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The TV anime Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen aired on Jan. 6. The music and animation for the opening theme by Hayashibara Megumi, Imawa no Shinigami, were also released.
This theme was sung by Hayashibara, the voice actress behind Miyokichi in season one. Like the previous theme, this song really captures the series. Songwriting was done by Shiina Ringo, making this a great collaboration!
As you might expect from the title of Imawa no Shinigami, lines from the classic rakugo story Shinigami were also used. It gives you a glimpse of the delicate emotions and suffering of the characters including the lonely rakugo storyteller Yurakutei Yakumo and creations a fairytale-like atmosphere. The video will be featured beginning with episode two.
The single is expected to be released on Feb. 2. In addition to the titular song, a coupling song and off vocal versions of each were included for a total of four tracks. Just like the opening theme single for season one, Usurahi Shinjuu, every part of this release was a collaboration between Hayashibara Megumi and Shiina Ringo, all the way down to the CD jacket artwork. It will go on sale for 1,200 yen (before tax).
This series is based on the original manga Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu by Kumota Haruko. It’s widely praised for its delicate portrayal of its characters, and it won a number of awards including the Excellence Award in the manga category at the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs Media Art Festival.
Season 1 aired from January through March in 2016 and included Yotarou Hourou-hen and Yakumo to Sukeroku-hen. It was widely discussed for the voice actors’ displays of rakugo storytelling. Season 2 is Sukeroku Futatabi-hen, and it follows Yakumo, who’s called the last master of the Showa era, and Yotaro who takes the name of Sukeroku III.
TV Anime Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen
Airs During Animeism Block on MBS, TBS, and BS-TBS Beginning Jan. 2017
Imawa no Shinigami
Artist: Hayashibara Megumi / Lyrics, Composition, Producer: Shiina Ringo
Release Date: 2/22/2017
Price: 1,200 yen (before tax)
(C) Kumota Haruko・Kodansha / Rakugo Shinjuu Association
Source: AnimeAnime
