じょしらく (2013)

Joshiraku (じょしらく), also known as Rakugo Girls, is a Japanese comedy manga series written by Kōji Kumeta and illustrated by Yasu, focusing on the everyday lives of five young female rakugo comedians. The manga was serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from September 2009 to September 2013, and compiled into six tankōbon volumes. An anime television adaptation by J.C.Staff aired in Japan from July to September 2012, with an original video animation (OVA) episode released in February 2013. The series primarily features the girls' backstage conversations and humorous interactions, with actual rakugo performances shown sparingly. The anime adaptation added contemporary references and satirical elements, alongside original segments featuring Tokyo sightseeing. A stage play adaptation was also produced in 2015, further highlighting its popularity. The core appeal lies in the girls' quirky dialogues and humorous takes on daily life, rather than traditional rakugo performances.