The upcoming anime adaptation of Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue’s popular Akane-banashi manga has announced Gekidan Exile actor Akihisa Shiono will join its cast, portraying the character Kaisei Arakawa. Shiono’s casting adds to the anticipation for the series, which is set to premiere in April 2026.
Shiono to Voice Up-and-Coming Rakugoka Kaisei Arakawa
Akihisa Shiono, known for his roles in Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger and Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison, will take on the role of Kaisei Arakawa. Kaisei is an aspiring 19-year-old pupil of Isshō Arakawa, a significant figure in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling within the series. This announcement was made recently by the anime’s production staff.
Akane-banashi Anime: A Deep Dive into Rakugo
Akane-banashi centers on Akane Osaki, a high school student determined to ascend to the highest rank of “shin’uchi” in the competitive world of rakugo. Her motivation stems from a desire to avenge her father, Shinta Arakawa, who was unjustly expelled from the profession during a crucial promotion performance. The manga, serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump since February 2022, has garnered significant acclaim for its authentic portrayal of traditional Japanese performance culture.
The series has been praised for its grounded drama and unique premise within the shonen genre, distinguishing it from more action-oriented titles. This adaptation aims to bring the nuanced world of rakugo storytelling to a wider audience, exploring the emotional depth and demanding artistry involved.
Key Staff and Previously Announced Cast
The anime is being helmed by director Ayumu Watanabe (Children of the Sea, Space Brothers) at studio ZEXCS. Yu Harima serves as assistant director, with Michihiro Tsuchiya handling the series composition, and Kii Tanaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) responsible for character design and chief animation direction. Professional rakugoka Kikuhiko Hayashiya is supervising the rakugo elements, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Akio Izutsu is composing the music.
Previously announced main cast members include:
- Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, the determined protagonist.
- Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya, a formidable student rakugo champion.
- Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi, a rising star in the voice acting world.
Additional voice actors portraying members of the influential Arakawa school include Jun Fukuyama (as Shinta Arakawa/Tohru Osaki), Nobunaga Shimazaki (as Maikeru Arakawa), Chiaki Kobayashi (as Koguma Arakawa), Yōhei Azakami (as Kyoji Arakawa), and Seiichirō Yamashita (as Guriko Arakawa).
Spring 2026 Premiere Anticipated
The Akane-banashi anime is scheduled to debut in April 2026 as part of the Spring 2026 anime season. It will air on TV Asahi’s “IMAnimation” programming block. While a specific premiere date has yet to be announced, the latest trailer and key visual were unveiled at Jump Festa 2026, further building anticipation for one of 2026’s most awaited non-action anime titles. Details regarding international streaming and global release plans are expected closer to the launch.
