Akane-banashi

Name: Akane-banashi
Genre: Animation, Drama
Released: 2026-04-04
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Anna Nagase

RETURNING2 Seasons12 Episodes★ 7.9

Akane-banashi is an animated drama series on tv asahi that premiered in 2026, with 2 seasons and 12 episodes to date. It has been renewed for Season 3, and a premiere date has not been announced yet.

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Networktv asahi

First AiredApr 4, 2026

Last AiredJun 20, 2026

GenreAnimation, Drama

Original Titleあかね噺

LanguageJapanese

CountryJapan

ProductionZEXCS, TV Asahi, Aniplex

As a child, Akane witnesses a shocking event during her father's career-defining show. Now in high school, she vows to reach the art's highest rank.

RENEWED

Akane-banashi has been renewed but a premiere date has not been announced yet. Track this show to get an alert when a date is confirmed.

WHERE TO WATCH

Netflix

Some links may earn us a commission. Data via JustWatch / TMDB

Cast

Anna Nagase

Akane Osaki (voice)

Seasons & Episodes2 seasons · 12 episodes

0% complete

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.

E1That Day

Apr 4, 202625m★ 7.5

Young girl Akane Osaki falls in love with rakugo comic storytelling through watching her father perform. One day, a shocking event derails his career.

E2First Performance

Apr 11, 202625m★ 7.8

Hearing that Master Shiguma is secretly meeting with a young girl, Futatsume Guriko investigates and finds him teaching Akane at a karaoke parlor.

E3Senior Apprentices

Apr 19, 202625m

Akane joins Shiguma's school as an apprentice. The earnest Kyoji Arakawa is tasked with guiding her, but she finds herself stuck doing menial chores.

E4Beyond Joy

Apr 25, 202625m

Akane performs at a nursing home, displaying all she has learned. Kyoji goes next, determined to show her his skill as her elder fellow apprentice.

E5Her Path Forward

May 2, 202625m

Akane gets career counseling from her teacher Iwashimizu, known as the Ice Lady, who refuses to acknowledge Akane's dream of becoming a Rakugoka.

E6Terakoya

May 9, 202625m★ 7.0

After learning that Issho will judge the annual student Rakugo championship, Akane gains Shiguma's permission to compete — but on one condition.

E7Karaku Cup

May 16, 202625m★ 7.8

At the Karaku Cup preliminaries, all eyes are on defending champion Karashi and rising voice actor Hikaru Koragi, but Kaisei picks Akane to win.

E8What They Want

May 23, 202625m★ 6.3

As the Karaku Cup finals begin, Karashi wins over the crowd with his bold adapted Rakugo, but head judge Issho's verdict remains to be seen.

E9Performer

May 30, 202625m

At the Karaku Cup finals, Hikaru Koragi performs a sentimental story to prove she is more than just a pretty face. Next, Akane takes the stage.

E10Jugemu

Jun 6, 202625m

Akane's performance of "Jugemu" takes a subdued approach, providing a pleasant respite for the spectators caught up in the excitement of the contest.

E11Answer

Jun 13, 202625m

Following Akane's bold question, the shrewd Issho makes the reporters leave the room, then reveals the truth about the expulsion incident.

E12Graduation

Jun 20, 202625m

Akane's Karaku Cup win draws attention at school. As graduation nears, her friends chase their own dreams, and Shiguma ponders a stage name for her.

About Akane-banashi

Akane-banashi is an animation, drama series on tv asahi. The show first aired on Apr 4, 2026 and currently has 2 seasons and 12 episodes. Akane-banashi has been renewed for Season 3, and a premiere date has not been announced yet. It has a rating of 7.9/10 based on 31 votes. The cast includes Anna Nagase.