Descending Stories
What did you think of this episode?
5Loved it!
91.5%
420
4Liked it!
5.4%
25
3It was OK
2.0%
9
2Disliked it
0.9%
4
1Hated it
0.2%
1
Average 4.9
459 votes
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| THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE. ---------------------------------------- This episode was interesting. There's a motherly feel to it from the first half with Miyokichi. There's also the spiritual feel between the main guys. The rakugo performance this episode is well done as expected by Hatsutaro. The way his body language is used with the expression of his face shows his talent. Glad to see this season still makes him relevant. Good surreal storytelling. |
Stark700Mar 17, 2017 12:55 PM
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| No OP & ED. The two souls spending their time together. Festival, onsen, geisha. Then the lady appeared. lol @ "Soko no Moja Moja". She doesn't want him to ask her to forgive him. Her only worry was her daughter. There's even the rakugo theater at the "underworld". There's even a mat that can call someone alive?! (kid version of the daughter) Dead Sukeroku's performance. Manga frame form when he encouraged Ishida-san's character to do it, too. He became old again and called out his grandson. lol @ his performance. They bid farewell. Even that old caretaker is there?! 26:42 next. Is that man the little grandson growing up? |
tsubasaloverMar 17, 2017 11:45 AM
I ♥ Two Syaorans from Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and TRC!!! |
| The ending scene </3, cried again in this episode. Best anime of the year, bring me the last episode <3 5/5 |
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| its raining in my room |
| Honestly this episode was pretty boring, until the last 5 minutes. When Matsuda was on the boat with Yakumo...damn that got me good. Looks like one hell of a time leap next week. 15 years later. Crazy. |
| Listen to my podcast https://anchor.fm/waifusandweeaboos Follow my twitch. https://www.twitch.tv/sorasensei1 Spring 2025 Waifus on Profile "You can have multiple Waifus" -me |
| Yakumo and Sukeroku parting nearly made me cry, too. But those two and Miyokichi got to spend time together and leave everything behind just by chit chatting, i thought that was a great touch how to handle that. They realise that they did wrong. Seeing Matsuda shocked me, so he died as well? Oh man but it's still a great thing that he could go off with Yakumo into the light. It all came together magically at the end...it fits to the series IMO and doesn't make it any less credible. There are many depictions of the limbo, no one will ever know how it will look like. Really great episode, episode 10 was definitely better though. |
| Huh...well alright then. I guess they decided to play it straight. Yakumo has died and spends this episode catching up with Sukeroku and Miyokichi before moving on. It was certainly a fitting sendoff for him, and another strong episode, but it failed to reach the emotional heights of the previous episode for me. No tears flowed this time, though I did get choked up a couple times. It bothered me that Yotaro was the only one seemingly left out of seeing Yakumo's final performance so when he got the nod during it I smiled, and Matsuda rowing him away was a very nice touch. So yeah, again I'll say it was a very good episode, just...not the best, or even second best this season for me which feels kinda strange since it served as the central character's sendoff. I guess it's a microcosm of my general feelings regarding this series as a whole. Which I was gonna save until next week but guess I'll mention now. Basically my primary interest when starting this series was seeing if Konatsu would do rakugo. It was the original piece of the plot synopsis which grabbed my attention enough to give it a try. And while the series as a whole has undoubtedly been excellent and season one was important, I definitely enjoyed this second season more because it focused more on her, and Yotaro. It was Yakumo's connection to them and their stories that interested me more than the past with Sukeroku and Miyokichi. In the present in Konatsu's case, I admit she has overlap between the two. And it seems like this episode was Yakumo making peace and saying goodbye to the season one regulars, whereas the previous episode was him doing the same with this season's...even if I didn't know it at the time. So I guess it makes sense then that I connected much more powerfully with the previous episode's events over these. With all that said I am glad we have one final episode to check up on those Yakumo left behind in the world of the living. Seems we'll be getting quite the time skip too if the two in the preview are who I think they are. :D |
| I cried while watching this entire episode. It was so sad, yet beautiful at the same time. |
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| I'm quite a self possessed guy, not really a part of the 'feels' brigade that exists in mass around these parts. Having said that I had a knot in my throat through half of this episode and when Yakumo and Sukeroku did their pinky promise...the waterworks did their thing. Wonderful episode. Watch and learn anime world, this is how you do closure. |
| "Perhaps there is a universal, absolute truth. Perhaps it justifies every question. But that's beyond the reach of these small hands." Mamoru Oshii There is a cult of ignorance (...) nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” Isaac Asimov |
| Yeah, I didn't cry or anything either, but this episode was great. Seeing Matsuda at the end made me think "not you too!" Luckily he's not dead, probably. Interactions were great, and it's nice the difference between Yakumo and the other members of the S1 trio in terms of life experience. |
| I need sleep. |
| That hurt. Deeply. I wanted to admire the splendid aesthetic and direction throughout the episode, including Konatsu and Shin-bo appearance, but it felt so surreal with Sukeroku there I just sat on edge until the inevitable happened. As soon as he got on the boat I knew I was done for, and then the pinky promise, and then Matsuda...they knew exactly how to get us. I'm pretty sure Yakumo took my soul on the boat with him. Really though, I don't think I've ever seen after-life character development done quite like this. Somber and realistic for the characters and the mood of the story, and still unbearably emotional. Even Miyokichi gains some respect at the end(well...maybe). Sukeroku was perfect, especially highlighting his effect on people during his performance. I don't know if I'll be able to handle this epilogue. I don't think I can handle old man Yotaro. lonelytree said: Seeing Matsuda at the end made me think "not you too!" Luckily he's not dead, probably. No, that's exactly what did happen. He was only still alive for his Master, after all, which is what makes it so damn sad. |
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| I hated watching this episode. I felt no joy or closure to anything. Seeing Sukeroku and Miyokichi again made it even worse. :( |
| I thought i won't cry but hell......the ending. Also,Matsuda-san :'( RIP everyone, especially me, hah |
| Oh gosh, I absolutely love this episode. I'm rarely moved emotionally but I surely was while watching it. Sooo he really died. I also excepted more dramatic events surrounding his death, like the episode when the theatre burned down. But then again, until this episode everything was so... sharp and emotional. The way they acted, that coldness... and then it changed totally in last episode. Smiling Sukeroku? Wow. And I think this ending was suitable, because it's showing how he grew up (finally) and find his peace. And he found even more peace after his death! Being able to rejoice with those two. It was so soothing. |
| Matsuda-san scene got me right in the kokoro, can't stop crying. |
| >User since 2008 Please god help me quit this website. Such great community that doesn't even know how demographics work, AND gives """detailed"""" reviews after first episodes. |
| this might be one of the best anime episodes ive ever seen. |
Chimera-Ant Arc sucks A1-Pictures is great Lelouch is alive  |
| Not the best episode, don't really like this imagination stuff and while I didn't cry atleast those last 5 mins were interesting. |
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| The pinky swear just made all the tears I held throughout the whole episode come out, and then Matuda at the end made them nonstop. I'm not ready for the final episode. |
| I'm, once again, in tears. I should have expected this, since last episode's preview was clever enough not to show characters but scenery. Words fail me to describe the feeling, a mixture of nostalgia, happiness, and awe. Sukeroku was there, for Yakumo, for his Bon, when he died. If that doesn't show us how important they were for each other, I don't know what will. Miyokichi was there too, and the three of them got the opportunity to talk again. I was so heartwarming to see how both Miyo and Sukeroku let go of many things they regretted, and were able to forgive each other and themselves. Miyo is no longer angry or upset, but thankful at Kukihiko. Sukeroku showed Bon the afterlife, and performed for all of us again (I never considered the chance of him on stage without being a memory throughout this season, so it made me ridiculously happy). Yakumo went through all of his life being there, in what seemed to be an in-between place, before reaching true paradise. He went back to being a kid, along his Shin, and they ate and joked. He became a young man and visited the hot baths (that place that holds a lot of meaning for him), and talked to Miyo, who didn't want any more apologies. He was himself again, in that majestic theater and performed... "Jugemo". Watching little Konatsu and Shin-chan enjoying for one last time Yakumo's performance felt like a goodbye, but also like the moment old rakugo moved on and left space for new rakugo (I hope). At the end, Soukeroku and Miyokichi --the two persons Yakumo loved the most in the past-- are still not ready to cross the river, but Yakumo/Kukihiko/Bon is. He and Sukeroku were separated once again, but with new warm memories forged to replace the old tragic and regretful ones, and with the promise (a pinky promise) to see each other again. Watching Matsuda there, on the same boat, was a total surprise for me, but somehow it felt like logical, like he belonged at his master's side even in the afterlife. This episode was a walk down memory lane, but it also was the warm and happy closure Yakume needed. He loved and was loved back, and that is what really matters. Finally, next episode's preview presented us a grown-up Shin-chan with his sister, and I already know I will be crying again. |
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| I don't know whether I should feel a sense of closure or feel depressed after this episode, ugh. I'm really not ready for the finale.... |
ReverberateMar 17, 2017 4:52 PM
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| The last scene gave me heavy feels :'( Just so many emotions were running through my head this episode. The Sukeroku and Yakumo moment was already beautiful in itself. Then Matsuda shows up to give Yakumo a ride for the last time, oh so great! :) Next episode is next weak, not sure if I'm ready. Although I'm looking forward to seeing the kids all grown up. |
| Wow. Just wow. Out of all the great things this series has brought us, one thing I will always remember is the absolute stellar collection of voice talent. Anyway, nearly had me tear up in the end. This season did not disappoint. Epilogue next week and then the book closes on a really great show that no one expected to be this good. |
| That was a good, emotional episode, but it felt a bit too much supernatural-y for my tastes. I definitely prefer the more grounded portrayal of ghosts (In which they looked more like manifestations of Yakumo's regret and guilt more than anything) the anime used before this episode. |
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| Another 10/10 episode.....I honestly can't say anything that anyone hasn't already said in this thread but man this was so satisfying to see Bon meet Sukeroku and Miyokichi again RIP Matsusa-san and RIP Bon....You both along with Sukeroku and Miyokichi will forever be in my heart and the hearts of others And going from the PV, I'm guessing that the guy was Shin and that Yotaro and Konatsu ended up having a cute little girl :'') |
| Well, i guess thats one way to ruin otherwise decent show. |
| this episode was so overwhelming... I liked how they cleared all the unsaid feelings.... the last episode is a prologue....Aaah gives you sort of a satisfied feeling |
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| So she threatened him to kill herself then tripped and fell... and accidentally stabbed him... O__O |
My Candies: 2024       2023  2022       Bonus candies: 2024   2023  2022  |
| Brilliant episode, I just have a question: why did Sukeroku stay behind in limbo? Wasn't he able to move on, after seeing Bon having closure? |
ph4zoN said: Brilliant episode, I just have a question: why did Sukeroku stay behind in limbo? Wasn't he able to move on, after seeing Bon having closure? Anyone who dies of an unnatural death AKA not dying of old age won't have a lot of money to cover the cost to "Move-on" I don't know anything about Japanese Buddhism, but I'm just saying what I see. :P |
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| I kid you not when I say I can't stop crying. I'm sad Kiku died, but at least was in peace and had no regrets. |
| What a beautiful episode. Kiku die, but in a very peaceful way. |
But it's important to remember that a movie review is subjective;it only gives you one person's opinion. http://www.classzone.com/books/lnetwork_gr08/page_build.cfm?content=analyz_media&ch=30 It doesn't matter if you like LoGH,Monster etc.If you are a jobless or college/school dropout living in your mom basement, you are still an unintelligent loser. Taste in anime does not make you a better person.If elitist don't exist, casual pleb and shit taste also don't exist. |
| Kiku performs with his "Eight Generation" outlook because it was trult his golden age of Rakugo. And out of any story, he chose Jugemu after he knows that Shin-chan is watching, too. Not the best episode indeed, but it's still a good closure for Kiku's relationship with Sukeroku and Miyokichi. |
| "Whenever you fail at something, always remember that you won't fail as much as Usagi Drop did." |
| Rather than getting teary and sad, I had this dumb grin on me the whole time. Wow, what a mood swing from the two weeks before. Am I emotionally ready for this series to come to an end?? D; |
| completely retarded, utterly destroyed any shred of realism this show had remaining. I can only take so much when it comes to bs fantasies like these and their dumb plot conveniences was seriously enjoying it all until this episode, now the whole season is ruined for me |
| So he truly did die, it's been hinted at this whole season but it's still kind of difficult to accept. At least he was at peace when he died. It was nice to see Bon interact and spend time with Sukeroku and Miyokichi before moving on, and damn those last few minutes had me teary-eyed. I really don't want this to end :( |
| People on MAL refuse to actually enjoy watching anime. Your taste in anime isn't a personality trait. MAL is literally just anime Twitter as its own website lol. |
| Damn, what a send off. Rather than an actual afterlife I had the feeling it was more his dying dream where he could finally come to terms with everything after dying peacefully in his sleep. I was half expecting there to be a point where he woke up. |
ReaperCreeperMar 18, 2017 3:25 AM
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| Nice episode. Even though it seems he finally died (first I thought he was only dreaming) it wasn't sad. It was a happy mood with him meeting Sukeroku and Miyokichi again. And even Matsuda joined him. Next episode it seems will be some years later. In the preview the 2 chars eemed like Shinnosuke grown up and the girl probably his sister (same hair color as Konatsu ... so I guess she's the child of Yotaro and Konatsu). They'll probably talk about Yakumo - and he'll tell her (she didn't get to know him) about him. |
| The after life in Japan looks fun. Prostitutes and even theater are going there, looks like there's enough for your entertainment, I hope they have mangas and animes too :) It strucked me how I love Miyokichi's voice (when she's nice). It goes up and down with a lot of intonations. It's like she's singing. I noticed the Seiyuu did Faye's role from Cowboy Bebop? I didn't remember her voice from it. It probably depends on the role. She shines here. I missed Sukeroku's voice too. Great episode. |
kaimax said: Anyone who dies of an unnatural death AKA not dying of old age won't have a lot of money to cover the cost to "Move-on" I don't know anything about Japanese Buddhism, but I'm just saying what I see. :P Ahh that makes sense, I thought he was joking about the money thing. |
| I mean, it wouldnt have been bad if they'd do the usual ''He dies and people cry around his deathbed + funeral'' but im really glad they did this instead. I smiled, laughed and shed some tears, this episode was amazing and beautiful. I'm gonna be really sad when the anime end. |
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| I'm not usually very keen on afterlife stuff or when they confirm the existence of a god, but this was just so well done. Somber, yet joyous, for everyone was reunited and their past transgressions sorted out. It didn't feel corny or overblown at all, it was just perfect. |
| Didn't like the episode. It wasn't bad per se, but last episode was pretty much one of my favorite anime episodes of all time. What I wanted to see was Kiku seeing Konatsu performing and then dying peacefully, having overcome the ghosts of his past. Or even him going back to do Rakugo before dying, Imagine a family show with Konatsu, Yota and Kiku. That would've been totally awesome. What I got was pretty much just a reason to bring back Hatsu and Miyo to the anime. The episode itself wasn't bad, but the last episodes pretty much shown a Kiku that had already made peace with his past, so everything that happened in this episode was kinda pointless. The only things we learned were that Miyo was actually trying to kill herself (even if she didn't plan to go all the way), stabbing Hatsu unwillingly and that she really liked Konatsu and wanted to be a better mother and wife. But all that could've been done quicker and easily in a short scene instead of a whole episode for all that. I like the characters of the past very much and I loved the 1st season, but the whole Yota arc pretty much directed my feelings to the future of the story, not the past. People made peace with their pasts and with each other, and now I wanted to see the future of Rakugo, with Konatsu performing and Sensei's works being used. This kind of farewell to the old characters could very have been done in an extra episode to sell more BD. Anyways, it's the manga author's fault, not the anime's. |
| Wow. People have been calling previous episodes "best one yet," but I think this will take the cake. Yakumo finally has solace after he dies thanks to Sukeroku and Miyokichi. The afterlife is also a really interesting place. Really interested in how the final episode will wrap everything up. |
| I'm just confused by the whole concept of scoring by "Writing and characters." If you're not entertained, why should you care? |
| Shin-bo looks like a young Kiku grown up. |
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| Oh, so that wasn't really Sukeroku. Phew. I'm very pleased with this version of the afterlife: people and objects/places. One small thing I particularly enjoyed was Yakumo's gaze - a bit more tame and warmer than when he was young. I laughed at his shock at seeing Matsuda. |
| The world is the illusion of the real world. |
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