Great news for fans of rakugo and anime alike! The upcoming television adaptation of Akane-banashi just dropped a bunch of exciting updates at Jump Festa 2026. During the Jump Super Stage presentation, a new key visual, the first promotional video, and a slew of additional cast and staff members were unveiled. This anime, based on the popular drama performance arts manga by Suenaga Yuuki and Moue Takamasa, is set to premiere in April 2026. It will air on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation programming block and BS Asahi, bringing the captivating world of rakugo to life.
Meet the New Voice Cast
Here are the additional voice actors joining the Akane-banashi anime, bringing their talents to key characters:
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Previous Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Ousaki Tooru | Fukuyama Jun | Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri |
| Arakawa Koguma | Azakami Youhei | Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e 2nd Season |
| Arakawa Guriko | Yamashita Seiichirou | Shoushimin Series |
| Arakawa Kyouji | Azakami Youhei | Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha |
| Arakawa Maikeru | Shimazaki Nobunaga | Boukyaku Battery |
Behind the Scenes: Additional Staff
The production team expands with these talented individuals taking on various roles:
| Role | Staff Member | Notable Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-character Design | Nitta Yasunari | Shadowverse |
| Chief Animation Director | Nitta Yasunari, Kagawa Hisashi | Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken (2020) |
| Clothing Design | Shimazawa Noriko | Fune wo Amu |
| Prop Design | Iwanaga Yoshinori | Kowloon Generic Romance |
| Art Design | Tada Shuuhei | Beastars |
| Art Director | Oda Takumi | Apocalypse Hotel background art |
| Color Design | Gouda Saori | Bleach: Sennen Kessen-hen |
| Director of Photography | Nakamura Yuuta | Chitose-kun wa Ramune Bin no Naka |
| Editing | Hirose Kiyoshi | Dandadan |
| Sound Director | Konuma Noriyoshi | Gimai Seikatsu |
| Rakugo Supervisor | Hayashiya Kikuhiko | N/A |
Core Production Team
Previously announced, the main team behind Akane-banashi includes some heavy hitters in the industry:
- Director: Watanabe Ayumu (known for Summertime Render)
- Assistant Director: Harima Yuu (known for Cop Craft)
- Series Composition: Tsuchiya Michihiro (known for Cross Game)
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Tanaka Kii (known for Zom 100)
- Music Composition: Izutsu Akio (known for Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle)
- Animation Studio: Zexcs
About the Manga
Akane-banashi is a rakugo-themed drama manga created by Suenaga Yuuki and Moue Takamasa. It began serialization in Weekly Shounen Jump in February 2022 and has been captivating readers ever since. As of now, Shueisha has published 19 volumes, with the 20th volume scheduled for release on January 5, 2026.
For international fans, the manga is simulpublished in English by VIZ Media, with the 14th volume out on November 4 and the 15th volume coming on March 10, 2026. Additionally, Shueisha’s Manga Plus website offers simulpublication in English, Spanish, Thai, and French, making it accessible to a global audience.
Source
This news is based on the report from Comic Natalie.
