TV anime Akane Banashi is teaming up with Onkyo to release wireless earbuds that feature newly recorded voice guidance by the protagonist, Akane (CV. Anna Nagase). The collaboration model is named AOW01 MARKII AKANE.
The manga Akane Banashi is serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, with story by Sueyuki Yuuki and art by Mijouma Takasuke. It follows Akane, who grew up watching her rakugo performer father and now aims to become a shin’uchi (top rank). The TV anime began airing on April 4, 2026, starring Anna Nagase as Akane, with opening and ending theme songs by Keisuke Kuwata. Animation production is by ZEXCS.
Two Voice Guidance Modes
The earbuds are a successor to the AOW01 model jointly developed by ANIMA and Onkyo. They feature active noise canceling (ANC) for an immersive listening experience. The voice guidance comes in two modes: Normal mode (OHAYASHI) and Rakugo mode (HANASHI). The Rakugo mode was supervised by Kiyohisa Hayashiya, who also oversees the rakugo in the anime.
Normal mode examples:
Power on: “Saa, kyou mo keiko keiko!”
Power off: “Dengen off! Arigatou gozaimashita!”
Tap sound: “Usu!”
Low battery: “Yaba, sorosoro juuden shinai to!”
Ambient sound mode: “Naruhodo, mawari no oto ga kikoeru n desu ne”
Rakugo mode examples:
Power on: “Doumo akane to moushimasu”
Power off: “Gozonji ‘Jugemu’ no ichiseki deshita”
Low battery: “Sukkari okeran ni nacchimatta. Kyou wa shiodori kane”
Ambient sound mode: “Oya, nandaka sawagashii nee”
Each mode includes 27 voice lines total, reflecting Akane’s personality in every phrase. The sound tuning is also exclusive to the anime.
Pre-Order and Pricing
The earbuds feature the work’s title and motif on the charging case and housing plates, with newly drawn packaging. Onkyo’s Akihabara store, ONKYO DIRECT ANIME STORE (Otoani 1-gouten), has a display unit available from May 29 for testing the sound and voice.
Orders are accepted until July 24, 2026, at 15:00 via the ONKYO DIRECT online store and the Akihabara store. Shipping is scheduled from late September to early October 2026. The price is 22,000 yen (tax and shipping included).
Additional Collab Goods
Alongside the earbuds, new merchandise featuring freshly drawn illustrations is available: A4 clear files, acrylic stands, can badges, and a wireless charger. These are on sale at the same stores.
ONKYO AOW01 MARKII AKANE
- Orders accepted via ONKYO DIRECT online store and Akihabara store (ONKYO DIRECT ANIME STORE)
- Order period: May 29, 2026 (Fri) 15:00 – July 24, 2026 (Fri) 15:00
- Shipping: Late September to early October 2026 (in order)
- Price: 22,000 yen (tax and shipping included)
- Publisher: Onkyo
(C) Sueyuki Yuuki, Mijouma Takasuke / Shueisha, “Akane Banashi” Production Committee
