TV Asahi has announced that a TV anime adaptation of Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue’s rakugo-themed manga Akane-banashi is in production and will premiere in 2026 on Asahi Network’s IMAnimation programming block. A new teaser visual, trailer, main cast, and staff have also been revealed.
Additionally, three new character visuals of the main characters Akane, Karashi, and Hikaru were released.
Ayumu Watanabe (Summer Time Rendering) is 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 series 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 music composer, and Kikuhiko Hayashiya as rakugo supervisor. ZEXCS is in charge of the animation production. Hayashiya also supervised the rakugo in the original manga series.
Meanwhile, the main voice cast includes Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya, and Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi.
The official synopsis is described, via press release, as:
“With only your voice and body — master the art.”
Akane Osaki, captivated since childhood by the magical performances of her father, Shinta Arakawa, witnesses a shocking incident during his decisive performance for promotion to shin’uchi (master rank).
Six years later, now a high school student, she sets her sights on becoming a shin’uchi herself—pushing forward in the highly competitive world of rakugo.
A passionate and authentic rakugo drama begins now!
An Akane-banashi panel will also be held at the upcoming Anime NYC 2025. The panel will feature Shueisha editor Seisuke Araki and TV Asahi producer Kazuki Endo, where they will present attendees with an exclusive early look at the project and behind-the-scenes insights into the adaptation. Fans will also receive special freebie items and a chance to win exclusive giveaway items.
Suenaga is the writer of the manga series, while Moue is handling 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 will be released in Japan on September 4, 2025. VIZ Media licensed the manga for release in English.
VIZ Media licensed the Akane-banashi manga for release in English, describing the main premise as:
Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam — the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. His daughter Akane Osaki is his biggest fan, and even practices the same performances while watching him behind the closed door to his study. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal — to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi.
Source: press release
Update: Added three new character visuals.
