Supporting Cast Announced for Upcoming ‘Akane-banashi’ Anime
The world of rakugo is about to get a bit richer, as the official team behind the Akane-banashi anime has unveiled two new voices joining the performance.
The New Voices
The newly announced cast members are veteran actors stepping into key supporting roles. They will be voicing the father-son duo of Shiguma Arakawa and Isshou Arakawa, characters who are sure to bring depth and history to the story of aspiring rakugo artist Akane.
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Previous Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shiguma Arakawa | Terasoma Masaki (X Profile) | Golden Kamuy |
| Isshou Arakawa | Ootsuka Akio | Kengan Ashura |
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The anime is shaping up with a seriously talented crew at the helm. They’re the ones tasked with bringing the captivating and dramatic world of rakugo storytelling from the page to the screen.
| Role | Staff Member | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Watanabe Ayumu | Summertime Render |
| Series Composition | Tsuchiya Michihiro | Cross Game |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Tanaka Kii | Zom 100 |
| Music | Izutsu Akio | Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle |
The anime is being produced by studio Zexcs, with Harima Yuu (Cop Craft) serving as assistant director. The chief animation director team also includes Nitta Yasunari (Tsuki ga Kirei) and Kagawa Hisashi (Tiger Mask W).
About the Source Material
The anime adapts the highly-praised manga by Suenaga Yuuki and Moue Takamasa, which has been serialized in Weekly Shounen Jump since February 2022. The story dives into the traditional Japanese art of comic storytelling, rakugo, through the passionate eyes of its young heroine.
For international fans, the manga is available in English through VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump service, with the 15th volume scheduled for release on March 10, 2026. It’s also simulpublished on Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform in several languages.
Akane-banashi is set to premiere in April 2026, airing on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation block and BS Asahi. Mark your calendars!
Source: Comic Natalie
