Watch Tiger and Dragon

Tiger and Dragon is a Japanese Netflix original drama series that aired in March 2021. The show is a unique mixture of comedy, slice-of-life, and martial arts, set in Tokyo's entertainment district. It follows the life of a rakugo performer and his apprentices, their challenges, and various relationships.

The main character of the show is Rakugo performer Naoki Ishido, who performs as Shunputei Yudai. He struggles with the declining popularity of the traditional Japanese art form rakugo and is determined to rebuild its reputation with a modern twist. Yudai takes on two apprentices, one of whom is physically strong but lacks communication skills, and the other is talented but struggles with stage fright. In addition to their rakugo training and performances, the show explores the unique personalities and relationships of each character. The audience can see them cope with their personal problems, form friendships, and understand each other.

One of the most striking features of the show is its portrayal of the world of rakugo. While the backdrop is of the entertainment district, a subculture not often put in the spotlight, the show immerses the audience in the intricacies of the rakugo art form. Rakugo is a traditional Japanese form of entertainment that involves a lone performer telling a comic story while sitting on a cushion, using minimal props and facial expressions to convey the story's various characters. The show masterfully integrates these rakugo performances throughout the episodes, providing fascinating insight into this dying art.

Despite being a comedy, there is never a dull moment in the show. The characters undergo careful character construction, and the underlying truths and lessons make for a wholesome and thought-provoking result. The dialogue's sharp wit and sarcasm makes for an entertaining watch, highlighting the dynamics between the performers.

The show's music, composed by popular Japanese pianist and composer Yoko Kanno, deserves a special mention. Kanno's music breathes life into the show, and each piece heightens the show's emotion, either amplifying the hilarity or introducing a layer of depth to the characters' stories.

Tiger and Dragon also touch upon modern societal issues. The show reflects the current challenges of older traditions in a modern society in decline due to tech-enabled distractions. The show has a sobering message for the world that is losing its connection with the world's cultures and histories, warning against being too easily swayed by commercial pop cultural distractions. The show is a fascinating look into the delicate balance between preserving tradition and the forces of change in modern society.

In conclusion, Tiger and Dragon is a delightful show with a unique mix of drama, comedy, and martial arts. Rakugo performances provide insight into an old Japanese art form's gradual demise, providing a window of understanding to a fading culture. The characters and their quirks are endearing, and the show carries an overall message that may reflect bigger and more relevant societal issues. If you like comedy, drama, or even martial arts, Tiger and Dragon is a show you should not miss.

Tiger and Dragon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between March 15, 2023 and on Netflix