While I finished most of the shows in the Fall season, there is one show I watched but haven’t covered. Although I watched Uchi no Shishou wa Shippo ga Nai, I didn’t cover it since it’s not something I can cover weekly, given the nature of the show. So, you might be wondering how Mameda’s relationship with Bunko went?
The story of Uchi no Shishou wa Shippo ga Nai focuses on a female Tanuki named Mameda. She leaves the village to go to Osaka, where her father used to live. She can transform into her usual human form along with other disguises, despite being warned against playing tricks on humans. Despite their warnings, Mameda played tricks on the people around Osaka, and they saw through it.
Mameda eventually plays a trick on Bunko, disguised as her father, to hand back the hat. But, of course, she received a warning and saw through her trick. With her trickery failing, she went into a theatre, not knowing what it was and saw Bunko’s rakugo, a type of Japanese comedic storytelling. After being amazed by her performance, Mameda spaces out until the townspeople discover her and try to hunt her.
Thankfully, Bunko saves her and tells her to go back home. However, Mameda makes up her mind to peruse the art of rakugo to show those humans if the usual trickery isn’t going to work. While Bunko was reluctant to let her in, she eventually took her on as an apprentice. Of course, Mameda matures quite a bit as she learns more and develops a relationship with Bunko.
Probably the reason why I didn’t cover this show as it’s challenging to analyze each story told by the characters. I feel it’s best to watch the show to get the whole experience. Still, it’s educational to teach the aspects of rakugo and explain some of the stories after the credits. There is a good reason why this show takes place in Osaka, as many rakugoka are from that place during that period.
What is interesting is Mameda’s character development throughout the story. In the beginning, she was a prankster. When she decided to pursue rakugo, she made friends with Koito and Shirai. While there are funny moments like Bunko chastising Mameda for getting into situations she shouldn’t have and Bunko playing with Mameda transformed into a shamisen. Mameda wanted to help Koito after her instrument broke.
It was interesting to see Mameda mature, which is not surprising since she wants to perfect her art. Seeing Bunko defrost is nice. When three of the “Heavenly Kings” told Bunko to expel Mameda since she couldn’t have an apprentice from her master’s order, she felt lonely. I find it funny that she pretends to be Mameda, but it shows she has grown to like her.
It’s also interesting that Bunko is a female fox spirit driven from a shrine that the townspeople have torn down. Yes, it took a while to figure out that Bunko is not a human like Mameda. The Yakuza boss gave hints when he called Bunko a “vixen.” Finally, the Rakukoka master took her in and trained her on rakugo with the hope of finding her own path. But, of course, her master didn’t convey the last part until after she found out. That is after she sees him again while being with Mameda after saving her from a challenging situation.
Overall, Uchi no Shishou wa Shippo ga Nai is an interesting show, mainly from a character standpoint. The development of the Mameda and Bunko pairing, while gradual, is the show’s highlight.
They are destined for each other, given their similar situation with humans. So it’s only a matter of finding another way to trick humans. Moreover, they realize that they do have feelings for each other, one way or another. Also, the presentation is not bad, and the opening and ending themes especially sound good. But overall, the yuri for this one is pretty good, although subtle, besides the comedy, of course.
Other Reviews:
Like other comedy girls shows the performances weren’t easy to follow as an outsider but thankfully here we got context at the end of every episode.
Mameda’s adventures and her relationship wumith the beautiful Bunko were the highlights for me. Good stuff.
Agreed, but at least Mameda’s adventures into Rakugo and her developing a relationship with Bunko is at least nice.