Upon his release from prison, a man seeks out the famous comedic storyteller Yakumo after falling in love with his rendition of a story called "Shinigami." Yakumo accepts the ex-convict as his apprentice, nicknaming him "Yotaro."
EPISODE 1
Episode 1
Former convict Yotaro seeks out Yurakutei Yakumo, a storyteller who gave a memorable performance in his prison, and begs to become the man's apprentice.
EPISODE 2
Episode 2
Yakumo begins the story of the promise he made with Sukeroku, starting with how they met and began practicing rakugo.
EPISODE 3
Episode 3
After their first performance, Kikuhiko keenly feels the difference in skill between himself and Hatsutaro, who recommends he try erotic stories.
EPISODE 4
Episode 4
Kikuhiko and Hatsutaro, promoted to futatsume, leave their master's house to live an impoverished life on their own.
EPISODE 5
Episode 5
Sukeroku's success in performing, charming girls, and navigating life in general annoys Kikuhiko and sparks jealousy within him.
EPISODE 6
Episode 6
Kikuhiko is feeling better about himself after the success of the play; Sukeroku asks Kikuhiko what motivates him to perform.
Akira Ishida
Kōichi Yamadera
Tomokazu Seki
Yū Kobayashi
Megumi Hayashibara
Mamoru Hatakeyama
