Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Yotarou Hourou-hen

The story revolves around a mature prisoner who was released on good behavior during Japan's Shouwa Genroku era (1960s to early 1970s). He is called Yotarou by others, a term that means an "anti-hero" or a "dim-witted man." When he returns to society, he starts a new life in rakugo (comic storytelling). Touched by Yakumo's role as the "grim reaper," he asks the master to take him in as an apprentice. Most of the season delves into Yakumo's own past during World War II and the years afterward. (Source: Anime News Network) Note: The first episode aired with a runtime of 48 minutes as opposed to the standard 24 minute long episode.

Unable to forget a performance of "Shinigami" performed by the rakugo master Yakumo in the prison where he was being held, Yotaro's first act upon his release was go right to the theater, where he begged, pleaded, and was finally accepted as Yakumo's live-in apprentice. After years of refining his art, Yotaro was promoted to the rank of Shinuchi and inherited the title of 3rd Generation Sukeroku. For the sake of his master Yakumo, Konatsu, and to change the image of Sukeroku inside them both, what kind of rakugo will Yotaro discover? This celebrated human drama, based on a story by Haruko Kumota, offers an honest and sympathetic look into the lives and livelihoods of rakugo storytellers in the Showa era. (Source: Crunchyroll)

Marii, Kigurumi, Tetora, Gankyou, and Kukuru deserve a round of applause for keeping the art of Rakugo alive! What’s their secret? Witty, absurd banter of course! These five friends always have something to talk about, no matter how silly the topic. (Source: VRV)

"With only your voice and body—master the art." Akane Ousaki, captivated since childhood by the magical performances of her father, Shinta Arakawa, witnesses a shocking incident during his decisive performance for promotion to shin’uchi (master rank). Six years later, now a high school student, she sets her sights on becoming a shin’uchi herself—pushing forward in the highly competitive world of rakugo. A passionate and authentic rakugo drama begins now! (Source: TV Asahi, edited)

A lonely little boy moves into a ramshackle apartment building all on his own and makes friends with the broke manga artist who lives next door. (Source: Netflix)

Four men—Gure, Sui, Tokitaka, and Tsubaki—each help run a Japanese tea shop together called Rokuhoudou. When one visits the shop, they are greeted warmly, is served tea, and are often helped with any problems they may have. (Source: Anime's Website)

The story is set four years after the events of the original Shirobako anime. Aoi Miyamori keeps busy dealing with the ordinary troubles in her daily work at Musashino Animation. After a morning meeting, Watanabe talks to Aoi and puts her in charge of a new theatrical anime project for the studio. The project has unexpected problems, and Aoi is unsure if the company can proceed with a theatrical anime with its current state of affairs. While dealing with that anxiety, Aoi meets a new colleague named Kaede Miyai. She and the MusAni team work together to complete the project. (Source: Anime News Network)

In the OVA's story from the manga's ninth compiled book volume, Ryuuichi takes a break from the babysitter club in order to study for tests. Imitating Ryuuichi as he studies, Kotarou and friends practice writing. Ryuuichi wants to thank Saikawa, who helped him out during testing, and he nonchalantly tries to figure out what Saikawa likes. Ryuuichi makes curry for the chairwoman and Saikawa. The OVA also includes a special "Snow White" segment based on a story from the manga's sixth volume. The chairwoman is the Queen, and Inomata is trapped in a castle doing nothing but studying as Snow White. Ryuuichi is the huntsman who takes her to the outside. The babies are the seven dwarfs, and they run into Usaida in the forest. (Source: Anime News Network)