The popular Akane-banashi manga, written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, is officially set to receive a television anime adaptation in 2026. The series will be animated by Studio ZEXCS and is slated to air on TV Asahi’s “IMAnimation” programming block and BS Asahi. This announcement has been met with excitement, particularly given the manga’s unique focus on the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling.
Akane-banashi: The Story of a Rakugo Prodigy
Akane-banashi centers on Akane Osaki, a 17-year-old high school student with a deep passion for rakugo. Her admiration stems from her father, who was a rakugoka himself, performing under the stage name Shinta Arakawa. However, Akane’s father was unjustly expelled from the profession during his shin’uchi (master storyteller) promotion test six years prior. Fueled by a desire to avenge her father and prove the legitimacy and beauty of rakugo, Akane secretly trains under her father’s former master, Shiguma Arakawa. Her ultimate goal is to reach the highest rank of shin’uchi within the Arakawa School.
The manga has gained significant traction for its compelling narrative and its accurate portrayal of rakugo. Professional rakugoka Kikuhiko Hayashiya supervises the rakugo elements within the manga and will also serve as the rakugo supervisor for the anime adaptation.
Key Staff and Voice Cast for the Anime
The upcoming Akane-banashi anime boasts a talented production team and a promising voice cast:
- Director: Ayumu Watanabe (known for Children of the Sea, Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, and Summer Time Rendering) will direct the series.
- Assistant Director: Yu Harima (episode director for Summer Time Rendering, Tokyo Revengers) is serving as assistant director.
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka (Cheating Craft, Hinomaru Sumo) is responsible for character designs and chief animation direction.
- Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya (PriPara, Cross Game) is overseeing the series scripts.
- Music: Akio Izutsu (Phi-Brain – Puzzle of God, Akuma Kun) is composing the music.
The main voice cast announced so far includes:
- Akane Osaki: Voiced by Anna Nagase.
- Karashi Nerimaya: Voiced by Takuya Eguchi.
- Hikaru Koragi: Voiced by Rie Takahashi.
Studio ZEXCS: A Look at Their Anime Portfolio
Studio ZEXCS, established on January 23, 1998, is a Japanese animation studio located in Koganei, Tokyo. While some online discussions have presented varied opinions on the studio’s consistency, ZEXCS has produced a diverse range of titles across different genres. Their previous works include:
- Sister Princess
- Diabolik Lovers
- D.C.: Da Capo
- Bakuten!!
- Fune wo Amu (The Great Passage)
- Asagao to Kase-san. (Kase-san and Morning Glories)
The studio has also been involved in several other series and OVAs, demonstrating their experience in adapting various forms of media. Their involvement with Akane-banashi marks a significant project, particularly with the careful handling required for a performance-centric series like rakugo.
The Resurgence of Rakugo in Anime
The announcement of Akane-banashi‘s anime adaptation further highlights a growing interest in rakugo within the anime industry. While not a new subject, rakugo has seen notable animated adaptations in recent years. The most prominent example is Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, a critically acclaimed series that aired from 2016 to 2017 and beautifully showcased the art form and its history. This previous success suggests a receptive audience for well-produced anime centered on rakugo, setting a positive precedent for Akane-banashi.
With a strong creative team, an engaging premise rooted in a unique cultural art form, and the backing of a studio with a substantial portfolio, the Akane-banashi anime is poised to be a compelling addition to the 2026 anime lineup.
