In which Em & Kris discuss frame narratives, intergenerational tales, and Kiku’s bishounen facial features. | While typically specializing in the Boys’ Love genre, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is Haruko Kumota’s first josei. Season 1 of the 2016 anime was produced by Studio Deen and directed by Shinichi Omata. Showa is a theatrical period piece incorporating slice-of-life, supernatural, and whimsical elements. The show was given an “A” score by the Anime News Network, where it was praised for its “strong underlying narrative to gorgeous direction and top-tier performances”.