Akane-banashi TV Anime Adaptation Currently in Production, Set to Debut in 2026

akane-banashi anime teaser visual feature image cropped

TV Asahi has announced that a TV anime adaptation of Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue’s rakugo-themed manga Akane-banashi is in the works and is set to premiere in 2026 on Asahi Network’s IMAnimation programming block. A new teaser visual, trailer, main cast, and staff details have also been unveiled.

Ayumu Watanabe (Summer Time Rendering, Witch Hat Atelier) will be directing the anime series, with Yu Harima (Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead episode 9 director and storyboarder) as assistant director, Michihiro Tsuchiya (ClassicaLoid seasons 1-2) as screenwriter, Kii Tanaka (So I’m a Spider, So What?) as character designer and chief animation director, Akio Izutsu (Phi-Brain – Puzzle of God) as composer, and Kikuhiko Hayashiya as rakugo supervisor. ZEXCS will handle the animation production. Hayashiya also supervised the rakugo in the original manga series.
The main voice cast features Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya, and Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi.
The official synopsis, as detailed in the press release, is:
“With only your voice and body — master the art.”
Akane Osaki, enchanted since childhood by the incredible performances of her father, Shinta Arakawa, witnesses a shocking event during his pivotal performance for promotion to shin’uchi (master rank).
Six years later, now a high school student, she is determined to become a shin’uchi herself, forging ahead in the fiercely competitive realm of rakugo.
A passionate and genuine rakugo drama begins now!
An Akane-banashi panel will also take place at the upcoming Anime NYC 2025. The panel will see Shueisha editor Seisuke Araki and TV Asahi producer Kazuki Endo, who will provide attendees with an exclusive early glance at the project, along with behind-the-scenes insights into the adaptation. Fans will receive special free items and have the chance to win exclusive giveaway items.

Suenaga is responsible for the writing of the manga series, while Moue handles the illustrations. It was first serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine on February 14, 2022 and has released 17 tankobon volumes as of June 2025. An 18th volume is set to be released in Japan on September 4, 2025. VIZ Media has licensed the manga for English release.
VIZ Media licensed the Akane-banashi manga for English release, summarizing the main premise as:
Shinta Arakawa desires nothing more than to successfully complete his shin’uchi exam — the test that would elevate him to a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. His daughter Akane Osaki is his most ardent supporter and even practices the same performances while observing him from behind the closed door of his study. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam without explanation, a fire ignites within Akane. From then on, she is driven by one goal — to avenge her father and validate his art as deserving of the shin’uchi title.

Source: press release

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Akane-banashi TV Anime Adaptation Currently in Production, Set to Debut in 2026

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