Akane-banashi Rakugo anime’s official website unveiled the preview images and synopsis for the up and coming episode 5.
Synopsis for the episode is as following:
“Akane, a third-year high school student, breathes a sigh of relief after finishing her midterm exams, but her relief is short-lived as she receives guidance from her homeroom teacher. And her teacher is none other than Iwashimizu, known as the “Ice Lady.” Akane, who aspires to become a rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) performer, finds Iwashimizu unwilling to budge, instead urging her to pursue a more realistic path like university. Desperate to convince Iwashimizu to accept her dream, Akane consults with her friends in an attempt to win her over…”
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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