Akane-Banashi TV Anime Announced for 2026
Akane-banashi TV anime adaptation has been announced for 2026 with a teaser, trailer, visual, staff, and cast information. Studio ZEXCS is in charge of the animation, and the staff includes:
- Director: Ayumu Watanabe
- Assistant Director: Yu Harima
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka
- Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya
- Music: Akio Izutsu
- Rakugo Supervision: Kikuhiko Hayashiya
The cast for the Akane-banashi anime adaptation features Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya, and Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi.
The anime will adapt the Akane-banashi manga, written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. The manga has been serialized in Shueisha's
Weekly Shounen Jump since 2022. The authors commented on the announcement.
Using the unique expressive power only manga can offer, I’ve portrayed a wide range of rakugo performances. Even I, as the author, often found myself thinking, “Can this... even be adapted into anime?”—there are many intricate and intense scenes. But now that production is underway, and I’ve seen and heard what the team is working on, I can proudly say: “It can be done in anime!”
The team behind the adaptation is incredibly passionate and trustworthy, pouring their energy into bringing Akane-banashi to life. I hope you’re as excited as I am for the day when you’ll be able to hear Akane’s performances in the anime!
- Yuki Suenaga, Author
If I could, I’d go back and tell my younger self—the kid who didn’t have the confidence to write “manga artist” as their dream—that it’s really happening: It’s getting an anime!! As part of this adaptation, I’ve had the chance to meet so many incredible people—producers, directors, staff, and cast. And the passion they bring is just amazing! Honestly, just knowing they’ve read the original manga so closely already makes me incredibly happy. Even the illustrations of the fake background art I snuck in—yeah, they caught all of them! But that just makes me happier! I feel truly lucky that everyone involved in the anime is someone I can trust. Even as a viewer, I’m super excited to watch the Akane-banashi anime!!!
- Takamasa Moue, Artist
The official synopsis for the Akane-banashi anime is as follows:
Akane Osaki, captivated since childhood by the magical performances of her father, Shinta Arakawa, witnesses a shocking incident during his decisive performance for promotion to shin’uchi (master rank).
Six years later, now a high school student, she sets her sights on becoming a shin’uchi herself—pushing forward in the highly competitive world of rakugo.
A passionate and authentic rakugo drama begins now!
Source: Press Release, Official Website
©Yuki Suenaga, Takamasa Moue / SHUEISHA, Akane-banashi Committee
