakumo - in his younger years - briefly encountered while on tour with his master, reappeared this season as a supporting character, was brilliant.

Dustin Cabeal 1/10/17 Dustin Cabeal 1/10/17

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabei-Hen E.01

By Shanel Kamara

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is back with a second cour, and I am ecstatic about its return; recently I began watching episodes from the previous season, falling in love with the josei drama series all over again. The series focuses on rakugo - a form of verbal entertainment that became a prominent source of amusement among the public particularly during the Showa period in Japan.