The scope of this drama, traveling through three generations of rakugo storytellers through childhood to manhood, from teacher to student, is massive, and often felt like I was watching an NHK Morning drama compressed into 10 episodes! 
VERY engaging drama with heartfelt acting throughout, especially from Masaki Okada, whom, playing key character Yakumo, ran the gamut from wide-eyed teen to seasoned pro and bitter senior with little effort! As well the energetic performance by Ikusaburo Yamazaki who played the bombastic scene-stealing Sukeroku, and the gentle and captivating Aya Oomasa as the show's doomed love interest Miyokiochi....
This was one very involving drama, one that I will remember for a long time!
Posted by zdorama@zdoramaagain.blogspot.com
In the "present day" we had Riko Narumi and Ryo Ryusei as the young generation of aspiring tellers hoping to make the stage the home for their tales, giving closure to the overall story and ending the drama on a strong and sombre note!
