Akane-banashi, a rakugo-themed manga by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue, is officially getting a TV anime adaptation. The series is slated to premiere in 2026 on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation programming block, with Studio ZEXCS handling animation production.
A teaser visual, promotional video, and details on the main cast and staff were revealed alongside the announcement.
Anna Nagase will voice the protagonist Akane, with Takuya Eguchi playing student rakugo champion Karashi Nerimaya, and Rie Takahashi portraying Hikaru Koragi, a young voice actress who enters rakugo to challenge herself.
The anime is being directed by Ayumu Watanabe (Summer Time Rendering), with Yuu Harima serving as assistant director. Professional rakugo performer Kikuhiko Hayashiya is supervising the project’s portrayal of rakugo performances. Kii Tanaka is in charge of character designs and serves as chief animation director. Michihiro Tsuchiya is handling the series script, while Akio Izutsu will compose the music.
Voice cast members shared their excitement about the roles and revealed they have already begun rakugo training under Hayashiya’s guidance. Check out their comments below:
Anna Nagase:
I’m Anna Nagase, and I will be voicing Akane Osaki in the Akane-banashi TV anime!
I was deeply moved by Akane’s straight-forward and passionate attitude toward rakugo. I’m truly, truly happy to have the opportunity to play her. I want to give it my all and face her character with everything I have.
I’ve already started rakugo training! Under the guidance of Master Kikuhiko Hayashiya, I’m practicing intensely. I’ll pour my soul into this performance so that Akane’s emotions can be felt by everyone. Please look forward to it!
Takuya Eguchi:
I will be voicing Karashi Nerimaya. I’ve loved the original manga, and I’ve always enjoyed listening to rakugo before bed, so when I got the audition offer, I was thrilled.
Right now, under the guidance of Kikuhiko Hayashiya-san, I’ve memorized three rakugo performances and am currently working on my fourth. I’m not great at memorizing things, so it’s been a struggle, but the more I do it, the more I fall in love with rakugo.
I can’t wait to share the passion of this production with everyone.
Rie Takahashi:
I’m Rie Takahashi, and I’ll be voicing Hikaru Koragi.
Her pursuit of greatness as a performer resonated with me as a voice actor. I was struck by her obsession and intensity that go beyond common sense—and found myself determined not to be outdone by her.
I want to stand by the scenery she sees and the choices she makes, and express that with conviction.
Thanks to the cooperation of Master Kikuhiko Hayashiya and many others in the rakugo world, as well as our talented cast and crew, I have a strong feeling that this anime will turn out to be something very special—even as one of its biggest fans. Please look forward to it!
Akane-banashi has been serialized in Shueisha’s shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump since February 2022, with the chapters collected into 17 tankobon volumes as of June 2025.
Viz Media has licensed the series for English release in North America.
Source: Comic Natalie