‘Akane-banashi’ trailer: Acclaimed rakugo manga gets first look at anime adaptation

The first trailer for the anime adaptation of Akane-banashi has been released, confirming that the series will debut in April 2026. At the Jump Super Stage event, studio ZEXCS shared the new promotional video alongside a key visual, officially setting Akane-banashi for a Spring 2026 broadcast in Japan. While a specific premiere date has not yet been announced, the update marks the most significant progress since the anime was first confirmed earlier this year. Directed by Ayumu Watanabe, the adaptation of Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue’s manga will explore the competitive and emotionally charged world of rakugo storytelling through protagonist Akane Osaki. Yu Harima serves as assistant director, Michihiro Tsuchiya oversees the series composition, and Kii Tanaka is in charge of character design and chief animation direction. Rakugo elements in the anime will be supervised by professional rakugoka Kikuhiko Hayashiya, with music composed by Akio Izutsu. Alongside the trailer, the production team also revealed additional cast members. Anna Nagase voices Akane Osaki, with Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi and Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya. Newly announced voice actors include Jun Fukuyama, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Chiaki Kobayashi, Yohei Azakami and Seiichiro Yamashita, who will portray members of the influential Arakawa school. Based on the popular manga currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump , Akane-banashi follows a young performer determined to rise to the top ranks of rakugo while confronting the legacy of her father’s forced expulsion from the profession. The series has earned strong acclaim for its grounded drama and portrayal of traditional performance culture, making the anime one of the more anticipated non-action titles of 2026. Details regarding international streaming and global release plans are expected to be announced closer to launch. Published - December 23, 2025 12:37 pm IST

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