Akane-banashi Rakugo anime’s official website unveiled the preview images and synopsis for the up and coming episode 1.
Synopsis for the episode is as following:
“Fifth-grader Akane Sakurazaki was captivated by the magical world of rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling), having watched her father, Shinta Aragawa, a rakugo performer, at work. To support his family who have helped him achieve his dream, Shinta takes the promotion exam to become a “shinuchi,” the highest rank in the rakugo world. With Akane and others watching, Shinta demonstrates his abilities, but the promotion exam takes a shocking turn that no one could have predicted.”
The opening theme song “HITOTARASHI” is performed by Kuwata Keisuke.
Staff for the anime include:
- Ayumu Watanabe as Director
- Animation Studio: ZEXCS
- Yu Harima as Assistant Director
- Kii Tanaka as Character Designer, Animation Director
- Michihiro Tsuchiya as Script Supervisor
- Akio Izutsu as Music Composer
- Kikuhiko Hayashiya as rakugo Supervisor
Stars for the anime include:
- Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki
- Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya
- Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi
Akane-banashi is a captivating Japanese manga crafted by writer Yuki Suenaga and artist Takamasa Moue. The story centers on Akane Osaki, a determined teenager chasing the pinnacle of rakugo—a traditional Japanese storytelling art—driven by a personal mission to restore her father’s honor after his expulsion from the rakugo world six years prior. The series’ rakugo elements are meticulously overseen by professional rakugoka Kikuhiko Hayashiya, ensuring authenticity. Serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2022, Akane-banashi has been compiled into 17 tankōbon volumes as of June 2025. Viz Media brings this vibrant tale to English-speaking audiences in North America.
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