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Joshiraku
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Joshiraku
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Joshiraku
Cover of the first manga volume
じょしらく
(Joshiraku)
GenreComedy[1]
Manga
Written byKōji Kumeta
Illustrated byYasu
Published byKodansha
ImprintWide KC
MagazineBessatsu Shōnen Magazine
Original runSeptember 9, 2009 – September 9, 2013
Volumes6
Anime television series
Directed byTsutomu Mizushima
Written byMichiko Yokote
Music byMasaru Yokoyama
StudioJ.C.Staff
Licensed by
Original networkMBS, TBS, CBC, BS-TBS
Original run July 5, 2012 – September 28, 2012
Episodes13 (List of episodes)
Original animation DVD
Directed byTsutomu Mizushima
Written byMichiko Yokote
Music byMasaru Yokoyama
StudioJ.C.Staff
ReleasedFebruary 8, 2013

Joshiraku (Japanese: じょしらく; lit. "Rakugo Girls") is a Japanese comedy manga series written by Kōji Kumeta and illustrated by Yasu, telling the everyday lives of five young female rakugo comedians. It was serialised in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from September 2009 to September 2013 and the chapters compiled into six tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation animated by J.C.Staff aired in Japan between July and September 2012, with an original video animation episode released in February 2013.

Characters

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All of the girls' surnames end with the character Tei (亭), which is often used in stage names for performers.

Marii Buratei (蕪羅亭 魔梨威, Buratei Marii)
Voiced by: Ayane Sakura (Anime), Kana Asumi (CD)
The substantial protagonist of the manga, who has long red hair. She behaves like Edokko and speaks in a masculine tone of Edo speech, but she is actually from Tokushima Prefecture. Despite her good looks, the way she talks and her flat chest tend to lead the others into suspecting her as a boy cross-dressing as a girl. She acts as a tsukkomi and often says "Don't ask a trifling question! (つまんねー事聞くなよ！, Tsuman'nē koto kiku na yo!)". Her name is a pun on Bloody Mary.
Tetora Bōhatei (防波亭 手寅, Bōhatei Tetora)
Voiced by: Nozomi Yamamoto (Anime), Ikumi Hayama (CD)
A ponytailed girl with brown hair who is a good lucky/happy-go-lucky girl and leads a carefree life. She often leads the stories to other subjects. Kumeta introduces her as the true protagonist of the manga. Her name is a pun on bōhatei (防波堤, "breakwater") and Tetrapod.
Kigurumi Harōkitei (波浪浮亭 木胡桃, Harōkitei Kigurumi)
Voiced by: Kotori Koiwai (Anime), Erena Ono (CD)
A girl with cream-coloured hair who is the youngest girl in the group. To match her childlike figure, she often pretends to be cute in front of others, but her internal dialogue shows her true thoughts to the audience; cynical and manipulative. Her name is a pun on Hello Kitty and kigurumi.
Gankyō Kūrubiyūtei (空琉美遊亭 丸京, Kūrubiyūtei Gankyō)
Voiced by: Yoshino Nanjō (Anime), Kana Hanazawa (CD)
A girl with glasses and green hair who is a smart, cool, level-headed, yet cold-hearted, violent girl. She is a childhood friend of Tetora's. Her name is a pun on cool beauty and gankyō (眼鏡, "glasses").
Kukuru Anrakutei (暗落亭 苦来, Anrakutei Kukuru)
Voiced by: Saori Gotō (Anime/CD)
A girl with straight black hair who is very good at acting, but is a bad unlucky girl and is very emotionally hot-headed, crybaby, and cowardly. Her name is a play on several words, all of which have to do with things that are very negative in nature. The pronunciation of her name refers to Anrakushi (安楽死, "Euthanasia") and kukuru (括る, "to hang"). Her name could also be read alternatively as kurakutei kurai, which is very similar to kurakute kurai (暗くて暗い, lit. "dark dark"). Anrakutei also sounds similar to the word unlucky. Also, the kanji in her name minus the character Tei (亭) could be read very literally, as falling into darkness and coming of anguish.
Mask (覆面, Fukumen)
Voiced by: Aoi Yūki
A girl in a luchador wrestling mask who just happens to be in the scene at certain points.
Uzannu Uzattei (宇座亭 ウザンヌ, Uzattei Uzannu)
Voiced by: Ryōko Shintani
A girl who has short blonde and pink hair. She wears a strawberry-patterned hakama and a large ribbon on her head. Her only appearance is in the last episode of the anime. True to her name, Uzannu is annoying with her fast-talking, condescending attitude, and mimicry of the other girls. Uzannu purposely tries to upset the character balance of the show with her obnoxiousness and make the show her own, even going so far as singing her own version of the opening theme song with personalized lyrics. Nonetheless, the girls manage to drive her away.

Media

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Manga

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Joshiraku began as a manga series written by Kōji Kumeta and illustrated by Yasu. It was serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine between the October 2009 and October 2013 issues – from September 9, 2009, to September 9, 2013.[2] The chapters were also collected and released into six tankōbon volumes under the Wild KC imprint, from May 17, 2010,[3] to November 8, 2013.[4][2] A limited edition of the fifth volume was bundled with an anime episode on DVD disc.[5]

Anime

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A 13-episode anime television series adaptation animated by J.C.Staff aired in Japan between July and September 2012. An original video animation episode was released on DVD with the fifth manga volume on February 8, 2013.[5][1] The opening theme is "Oato ga Yoroshikutte...Yo!" (お後がよろしくって…よ!, Thanks For Your Appreciation!) by Ayane Sakura, Kotori Koiwai, Nozomi Yamamoto, Yoshino Nanjō and Saori Gotō, and the ending theme is "Nippon Egao Hyakkei" (ニッポン笑顔百景, Hundreds of Japanese Smiles) by Momoiro Clover Z and Yoshida Brothers. In 2019, Maiden Japan licensed the series.[6]

Episode list

[edit]
No. Title Original airdate
1"Normal Dialogue"
Transliteration: "Fudan Mondō" (Japanese: 普段問答)		July 5, 2012 (2012-07-05)
"Different Clothes"
Transliteration: "Fuku Chigai" (Japanese: ふく違い)
"Shouting Instructions"
Transliteration: "Sakebi Shinan" (Japanese: 叫び指南)
As five young rakugo comedians, Marii, Kigurumi, Tetora, Gankyō and Kukuru, receive an invitation to a casual dress party, they ponder over what it exactly means to dress casually. Later, the discussion turns to whether everyone prefers dogs or cats.
2"Backstage Riches"
Transliteration: "Gakuya no Tomi" (Japanese: 楽屋の富)		July 12, 2012 (2012-07-12)
"Three Towers and a Vow"
Transliteration: "Santō Kishō" (Japanese: 三塔起請)
"Cold Girl"
Transliteration: "Kaze Musume" (Japanese: 風邪娘)
The girls talk about what they would do if they won the lottery, leading them to suspect one of them may be a winner. Later, they visit the Tokyo Tower where more strange conversations are to be had. Afterwards, a discussion about vaccination turns into a bout of imaginary pregnancy.
3"A Bath Beyond"
Transliteration: "Mujō Buro" (Japanese: 無情風呂)		July 19, 2012 (2012-07-19)
"Asakusa Visit"
Transliteration: "Asakusa Mairi" (Japanese: 浅草参り)
"Sanada Ko-ZOO"
Transliteration: "Sanada Kozū" (Japanese: 真田小ZOO)
Marii ends up having to prove that she's not a crossdressing boy. Later, the girls visit Asakusa where they try their hand at some fortunes. This leads the girls to discuss why Tetora has such great luck and always seems to avoid danger.
4"Glasses Girl"
Transliteration: "Megane Komusume" (Japanese: 眼鏡小娘)		July 26, 2012 (2012-07-26)
"Nausea at Daiba"
Transliteration: "Yoiyoi Daiba" (Japanese: よいよい台場)
"Bunny Eyes"
Transliteration: "Usagi no Me" (Japanese: 兎の目)
As Gankyō exhibits some violent behavior, the girls discuss the stereotypes that come when a girl wears glasses. Later, as Kukuru gets trainsick, the girls try to come up with various remedies for her nausea. Afterwards, on the night of a full moon, the girls sit and discuss moon-related topics before being attacked by a large rabbit.
5"Praise the Girl"
Transliteration: "Ko Home" (Japanese: 娘ほめ)		August 3, 2012 (2012-08-03)
"Stylish Town"
Transliteration: "Kojare Machi" (Japanese: 小洒落町)
"Farewell to Glasses"
Transliteration: "Megane Wakare" (Japanese: 眼鏡別れ)
The girls attempt to cheer Kukuru up by holding an out-of-season Christmas party. Later, the girls visit Harajuku, where Marii gets anxious over a crépe. Afterwards, the gang discuss how they all have different types of skin, making Gankyō feeling left out.
6"Four Wows"
Transliteration: "Yonmai Kishō" (Japanese: 四枚起承)		August 10, 2012 (2012-08-10)
"Musashi Scenery"
Transliteration: "Musashi Hakkei" (Japanese: 武蔵八景)
"The Servant's Vengeance"
Transliteration: "Shimobe no Adauchi" (Japanese: 下僕の仇討ち)
Having forced Gankyō out of the group during the previous episode, the rest talk about the benefits of having a group of four. Gankyō soon gets revenge by locking everyone in the dressing room. After eventually being let back into the group, Gankyo is reluctantly placed at the bottom of the hierarchy but soon has aspirations of winning an election.
7"Yankees are Scary"
Transliteration: "Yankī Kowai" (Japanese: ヤンキー怖い)		August 17, 2012 (2012-08-17)
"Fish Story"
Transliteration: "Sakana Seidan" (Japanese: 魚政談)
"Backstage Files"
Transliteration: "Gakuya Shirabe" (Japanese: 楽屋調べ)
The sudden appearance of Hina dolls in the dressing room somehow leads to the girls deciding to act like delinquents so they will marry early. Later, the girls get up early to go to a fish market. Afterwards, the girls search for things that might be using up electricity, becoming oblivious to the non-electric horrors hidden throughout the room.
8"Bag of Gold"
Transliteration: "Kogane Bukuro" (Japanese: こがね袋)		August 23, 2012 (2012-08-23)
"Totter"
Transliteration: "Yoroyoro" (Japanese: よろよろ)
"Is It Over Yet?"
Transliteration: "Mō Yanda ka" (Japanese: もうやんだか)
Marii laments how she's always the last to go in various things, particularly when it comes to picking out envelopes of New Year's money. Later, the girls head to the Sugamo district and check out the various spots. Afterwards, the gang needlessly worry that Kukuru might contract the May Blues, randomly choosing to take on "Blues" from other months.
9"Butt-tofu"
Transliteration: "Shiri-totechin" (Japanese: しりとてちん)		August 30, 2012 (2012-08-30)
"The Bear of Ueno"
Transliteration: "Ueno no Kuma" (Japanese: 上野のクマ)
"Sleep talking"
Transliteration: "Negoto" (Japanese: ねごと)
As school holidays roll in, the girls try and come up with ways to make rakugo more appealing to younger audiences. Later, the gang visit the zoo and discuss the curiosities of all the animals. Afterwards, the gang gets taste for lucky events which keep occurring whenever Marii falls asleep, constantly trying to make her sleep to reap the benefits.
10"Pumpkin Band"
Transliteration: "Tōnasu-ya Gakudan" (Japanese: 唐茄子屋楽団)		September 6, 2012 (2012-09-06)
"Battle of Shinjuku"
Transliteration: "Shinjuku Aragoto" (Japanese: 新宿荒事)
"Cavity Shore"
Transliteration: "Mushiba Hama" (Japanese: 虫歯浜)
On Halloween, the girls try to tailor the holiday to be more Japanese-esque. Later, the girls visit the Kabukichou entertainment district and observe how it's changed over the years. Afterwards, Marii is plagued with tooth cavities.
11"Family Play"
Transliteration: "Oyako Shibai" (Japanese: 親子芝居)		September 13, 2012 (2012-09-13)
"Sakai Five"
Transliteration: "Gonin Sakai" (Japanese: 五人さかい)
"Tree Tragedy"
Transliteration: "Tsurī Sanji" (Japanese: ツリー惨事)
As the girls have a fake summer beach trip in the dressing room, they discuss the different designs of school swimsuits. Then, the girls go sightseeing in Musashi-Sakai and pay their respects to the company responsible for animating them. Lastly, the girls have a Christmas party, but the tree that Tetora ordered online completely fills the dressing room, causing them to try and reunite (but end up fighting each other) in the Amazon-like jungle.
12"The Dreamer Strikes Back"
Transliteration: "Yumemi no Katakiuchi" (Japanese: 夢見の仇討ち)		September 20, 2012 (2012-09-20)
"Gotta"
Transliteration: "Koainō" (Japanese: こぁいのう)
"Blacks"
Transliteration: "Aoge" (Japanese: 青毛)
When Tetora asks everyone about their first dream of the new year, Kukuru grows upset as she has yet to have one. So, the girls attempt to act out a "first dream" to cheer her up. Later, the gang visits Roppongi, where they look at structural artwork and Marii travels through time to see the city during its economic bubble. Finally, the girls try to cool off during the summer by mentioning scary things to give themselves chills and eventually by painting everything blue.
13"Character Guts"
Transliteration: "Kyara Tsubushi" (Japanese: キャラつぶし)		September 27, 2012 (2012-09-27)
"Mighty Akiba"
Transliteration: "Akibaburu" (Japanese: アキバぶる)
"Extra Lectures"
Transliteration: "Choitashi Kōshaku" (Japanese: ちょいたし講釈)
As the girls come to terms that the show has reached its last episode, a new character appears: an exasperating girl named Uzannu Uzattei. While discussing whether or not "once" is truly enough, Uzannu's personality irritates everyone and threatens the character balance of the show. After the girls drive her away, they visit Akihabara. Later, the girls debate about how some things should be left as they are. Finally, the show ends with one last rakugo performance by Marii.
OVA"Store of Spoils"
Transliteration: "Dainashiya" (Japanese: 台無屋)		February 8, 2013 (2013-02-08)
"Three Publishers"
Transliteration: "Sangen Hon'ya" (Japanese: 三軒本屋)
"Surprising Resolve"
Transliteration: "Bikkuri Shūchū" (Japanese: びっくり集中)
As Marii laments how the audience tends to applaud before she can finish her joke, the others point out she is also guilty of bad timing. Later, the girls visit Jinbōchō, where they visit the buildings of various publishers whilst searching for Kodansha's office. Afterwards, Kigu ends up concentrating so much that she ends up being afflicted with focus lines whilst Marii also becomes afflicted with a romantic and fluffy backdrop.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Joshiraku

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Joshiraku (じょしらく) is a Japanese comedy manga series written by and illustrated by Yasu, which follows the everyday conversations and humorous digressions of five young female apprentice performers as they discuss random topics in their dressing room between performances. The manga was serialized in Kodansha's from September 9, 2009, to September 2013, and collected into six volumes. It was adapted into a 13-episode television series produced by , directed by , which aired on and other networks from July 6 to September 28, 2012. An original video animation (OVA) episode was released in February 2013, bundled with the manga's fifth volume limited edition. The series is known for its satirical and elements, often breaking the and poking fun at tropes, current events, and Japanese culture through the lens of —a traditional form of comedic . The main characters include Marii Buratei; Kigurumi Harōkitei, a doll-like performer; Tetora Bōhatei, an energetic and hot-tempered girl; Kukuru Anrakutei, a nature-loving enthusiast; and Gankyō Kūrubiyūtei, a sharp-tongued bespectacled observer, whose interactions form the core of the narrative's slice-of-life comedy. serves as both a setting and a thematic device, with episodes frequently incorporating performances or references to the art form, though the focus remains on the girls' off-stage banter. Beyond the and , Joshiraku has inspired live-action stage play adaptations, including productions featuring members of the in 2015 and 2016, which reimagined the characters in theatrical performances. In 2019, North American distributor licensed the for release with releases that year, making it more accessible to international audiences. The work exemplifies Kumeta's style of absurd humor, seen in his other series like Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei, blending witty dialogue with visual gags to create a unique comedic voice in the genre.

Premise and setting

Plot overview

Joshiraku centers on the everyday lives of five young female apprentices training in , a traditional Japanese comedic storytelling art form, as they navigate their routines between performances. The series depicts these performers gathering in a backstage setting to engage in casual conversations that touch on a variety of subjects, including daily observations, current events, and personal experiences, all delivered through a lens of humor and . The narrative unfolds in an episodic format, with each installment featuring short, self-contained vignettes that revolve around the group's discussions. These chats often begin with ordinary topics but escalate into increasingly absurd and comedic tangents, drawing on elements of Japanese pop culture, societal quirks, and trivial matters to highlight the performers' witty banter and exaggerated reactions. Central to the plot are the backstage dynamics among the apprentices, including reflections on their practice sessions—often portrayed with humorous failures—and light explorations of broader themes such as celebrity life or technological influences, without advancing a continuous storyline. This structure emphasizes slice-of-life , focusing on the camaraderie and spontaneous humor arising from their interactions.

Cultural context

Rakugo is a traditional Japanese form of comic storytelling, performed solo by a rakugoka who remains seated on stage, employing minimal props such as a folding fan () and a small hand towel () to evoke multiple characters through shifts in voice, posture, and , building to a climactic punchline known as the ochi. This art form emphasizes verbal dexterity and audience imagination, with the performer portraying entire scenes without sets or costumes. The practice traces its roots to the (1603–1868), when it emerged as accessible entertainment for the merchant class and commoners amid the of cities like (modern ) and . Earlier influences include medieval comic tales and lectures by itinerant monks, but the standardized solo format solidified in the late , credited to pioneers like Shikano Buzaemon, who adapted storytelling for variety theaters. Two regional styles developed— , known for its witty, urban satire, and Kamigata from the , favoring more narrative-driven humor—reflecting Japan's social divides at the time. In contemporary , endures as a vibrant cultural staple, drawing audiences to halls and appearing in television programs like the long-running , where it reaches millions weekly. Surveys indicate that over 26% of Japanese adults have attended live performances, often introduced through school programs that foster appreciation among younger generations. Female artists, termed gei or , have risen in visibility since the mid-20th century, overcoming historical barriers like the 1629 edict restricting women from public stages; today, they constitute about 5% of Tokyo's roughly 600 , with trailblazers such as San'yūtei Karuta and Kokontei Kikuchiyo attaining shin'uchi master rank in 1993, and performers like Ryūtei Komichi headlining major venues. Joshiraku employs as a satirical lens, juxtaposing the precision of the protagonists' professional performances—rooted in this storied tradition—with their absurd, meandering backstage conversations on everyday absurdities, thereby underscoring the challenges and ironies of women navigating a field long shaped by male conventions.

Characters

Main characters

The main characters of Joshiraku are five young female performers who form the core group, engaging in casual discussions that drive the series' comedic narrative. Their exaggerated designs and personalities, often reflected in distinctive hairstyles and stage names derived from puns, emphasize their quirks and contribute to the satirical tone. Marii Buratei is the red-haired with long locks that symbolize her fiery temperament, serving as the primary tsukkomi (straight-man) in the group's interactions. She speaks in a masculine dialect despite hailing from , often becoming exasperated by the others' absurd tangents and exclaiming phrases like "Don't ask a trifling question!" to rein in the chaos. Her role highlights the contrast between her Edokko-like bravado and underlying vulnerability, making her the frequent target of the comedy. Voiced by . Tetora Bōhatei features brown hair in a , embodying a laid-back and optimistic demeanor that positions her as the "true " according to the manga's creator. As the luckiest member, she leads carefree conversations, effortlessly shifting topics to unrelated subjects and avoiding the misfortunes that plague the others, which underscores her role in propelling the episodic humor. Her relaxed personality provides a stabilizing, ever-positive influence amid the group's eccentricity. Voiced by Nozomi Yamamoto. Kigurumi Harōkitei is the youngest with cream-colored hair styled to enhance her feigned cuteness, though she harbors a cynical and sharp-tongued interior that emerges in biting remarks. She adores cats and frequently adopts an overly adorable facade in social settings, creating comedic dissonance with her true sarcastic nature; her stage name puns on "" and "kigurumi" (costume), reflecting this duality. This contrast drives much of the humor through her unexpected verbal jabs during discussions. Voiced by . Gankyō Kūrubiyūtei sports green hair and , presenting a cool-headed exterior that masks her propensity for violent outbursts when irritated. Her composed demeanor positions her as the group's rational voice, yet she readily resorts to , such as striking Marii; the name plays on "cool beauty" and "gankyo" (), tying into her bespectacled, poised design. Her explosive reactions amplify the ensemble's dynamic tensions. Voiced by . Kukuru Anrakutei has straight that complements her dramatic flair, excelling in theatrical during the group's talks while grappling with profound unluckiness and emotional volatility. Prone to pessimistic spirals and tears, she infuses conversations with exaggerated , turning mundane topics into melodramatic spectacles; her emotional instability often leads to comedic breakdowns, balancing the group's levity with heartfelt, if over-the-top, depth. Voiced by Saori Gotō.

Supporting characters

The masked girl, referred to simply as (マスク, Masuku), is a mysterious recurring figure in Joshiraku who appears sporadically throughout the series, often in unexpected scenes to enhance the surreal and absurd humor. Clad in a luchador-style , she rarely speaks and contributes to the comedic tone through her enigmatic, silent presence, serving as a quirky background element that underscores the protagonists' eccentric world. Voiced by , Mask's appearances are brief but memorable, adding layers of whimsy without driving the narrative. Uzannu Uzattei (宇座亭 ウザンヌ, Uzattei Uzannu) emerges as an irritating rival performer in the anime's final episode, embodying chaotic and disruptive energy with her blonde-and-pink hair, strawberry-patterned attire, and fast-talking, condescending personality. She mimics the main performers and provokes minor annoyances, highlighting the competitive yet lighthearted side of the scene, though her role remains limited to this single outing. Voiced by Ryōko Shintani, Uzannu's debut injects fresh comedic tension, teasing potential future rivalries. Beyond these, Joshiraku populates its rakugo theater setting with various minor figures, including theater staff like producers and deliverymen, who facilitate the performers' routines without taking center stage. Audience members, such as groups of old women or chattering males, provide reactive backdrops to the acts, emphasizing the live atmosphere. Occasional celebrity cameos, including outlandish ones like a Galaxy Federation solar system governor, further amplify the series' satirical and crossover humor, drawing from the creator's broader oeuvre to enrich the ensemble dynamically.

Production

Manga creation

Joshiraku was conceived as a comedy manga series written by , renowned for his earlier work Sayonara, Zetsubō-Sensei, and illustrated by Yasu. The creative duo's collaboration integrated Kumeta's characteristic absurd humor with satirical elements drawn from , the traditional Japanese comedic storytelling form, while centering on female performers known as joshi rakugo-ka. The concept stemmed from the creators' fascination with and the underrepresented world of female practitioners, deliberately shifting focus from onstage performances to the mundane, witty backstage banter among the characters to challenge conventional rakugo narratives. This approach allowed for a unique exploration of the performers' personalities and daily interactions in a theater setting, emphasizing humor derived from their observations on current events and pop culture rather than scripted routines. Serialization commenced on September 9, 2009, in the debut issue of Kodansha's , aligning with the magazine's launch as a monthly counterpart to . The series ran until September 9, 2013, concluding after 53 chapters compiled into six volumes. A limited edition of the fifth volume, released on February 8, 2013, bundled an (OVA) episode produced by .

Anime adaptation

The adaptation of Joshiraku was produced by the studio . It was directed by , with series composition handled by , character designs by Masayoshi Tanaka, and music composed by . The adaptation consists of a 13-episode television series that aired from July 5 to September 27, 2012, along with a single (OVA) episode. It transforms the manga's concise, vignette-based segments—centered on conversational humor among performers—into animated sketches, leveraging fluid techniques to introduce exaggerated visual gags, such as surreal background shifts and expressive facial distortions, while voice performances add layers of timing and intonation to heighten the satirical comedy. Key production elements include the opening theme "Oato ga Yoroshikutte...Yo!" performed by the main voice cast under the group name Rakugo Girls, and the ending theme "" by featuring Yoshida Brothers. The OVA , consisting of segments titled "Dainashiya / Sankyōbonya / Bikkuri Shūchū," was released on February 8, 2013, bundled as a limited edition DVD with the fifth volume of the . The main characters are voiced by a cast noted for their versatility in comedic roles: as Marii Buratei, Nozomi Yamamoto as Tetora Bōhatei, as Kigurumi Harōkitei, Saori Gotō as Kukuru Anrakutei, and as Gankyō Kūrubiyūtei. These selections emphasize performers with strong delivery in rapid-fire dialogue and exaggerated expressions, enhancing the adaptation's focus on verbal and visual wit.

Media releases

Manga publications

Joshiraku was serialized in Kodansha's from September 9, 2009, to September 9, 2013. The series was collected into six volumes published under Kodansha's Wide KC imprint. The first volume was released on May 17, 2010, while the final sixth volume came out on November 8, 2013. These volumes were issued in standard paperback editions. A limited edition of the fifth volume, released in February 2013, included a bundled DVD featuring an original anime episode. As of November 2025, there has been no official English-language translation or release of the manga. Overseas recognition remains limited, with the series primarily accessible through fan translations.

Anime broadcast and home video

The anime adaptation of Joshiraku consisted of 13 episodes that aired on Japanese television networks including Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS), Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting (CBC), and BS-TBS from July 5 to September 27, 2012. Each episode ran approximately 24 minutes and was structured into three self-contained segments of 6-7 minutes apiece, focusing on diverse topics such as casual fashion trends or visits to notable landmarks. A single (OVA) episode, directed by the same staff as the television series, was produced as an unaired extension and bundled exclusively with the limited edition fifth volume of the Joshiraku on February 8, 2013. In Japan, home video releases began with the first DVD and Blu-ray volume on September 26, 2012, issued by King Records under the StarChild label, with subsequent volumes following through May 2013 despite some delays for later installments. For international distribution, Maiden Japan licensed the series for in July 2019, releasing a subtitled Blu-ray complete collection on October 1, 2019, and streaming it with English subtitles on HIDIVE starting October 7, 2019. As of 2025, the series remains available for streaming on HIDIVE. The episode segments generally lacked an overarching narrative, instead delivering standalone parodies of Japanese culture and daily life—such as whimsical fantasies about lottery winnings or outings to sites like —with humor escalating into absurdity through the characters' banter.

Reception

Critical response

Joshiraku received generally positive reception from critics and anime enthusiasts, earning praise for its witty , strong character chemistry, and appeal to fans of absurd and Japanese cultural elements. On , the anime holds an average score of 7.43 out of 10 based on over 51,000 user ratings, reflecting its status as a "sleeper hit" among niche audiences who appreciate its stream-of-consciousness humor derived from everyday trivialities turned absurd. Reviewers highlighted the series' ability to deliver laughs through rapid-fire banter among its ensemble of performers, often noting its replay value due to the episodic, sketch-based structure that avoids reliance on a linear plot. Critics commended specific strengths such as the effective parodies of storytelling traditions, where the characters' discussions subvert conventional tropes by infusing them with modern, female-driven dynamics and satirical takes on Japanese society. The animation by was described as lively and above average, enhancing the comedic timing with vibrant visuals and expressive character designs that amplify the humor in subtle cultural references, from seasonal festivals to linguistic puns. Animeggroll's review emphasized the "great deal of fun" in the diverse personalities and their interactions, calling it ideal for viewers seeking lighthearted , while Infinite Zenith praised it as a "riot to watch" for demonstrating how narrative absence can still yield worthwhile entertainment through clever, self-contained vignettes. However, the series faced criticisms for its limited accessibility to non-Japanese audiences, primarily due to untranslatable puns and dense cultural allusions that lose impact in , rendering much of the opaque or flat. Some reviewers labeled it overly niche or "sketchy" for lacking a deeper plot, with Draggle's Blog assigning it a D+ grade and noting boredom from humor that fails to transcend its linguistic , despite acknowledging the characters' uniqueness and occasional hilarity in physical gags. Thematic analyses appreciated its subversion of rakugo's male-dominated through an all-female cast, fostering dynamics that blend camaraderie with competitive banter, though this was seen as endearing rather than revolutionary. In 2023 reflections, the series' enduring charm was reaffirmed, with critics like Infinite Zenith underscoring its timeless appeal in an era of more plot-heavy anime, positioning Joshiraku as a benchmark for unpretentious, culturally immersive comedy that rewards patient viewers attuned to its satirical edge.

Commercial performance

The Joshiraku manga, comprising six tankōbon volumes published between 2010 and 2013, achieved modest sales in Japan, remaining a niche title without entering major bestseller lists or reaching breakout circulation figures comparable to mainstream series. During the 2012 anime adaptation's broadcast, individual volumes occasionally peaked in the top 30 positions on Oricon's weekly charts, reflecting a temporary boost from increased visibility, though exact sales data remains limited and indicative of steady but limited demand among rakugo enthusiasts. The 2012 anime adaptation aired in a late-night slot on networks like AT-X and , garnering average viewership ratings typical for the genre and time period, with no standout peaks reported in broadcast metrics. releases underperformed commercially, as evidenced by the first limited-edition Blu-ray volume selling 3,539 copies in its debut week on Oricon's charts, while subsequent volumes sold around 3,000-4,000 units initially before tapering off, underscoring a dedicated but small audience rather than widespread market penetration. In 2019, Maiden Japan acquired licensing rights for North American distribution, leading to a Blu-ray complete collection release and streaming availability on HIDIVE, which revitalized international interest and spurred higher viewership metrics through legal platforms following years of circulation. As of 2025, the series maintains a strong foothold among Japanese fans and has cultivated international communities, evidenced by over 51,000 user scores on averaging 7.43 and an active dedicated subreddit with ongoing discussions, including rewatches in 2025. Despite this enduring niche appeal, Joshiraku has not generated significant merchandise lines or additional adaptations, with no sequels announced by 2025 and only occasional re-releases of volumes in signaling limited ongoing commercial expansion. Its legacy persists through subtle influences on subsequent rakugo-themed or ensemble comedy series, contributing to the genre's evolution without achieving blockbuster status.

References

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