Akane-banashi TV Anime Adaptation In Production and Announced For 2026

Tokyo, Japan (Monday, August 4, 2025): TV Asahi is proud to announce the acclaimed authentic rakugo-themed series Akane-banashi, written by Yūki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue and currently serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump (SHUEISHA), will receive an official anime adaptation! Alongside the announcement, new details have been unveiled, including a teaser visual, teaser trailer, first character designs, key cast and staff members, and confirmation of a 2026 broadcast on TV Asahi Network's “IMAnimation” programming block.

Fans can also look forward to an Akane-banashi panel at Anime NYC 2025, held at the Javits Center in New York. The panel will feature SHUEISHA editor Seisuke Araki and TV Asahi producer Kazuki Endo, offering attendees an exclusive early look at the project and behind- the-scenes insights into the adaptation. For attending, fans will receive special freebie items and a chance to get exclusive giveaway items!

The teaser trailer, released in tandem with the announcement, showcases Akane Osaki and highlights animation studio ZEXCS. Akane, the main character of the series who was captivated by the magical rakugo performances of her father, Shinta Arakawa, witnesses a shocking incident during his decisive performance for promotion to shin'uchi (master rank).

Teaser trailer link: https://youtu.be/qVmUVrYDGys?si=DLVKHmEK-0FkS1W-

In celebration of the adaptation, the original creators and key staff have shared their thoughts with fans:

◆Original story: Yūki Suenaga
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!

◆Illustrator: Takamasa Moue
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!!!

◆Director: Ayumu Watanabe
Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.

◆Assistant Director: Yu Harima
Akane-banashi is finally coming to life! With Director Ayumu Watanabe's delicate yet powerful touch, a new kind of chemistry is taking shape—blending the profound world of rakugo with expressive animation. While staying true to the spirit of the original, we're working hard to bring its passion and human drama to the screen in a way that will resonate even with viewers unfamiliar with rakugo. Please look forward to it!

◆Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka
I'm truly honored to be part of this rare and meaningful opportunity to bring the world of rakugo to life through animation. I'll give my utmost to ensure that Akane-banashi can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

◆Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya
I liken the anime adaptation of Akane-banashi to passing gas in a bath—expectations bubble up uncontrollably! That said, we aim to depict Akane's struggles while layering the solid rakugo foundation of the manga with a unique touch of humor that only animation can deliver. We hope you'll stay with us for the full performance!

◆Music: Akio Izutsu
I remember feeling both honored and excited when I was offered the opportunity to compose for Akane-banashi. At the same time, I secretly wondered how challenging the soundtrack would be! Working with the amazing animation team has been a joy, and I hope to convey Akane's growth and passion through music that feels vibrant and empowering. I can't wait to complete the score!

◆Rakugo Supervisor: Kikuhiko Hayashiya
I've been waiting for this—it's finally official! After three and a half years working with Suenaga- san and Moue-san, Akane-banashi is getting an anime adaptation! With Director Watanabe at the helm and a stellar voice cast including Nagase-san, the world of Akane-banashi is poised to unfold in exciting new ways—so stay tuned! And one more thing: if you're curious about real rakugo, I highly recommend visiting a yose theater. You'll meet some delightful grandpas and great grandpas there!

The voice cast includes Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya, and Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi. Here are their thoughts on joining the project:

◆Akane Osaki: Anna Nagase

I'm Anna Nagase, and I have the honor of voicing Akane Osaki in the Akane-banashi TV anime! I was deeply moved by Akane's pure, passionate devotion to rakugo, and I'm truly, truly grateful for the opportunity to portray her. I'm ready to give this role everything I've got. I've already started rakugo training, too! Under the guidance of master Hayashiya Kikuhiko, I'm practicing with all my heart. I hope to bring Akane's spirit to life and connect with every viewer.

Introduction of Akane Osaki
A high school girl aiming for the highest rank in the world of rakugo: Shin'uchi. She's fiercely determined and never backs down once she's set her mind on something.

From a young age, she secretly watched her father Shinta practice rakugo and would try to mimic his performances. But after a certain life-changing event during her father's Shin'uchi promotion exam, she decides to seriously pursue the path of rakugo herself!

◆Karashi Nerimaya: Takuya Eguchi

It's an honor to play Karashi Nerimaya. I've always been a fan of the original manga—and even before that, I used to fall asleep listening to rakugo, so getting the audition offer was thrilling. Thanks to Hayashiya Kikuhiko-san's guidance, I've already memorized three rakugo stories and am working on my fourth. I'm not the fastest learner, but the deeper I go, the more fascinated I become. I can't wait to share the energy of this project with all of you.

Introduction of Karashi Nerimaya

A university student currently on a two-time winning streak at the Student Rakugo Championship, the Karaku Cup. Clever, quick-witted, and full of confidence, he's already secured multiple job offers from top companies. Some even call him a “student rakugo prodigy,” known for his signature style of modernized and creative performances.

◆Hikaru Koragi: Rie Takahashi

I'm Rie Takahashi, and I'll be voicing Hikaru Koragi in Akane-banashi. As a fellow performer, I really resonated with her drive and determination—she inspired me and made me feel like I couldn't lose to her! I want to deeply understand her world and portray her choices with authenticity. With the support of Hayashiya Kikuhiko-san and the rest of the amazing team, I'm looking forward to this anime—not only as a voice actor but as a fan. I hope you're excited too!

Introduction of Hikaru Koragi
A rising star in the voice acting world! Despite their growing popularity, she struggles with the fact that much of the attention seems to come from her looks rather than her talent. Wanting to prove her true ability, she takes on the challenge of rakugo! Originally from Fukuoka, her regional dialect might slip out when she thinks no one's watching.

Key Facts:

Synopsis:

"With only your voice and body—master the art."

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!

Production Credits:
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
Animation Production: ZEXCS

Cast:
Akane Osaki: Anna Nagase
Karashi Nerimaya: Takuya Eguchi
Hikaru Koragi: Rie Takahashi

For more information, please see below:
Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/akanebanashi_en
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akanebanashi_en/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akanebanashi.en
Official Website: https://akane-banashi.com/

About TV Asahi:
TV Asahi Corporation is a national commercial broadcaster in Japan, leading the Japanese content industry and having 23 network affiliate stations covering the nation. TV Asahi produces and airs animation such as "Doraemon" from 1979, "Shin-chan" from 1992, and the more recent "The Dangers in My Heart" and “SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary”. TV Asahi is also actively expanding into new businesses, including the production of original anime series in India and collaborative projects with partnering studios in Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the US.