Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen

They both have a lot of drama and a lot of passion about art. Art is an important and really intertaining part of both anime. 

they both cover cultural japanese forms of art, they both have romance, while chihayafuru is a little more sports centric it still carries all the basic elements you would expect in a show like sgrs. chihayafuru is a more shounen-like teenage version that anyone who enjoyed sgrs should like. 

Both anime are about making a name in the Highly competitive world of raguko for the main characters and the struggles of being an apprentice, training under famous masters and finding their own style.. one in shouwa Era and another in taishou era 

Both with great storytelling, while Rakugo using such poetic kind of narration that make a good clear picture to the audience, March Comes in like a Lion uses visual narration that symbolizes the whole point of a story. 

Both with high quality drama, mature plot, very wise narration and good characters. 

Both focus on a deep character development, especially in the way the main character deals with people around him. Is our life just ours? How much are we responsible for the people around us who love us? The main characters in both of these anime deal with such problems, thinking about their lives and deciding whether it's worth even trying to change something or not. Does it matter if I die like this? Am I able to actually do anything good in this state I am right now? If you liked this psychological aspect in NGE, you'll definitely love Rakugo. 

They both have a subdued tone and are introspective and wise.  

I don't know what it is, but they somehow have a similar peaceful feel to it.  

Interested in the daily lives and art forms of the Showa era? Can't wait to uncover mysteries? Keen to see some drama? Generally interested in the workings behind friendships and other relationships? If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, then either (or both) of these shows might be just perfect for you.