Akane-banashi (JP: あかね噺) is officially set to premiere in April 2026, airing nationwide on the TV Asahi network’s IMAnimation programming block as well as on BS Asahi. Alongside the broadcast announcement, the series unveiled its key visual, the first promotional video, and details on five newly announced cast members.

The newly released PV depicts Akane’s vow and determination as she strives to become a shinuchi, the highest rank in the world of rakugo. The video also introduces key characters surrounding her journey, marking the first reveal of character voices from the five newly announced cast members.

The additional cast includes Jun Fukuyama as Tohru Osaki, also known as Shinta Arakawa, Nobunaga Shimazaki as Maikeru Arakawa, Chiaki Kobayashi as Koguma Arakawa, Yohei Azakami as Kyoji Arakawa, and Seiichiro Yamashita as Guriko Arakawa.

PV

About Akane banashi

Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump starting in February 2022, Akane banashi follows the story of Akane Arakawa, who was captivated from a young age by her father’s almost magical rakugo performances. After a pivotal incident involving one of her father’s performances, Akane decides to pursue the path of a rakugo storyteller herself.

At the age of seventeen, Akane sets her sights on achieving the prestigious rank of shinuchi. The story portrays her growth as she faces numerous challenges and rigorous training in order to master the refined skills required in the rakugo world.

The manga has received widespread acclaim, ranking second in the Manga Taisho 2023 awards and third in the Comics category of the Next Manga Awards 2022. To further convey the appeal of the series, special promotional videos featuring eight professional rakugo performers, including Kikuo Hayashiya and Kyotaro Yanagiya, have been released. The project has also received cooperation from professional rakugo performers, the Japan Rakugo Association, and the Asakusa Engei Hall, underscoring its authenticity as a rakugo themed work.

With the release of its 20th volume on January 5, 2026, the manga has surpassed 3 million copies in circulation. The television anime adaptation is scheduled to air later in 2026.

Source : ORICON NEWS