The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue’s Akane-banashi manga officially revealed its main trailer, additional cast members, and staff details, alongside confirming an April 2026 premiere. The news, which surfaced following Jump Festa 2026 and related announcements, offers fans a deeper look into the world of rakugo as brought to life by Studio ZEXCS.
New Trailer Highlights Dynamic Rakugo Performances
A brand-new main trailer for the Akane-banashi anime was released, showcasing the vibrant animation and intense dramatic moments inherent in the series. The trailer offers glimpses of protagonist Akane Osaki’s passionate rakugo performances, capturing the essence of the traditional Japanese storytelling art form that the manga is celebrated for. This visual preview has intensified anticipation for how the nuanced art of rakugo will be translated from page to screen.
Expanded Voice Cast to Bring Key Characters to Life
The anime adaptation has announced several prominent voice actors joining the previously revealed main cast, significantly fleshing out the ensemble that will portray the aspiring rakugo performers and their mentors.
Leading the cast is Anna Nagase as the spirited protagonist, Akane Osaki, who strives to achieve the highest rank in rakugo to avenge her father. She is joined by Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya and Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi, both pivotal figures in Akane’s journey within the competitive rakugo world.
Newly announced cast members include:
- Jun Fukuyama as Shinta Arakawa, Akane’s father, whose expulsion from the rakugo profession sets Akane’s quest in motion.
- Nobunaga Shimazaki as Maikeru Arakawa.
- Chiaki Kobayashi as Koguma Arakawa.
- Yohei Azakami as Kyoji Arakawa.
- Seiichiro Yamashita as Guriko Arakawa.
This expanded cast promises a rich auditory experience, bringing depth and distinct personalities to the various characters populating the Akane-banashi narrative.
Key Staff Details Confirmed for the Anime Production
Studio ZEXCS is at the helm of the animation production for Akane-banashi. The studio is known for its diverse portfolio, and its involvement suggests a commitment to adapting the intricate details of the manga.
The core creative team includes:
- Director: Ayumu Watanabe, recognized for his work on critically acclaimed titles like Summer Time Rendering and Children of the Sea, will direct the series.
- Co-Director: Yu Harima will serve as co-director.
- Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka is responsible for adapting Takamasa Moue’s distinctive character designs for animation and overseeing their consistent quality.
- Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya is handling the series scripts, ensuring the narrative flow and emotional impact are maintained from the original manga.
- Music: Akio Izutsu is composing the musical score, which will undoubtedly play a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere of the rakugo performances.
- Rakugo Supervision: Crucially, professional rakugoka Kikuhiko Hayashiya, who supervised the rakugo aspects of the original manga, will continue in this role for the anime, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of the traditional art form.
This experienced team is poised to deliver an adaptation that respects the source material while bringing its unique storytelling to a new visual medium.
April 2026 Premiere on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation Block
The Akane-banashi anime is slated to make its television debut in April 2026. It will air on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation programming block, which launched in October 2024, and will also be broadcast on BS Asahi. This prime placement on a dedicated anime block signals a significant push for the series.
Background on the Rakugo-Themed Manga
Akane-banashi is a Japanese manga series written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. It began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in February 2022 and has garnered significant praise for its compelling narrative and detailed exploration of the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. As of November 2025, the manga has collected 19 tankōbon volumes.
The story centers on Akane Osaki, a high school student whose life is profoundly shaped by rakugo. After her father, a promising rakugo performer, is unjustly expelled from the profession during a shin’uchi (master rank) promotion test, Akane secretly dedicates herself to mastering the art. Six years later, she steps into the competitive world of rakugo with a singular goal: to reach the shin’uchi rank and clear her father’s name, confronting the very system that denied him. The manga has been praised for its authentic portrayal of rakugo and its blend of sports manga tropes with the performing arts.
