At the center of the story of Rakugo Shinjū stand Yakumo and Sukeroku. Yakumo declares, “Rakugo will end with me.” Out of love he binds, out of sorrow he turns away, even attempting to bury the art itself. What we see there is the figure of a bonpu—an ordinary being—trying to grasp and control everything with his own hands.
Yet the story unfolds in defiance of his will. A second-generation Sukeroku appears and achieves even greater success than the first, a reversal so sharp it almost shouts, “Serves you right!” But at the same time, it becomes Yakumo’s liberation. What he tried to end by his own grasp continues beyond him. That moment is akin to the Buddhist experience of jiriki (self-power) being shattered—when the heart that clings and bears alone collapses, the larger flow of tariki (Other Power) is revealed.
Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū was never just human drama. Bound by earthly desires, Yakumo is finally guided by Sukeroku toward death, while the art itself continues to live on. In this dual structure, I cannot help but see the Buddhist tale of how a bonpu, with all their delusions, is nonetheless saved.
Rakugo and the Dharma alike transform human sorrow into laughter, into salvation. That is why, whenever I recall this story, I still feel a quiet warmth in my chest.
Official TV Anime Website: http://rakugo-shinju-anime.jp/#slide2
“Ephemeral yet dear. That is rakugo (life).”
Japanese version on note: お寺と落語、そして『昭和元禄落語心中』（振り返り編）
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