Akane Banashi Anime Adaptation Announced! Cast Features Nagase Anna, Eguchi Takuya, Takahashi Rie; “Under Hayashiya Kikuhiko-shishou’s Guidance, I’m Desperately Clinging to Practice”

Highly Anticipated Rakugo Manga `Akane Banashi` Announces TV Anime Adaptation for 2026!

Get ready for an exciting new adaptation! The highly acclaimed manga, `Akane Banashi`, currently serialized in “Weekly Shounen Jump”, is officially receiving a TV anime adaptation! Fans can look forward to its broadcast in 2026 on TV Asahi’s nationwide 24-station network “IMAnimation” block, BS Asahi, and other channels. Nagase Anna, Eguchi Takuya, and Takahashi Rie are confirmed to be the main cast members, bringing the vibrant characters to life.

Alongside this thrilling announcement, a stunning teaser visual that heralds the opening of protagonist Akane’s story, a captivating teaser PV, and character visuals have all been unveiled. Furthermore, heartfelt comments have arrived from the original author Suenaga Yuuki, the artist Maejima Takamasa, as well as the main staff and the talented cast members.

About the Story: Delving into the World of Rakugo

`Akane Banashi` is an enthralling manga series currently running in “Weekly Shounen Jump”, with original story by Suenaga Yuuki and captivating artwork by Maejima Takamasa. The narrative follows Ousaki Akane, a young girl who, from an early age, was utterly captivated by the magical rakugo performances of her father, Arakawa Shinta, a professional rakugoka (traditional Japanese storyteller).

However, a shocking incident unfolds during a pivotal performance where her father stakes his career on achieving the coveted “Shinuchi” rank, the highest rank in rakugo. Six years later, Akane, now a high school student, is relentlessly pursuing the path to become a Shinuchi herself, carrying on her father’s legacy and her own aspirations. The story promises a gripping tale of authentic rakugo, where master storytellers clash and hone their craft to reach the pinnacle of verbal artistry.

First Look: Teaser Visuals and Promotional Video

To mark the exciting TV anime announcement, a striking teaser visual has been released. It powerfully declares, “And so, a new story begins…”, setting the stage for protagonist Akane’s journey. The accompanying teaser PV, featuring actual animation footage, showcases Akane’s father, Arakawa Shinta, and culminates in a memorable shot of Akane’s determined expression, hinting at the challenges and triumphs ahead. Under the direction of Watanabe Ayumu, the animation production will be skillfully handled by ZEXCS.

Meet the Cast and Characters

Adding to the excitement, character visuals for the main cast – Ousaki Akane, Renmaya Karashi, and Takarakugi Hikaru – have also been revealed. Nagase Anna steps into the role of Ousaki Akane, the determined high school protagonist striving to achieve the coveted “Shinuchi” rank in rakugo. Eguchi Takuya lends his voice to Renmaya Karashi, a university student who has already claimed two consecutive victories at the student rakugo championship, the “Karaku Cup.” Finally, Takahashi Rie takes on the role of Takarakugi Hikaru, a rising star and popular young voice actress within the story. In addition to these exciting reveals, the original author Suenaga-sensei, artist Maejima-sensei, the main staff, and the talented cast members have all provided exclusive illustrations and comments, sharing their thoughts on this incredible project.

The TV anime `Akane Banashi` is scheduled to air in 2026 on TV Asahi’s nationwide 24-station network “IMAnimation” block and BS Asahi. Fans are eagerly anticipating further updates and details about this promising adaptation!

Comments from the Production Team and Cast

Associate Director: Harima Yuu

`Akane Banashi`, finally, it moves! With rakugo, a profound traditional performing art, combined with Director Watanabe Ayumu’s delicate yet powerful direction, a new chemical reaction is being born! While giving maximum respect to that world, we are striving daily to carefully visualize the passion and human drama that the original work holds, aiming to create a work that even those unfamiliar with rakugo can become engrossed in. Please look forward to it!

Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Tanaka Norie

I am extremely happy to be able to participate as a member of this precious experience, telling the world of rakugo through animation. I will do my utmost to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy `Akane Banashi`. Thank you for your support.

Series Composition: Tsuchiya Yoshitaka

Ahem, how do you solve `Akane Banashi` being adapted into anime? It’s like a fart in a bathtub! Why? Because the anticipation will bubble up! …I’m just saying. For the robust ‘classic rakugo’ that is the `Akane Banashi` manga, we aim to weave in a touch of anime’s unique ‘kuguri’ (humorous interjections) while depicting Akane’s challenges. Please give us your company for this performance.

Music: Izutsu Akio

I remember feeling very honored and happy when I received the offer to handle the music. Honestly, I also had a little flutter of excitement thinking that the soundtrack for `Akane Banashi` would be a challenging one (laughs). While savoring the joy of creating this work together with all the anime production staff, I hope to express Akane’s struggles and growth in the world of rakugo freshly and powerfully. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming compositions!

Rakugo Supervision: Hayashiya Kikuhiko

We’ve been waiting for this! The information is finally unveiled! `Akane Banashi`, which Suenaga-san and Maejima-san and I have been working on for three and a half years, is finally getting an anime adaptation! Please look forward to the new developments in the world of `Akane Banashi` with Director Watanabe leading the production team, joined by Nagase-san and the other voice actors! And! Please do visit a *yose* for a rakugo experience. You’ll find all sorts of *ojisan* and *ojiisan* there.

Ousaki Akane Voice Actress / Nagase Anna

This is Nagase Anna, and I will be playing the voice of Ousaki Akane in the TV anime `Akane Banashi`! I was deeply moved by Akane’s straightforward and passionate devotion to rakugo. To be able to portray her is truly, truly wonderful. I intend to face her role with all my might. My rakugo training has already begun! Under the guidance of Hayashiya Kikuhiko-shishou, I am desperately trying my best to practice. I will pour my heart and soul into my performance so that Akane’s feelings reach everyone! Thank you very much for your support!

Renmaya Karashi Voice Actor / Eguchi Takuya

I will be playing Renmaya Karashi. Of course, I love the original manga, but I’ve always enjoyed listening to rakugo before bed, so I was incredibly excited when I heard about the audition. Now, under the guidance of Hayashiya Kikuhiko-san, I’ve memorized three rakugo pieces and am currently working on my fourth! I struggle with memorization, so it’s a real fight, but the more I do it, the more captivated I become by rakugo. I’m really looking forward to the day we can deliver the passion of this production to everyone.

Takarakugi Hikaru Voice Actress / Takahashi Rie

This is Takahashi Rie, and I will be taking on the role of Takarakugi Hikaru. Seeing her strive for the pinnacle of performance, I felt both a deep empathy as a voice actress and an extraordinary tenacity that goes beyond common sense. I couldn’t help but feel that I couldn’t lose to her. I will dedicate myself fully to understanding her perspectives and choices, striving to deliver a performance that affirms her journey. With the generous cooperation of everyone in the rakugo world, especially Kikuhiko-shishou, and blessed with such a supportive cast and team, I have a strong feeling this will be an anime to look forward to, even as one of its biggest fans. Please anticipate it!

TV Anime `Akane Banashi` Production Information

◆ Broadcast Information
TV Asahi nationwide 24-station network “IMAnimation” block and BS Asahi
Broadcasting in 2026!

◆ Staff

◆ Cast

(C) Suenaga Yuuki・Maejima Takamasa／Shueisha・`Akane Banashi` Production Committee

By Nakase Koutarou