Everything you need to know about the Akane-banashi anime

Akane-banashi is one of the most popular new-gen manga, covering the lesser-tread-upon shonen theme of performing arts. Written by Takamasa Moue and illustrated by Yuuki Suenaga, the series has been serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump since February 2022.

Manga fans and curious onlookers were greatly intrigued when the official anime adaptation was confirmed on August 4, 2025, along with a teaser and promotional visual. Additionally, details regarding the adapting studio, cast, and staff were also revealed, generating further excitement.

Akane-banashi revolves around the art of Rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling medium where classic tales are performed by professionals. The series follows the titular protagonist, Akane, a girl who grows up admiring the Rakugo performed by her father, Tooru.

However, after getting expelled during a promotion exam by Issho Arakawa, Tooru decides to give up on his dreams and settle for a life of normalcy. Unable to accept her father’s fate, Akane decides to step into the treacherous world of Rakugo, rising through the ranks through complex performances to carry forward her father’s legacy.

As mentioned, Akane-banashi has been ongoing since 2022 and has 169 chapters at the time of writing. The series’s anime adaptation has officially been revealed to be in the works and is scheduled for release in 2026. Studio Zexcs, best known for Say “I Love You” and Flowers of Evil, will be bringing the show to the screen.

The anime will originally be televised on ANN’s TV Asahi in the IMAnimation block and BS Asahi. Ayumu Watanabe from Summertime Rendering and Howl’s Moving Castle will be the show's Main Director, supported by Assistant Director Yu Harima.

Kii Tanaka, who worked on Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Fairy Tail, will be the Character Designer and Chief Animation Director. Akio Izutsu will be in Music while Michihiro Tsuchiya will be the Composer. Finally, Kikuyo Hayashiya will provide supervision to the Rakugo.

Akane-banashi cast

At present, only three voice actors from the Akane-banashi anime have been revealed. Anna Nagase, who voiced Ushio in Summertime Rendering and Harley Quinn in Isekai Suicide Squad, will be playing the role of the titular protagonist, Akane.

The beloved Rie Takahashi, who has voiced the likes of Ai Hoshino from Oshi no Ko and Emilia from Re: Zero, will be voicing Hikaru Kouragi. Last but not least, Takuya Eguchi, who has brought Hachiman from Oregairu and Loid from Spy X Family to life, will be taking on the role of the fascinating Karashi Nerimaya.

Should you watch the Akane-banashi anime?

If adapted faithfully, Akane-banashi will prove to be one of the best anime of 2026. The series is charming, exhilarating, and full of heart. Though it delves into the lesser-known world of Rakugo, it takes its time to gradually deconstruct the art so that the audience does not feel lost.

By exploring the schools, hierarchy, and different stories within Rakugo, fans are hooked with rich cultural exposition. At the heart of the series lies its protagonist, Akane, who is likable and dedicated. For the sake of restoring her father’s name, viewers will follow her on a journey of growth, as she evolves from a novice into a respected performer.

Additionally, Akane is surrounded by a memorable cast, each of whom has their own unique style and delivers captivating stories and acting performances. At the same time, the success of the Akane-banashi anime highly depends on how it is adapted, since it is a performing arts story.

Trending

The characters' animation style, the voice acting, the fluidity of movement, the color palette, and many other production details will have to be adapted perfectly to ensure the beauty of the manga isn’t lost.

While there have been some concerns about the studio, which has yet to have a standout hit project, the talented staff members and promising teaser give fans good reason to be excited. Hence, regardless of the demographic you fall under, Akane-banashi is a series that transcends genres and is worth giving a shot.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback