The popular rakugo manga “Akane-banashi,” written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, is officially getting an anime adaptation. The announcement was made alongside the release of a new teaser visual and PV, as well as character designs for the main cast, including Anna Nagase, Takuya Eguchi, and Rie Takahashi.
Currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha), the anime adaptation of "Akane-banashi" is set to air in Japan in 2026, while the global streaming information is yet to be announced.
▲Teaser Visual
<The following content is quoted from the official announcement>
Story Introduction
Mastering the Art with Nothing but Yourself—
From a young age, Akane Osaki was captivated by the magical world of rakugo, watching her father, Shinta Arakawa, perform. But during a pivotal performance that could have elevated her father to the rank of "shin'uchi" (master storyteller), Akane witnesses a shocking incident.
Six years later—we find Akane, now a high school student, determinedly pursuing her goal of becoming a "shin'uchi," the highest rank in the world of rakugo.
The curtain rises on an authentic rakugo tale, where storytellers compete with the utmost of their craft!
ZEXCS to Animate “Akane-banashi,” New Teaser PV Released
A new teaser PV for the anime has been released, featuring footage from the show! The trailer highlights Akane's determined expression and also includes a glimpse of her father, Shinta Arakawa. ZEXCS has been confirmed as the animation studio for this series.
Staff Revealed!
■ Staff
Original Work: "Akane-banashi" by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue (Serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump")
Director: Ayumu Watanabe
Assistant Director: Yu Harima
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka
Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya
Music: Akio Izutsu
Rakugo Supervisor: Kikuhiko Hayashiya
Animation Production: ZEXCS
A Message from the Creators: Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue
Original Creator: Yuki Suenaga
I've been using various manga-specific techniques to depict different rakugo performances. There were even times when I, the author, wondered, "Can this really be adapted into anime?"
But now that anime production has begun and I've heard about the details, I can proudly say, "It looks like it can be animated!"
A trustworthy team is working on the “Akane-banashi” anime with incredible passion!
Please look forward to the moment when you can hear Akane's rakugo performances!
Illustrator: Takamasa Moue
The "Akane-banashi" is getting an anime adaptation!!
I wish I could tell my elementary school self, who lacked the confidence to write "manga artist" as a future dream, that ‘we're getting an anime adaptation!!’
During the process of this anime production, I've had the opportunity to meet many people, including producers, directors, staff members, and voice actors. Everyone's passion is incredible!!
Personally, I'm thrilled just knowing that everyone has thoroughly read the original work! They even caught all the backgrounds I faked my way through! But I'm happy about it!!
I feel so lucky that all the people involved in the anime are trustworthy and reliable. As a viewer myself, I'm incredibly excited to watch the "Akane-banashi" anime!!!!
Special Art & Messages from the Production Staff!
Director: Ayumu Watanabe
Assistant Director: Yu Harima
"Akane-banashi" is finally in motion!
A new chemical reaction is occurring as Director Ayumu Watanabe's delicate yet powerful direction is added to the profound traditional art of rakugo. While respecting the world view to the fullest extent, we're working hard every day to carefully bring to life the passion and human drama of the original work, aiming to create a series that will captivate even those unfamiliar with rakugo.
Please look forward to it!
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka
I'm thrilled to be part of this precious experience of telling the world of rakugo through animation. I'll do my best to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy "Akane-banashi."
Thank you for your support.
Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya
What do you get when you combine the Akane-banashi anime with a fart you let loose in a bath? You get something that makes excitement bubble up! ...just kidding, of course.
We want to portray Akane's challenge by subtly adding a little 'gimmick' unique to anime to the solid 'classic rakugo' of the Akane-banashi manga.
We hope you'll join us for this performance.
Music: Akio Izutsu
I remember feeling honored and delighted when I was offered the role of music director. I was also a bit nervous, thinking that the background music for "Akane-banashi" might be challenging! While savoring the joy of creating this work with the anime production staff, I hope to express Akane's struggles and growth in the world of rakugo in a fresh and powerful way. I'm looking forward to composing!
Rakugo Supervisor: Kikuhiko Hayashiya
We've been waiting for this! Finally, the information is out!
The "Akane-banashi" that Suenaga-san, Moue-san, and I have been working on for three and a half years is finally being animated!
Look forward to a new world of Akane-banashi with the production team led by Director Watanabe and the voice cast including Nagase-san!
And please, experience rakugo for yourself by visiting a yose (rakugo theater). You'll meet all sorts of interesting uncles and grandpas there!
Main Character Visuals & Cast Members
Akane Osaki (CV: Anna Nagase)
A high school girl aiming to become a "shin'uchi," the highest rank in rakugo. She's competitive and goes all out once she sets her mind to something. Akane loves her father Shinta's rakugo performances and used to secretly watch his practice sessions, mimicking him since childhood. After a certain incident during Shinta's shin'uchi promotion test, she decides to seriously pursue the path of rakugo.
■ Comment from Anna Nagase
I'm Anna Nagase, and I'll be voicing Akane Osaki in the anime "Akane-banashi"!
I was deeply moved by Akane's straightforward and passionate approach to rakugo. I'm truly, truly happy to have the opportunity to play her character. I want to give it my all in portraying her.
I've already started rakugo lessons! Under the guidance of Master Kikuhiko Hayashiya, I'm practicing desperately, giving it my all. I'll pour my heart and soul into this performance to ensure Akane's feelings reach everyone. Thank you for your support!
Karashi Nerimaya (CV: Takuya Eguchi)
A university student who has won the "Karaku Cup," a student rakugo championship, two years in a row. He's very resourceful and quite confident. Karashi has received job offers from several major companies. Some call him a "genius of student rakugo," and his specialty is modernized adaptations of traditional rakugo stories.
■ Comment from Takuya Eguchi
I'll be playing the role of Karashi Nerimaya. Of course, I love the original manga, but I've always enjoyed listening to rakugo before bed. So when I heard about the audition, I was really excited.
Now, under the guidance of Kikuhiko Hayashiya, I've memorized three rakugo stories and I'm currently working on the fourth.
I'm not great at memorizing, so it's been a struggle, but the more I practice, the more I fall in love with rakugo. I'm looking forward to sharing the passion of this project with everyone.
Hikaru Koragi (CV: Rie Takahashi)
A rising star in the voice acting world, Hikaru questions the current state of the industry where factors other than talent, such as appearance, are often valued. To prove her worth, she decides to challenge herself by pursuing the art of rakugo. Originally from Fukuoka, her local dialect slips out when she's not in public.
■ Comment from Rie Takahashi
I'm Rie Takahashi, and I'll be voicing the role of Hikaru Koragi.
As a voice actor myself, I deeply resonate with Hikaru's pursuit of excellence in her craft. Her determination to go beyond conventional limits is truly inspiring, and it motivates me to push my own boundaries.
I'm committed to giving my all to authentically portray Hikaru's perspective and choices, aiming to bring her character to life in a way that does her justice.
We've been blessed with the support of the rakugo community, including Master Kikuhiko, as well as a fantastic cast and production team. As both a performer and huge fan of this series, I have a feeling this anime is going to be something special. Please look forward to it!
About "Akane-banashi"
Start airing in Japan in 2026!
Introduction
Mastering the Art with Nothing but Yourself—
From a young age, Akane Osaki was captivated by the magical world of rakugo, watching her father, Shinta Arakawa, perform. But during a pivotal performance that could have elevated her father to the rank of "shin'uchi" (master storyteller), Akane witnesses a shocking incident.
Six years later—we find Akane, now a high school student, determinedly pursuing her goal of becoming a "shin'uchi," the highest rank in the world of rakugo.
The curtain rises on an authentic rakugo tale, where storytellers compete with the utmost of their craft!
Staff
Original Work: "Akane-banashi" by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue (Serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump")
Director: Ayumu Watanabe
Assistant Director: Yu Harima
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka
Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya
Music: Akio Izutsu
Rakugo Supervisor: Kikuhiko Hayashiya
Animation Production: ZEXCS
Cast
Akane Osaki: Anna Nagase
Karashi Nerimaya: Takuya Eguchi
Hikaru Koragi: Rie Takahashi
Official Website
Official X (@akanebanashi_PR)
©Yuki Suenaga, Takamasa Moue / SHUEISHA, Akane-banashi Committee
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
