Trailer

Descending Stories

2016 – 2017Show2 seasons25 episodesTV-14

81
GreatGoodWatch score

A deeply moving, profoundly sad animated series about history and family, with standout performances and world-building.

Good for family movie night · friends night · teens

Skip it if you want fast pacing

Where to watch

Set your services
What's new on Crunchyroll

Fingerprint

Not for scares or adrenaline.

Shows with

Episodes

2 seasons · 25 episodes · best: S1E12 "Episode 12" 9.4

Episodes

8.7

Story

Flourishing Shōwa – Rakugo Double Suicide

When a certain man is released from prison, he knows exactly where he's heading first. After falling in love with a traditional comic storyteller's rendition of the story called "Shinigami," he is determined to become his apprentice. The performer, Yakumo, has never taken an apprentice before, but to everyone's surprise, he accepts the eager ex-prisoner, nicknaming him "Yotaro." As Yotaro happily begins his new life, he meets others in Yakumo's life, including Yakumo's ward Konatsu. Konatsu was the daughter of a famous storyteller, and Yakumo took her in after her father's tragic death. Konatsu loved her father's storytelling, and would love to become a performer in her own right—but that path is not available for women.

Feels like

  • Melancholic Historical Drama
  • Rakugo Artistry & Tradition
  • Complex Master-Apprentice Bonds
  • Post-War Japanese Nostalgia
  • Slow-Burn Character Study
  • Poetic Dialogue & Storytelling
  • Tragic Romance & Loss
  • Cultural Preservation Narrative
  • Emotional Catharsis

Cast

Crew

Music by
Kana Shibue

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

January 9, 2016 · March 25, 2017 · Ended

First aired
January 9, 2016
Last aired
March 25, 2017
Status
Ended
Length
2 seasons · 25 episodes
Age rating
TV-14
Content
Suicide Themes, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Animation, Drama
Original language
Japanese
Made in
Japan
Available in
47 countries

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream Descending Stories?"

Questions about Descending Stories

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Descending Stories?

In the United States, Descending Stories streams on Crunchyroll. It also streams in 32 other countries.

Is Descending Stories worth watching?

81
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81 (IMDb 8.3).

Is Descending Stories okay for kids?

TV-14Suicide themesDisturbing imagery

Yes: it's rated TV-14 in the United States for suicide themes and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

How long does it take to watch Descending Stories?

11 h

About 11 hours: 25 episodes in 2 seasons of about 26 minutes each, aired from 2016 to 2017.

Is Descending Stories plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (9 of 10) and pathos (9 of 10) more than on its plot.

Is Descending Stories good for date night?

and 3 moreFamily Movie NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightIntergenerational

It's better for a family night: romance is 6 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for families.

Is Descending Stories in English?

Japanese

No, it was made in Japanese.