Akane-banashi
And so, here begins a story.
As a child, Akane witnesses a shocking event during her father's career-defining show. Now in high school, she vows to reach the art's highest rank.
Seasons
1. That Day
Air Date: 2026-04-04
Young girl Akane Osaki falls in love with rakugo comic storytelling through watching her father perform. One day, a shocking event derails his career.
2. First Performance
Air Date: 2026-04-11
Hearing that Master Shiguma is secretly meeting with a young girl, Futatsume Guriko investigates and finds him teaching Akane at a karaoke parlor.
3. Senior Apprentices
Air Date: 2026-04-19
Akane joins Shiguma's school as an apprentice. The earnest Kyoji Arakawa is tasked with guiding her, but she finds herself stuck doing menial chores.
4. Beyond Joy
Air Date: 2026-04-25
Akane performs at a nursing home, displaying all she has learned. Kyoji goes next, determined to show her his skill as her elder fellow apprentice.
5. Her Path Forward
Air Date: 2026-05-02
Akane gets career counseling from her teacher Iwashimizu, known as the Ice Lady, who refuses to acknowledge Akane's dream of becoming a Rakugoka.
6. Terakoya
Air Date: 2026-05-09
After learning that Issho will judge the annual student Rakugo championship, Akane gains Shiguma's permission to compete — but on one condition.
7. Karaku Cup
Air Date: 2026-05-16
At the Karaku Cup preliminaries, all eyes are on defending champion Karashi and rising voice actor Hikaru Koragi, but Kaisei picks Akane to win.
8. What They Want
Air Date: 2026-05-23
As the Karaku Cup finals begin, Karashi wins over the crowd with his bold adapted Rakugo, but head judge Issho's verdict remains to be seen.
9. Performer
Air Date: 2026-05-30
At the Karaku Cup finals, Hikaru Koragi performs a sentimental story to prove she is more than just a pretty face. Next, Akane takes the stage.
10. Jugemu
Air Date: 2026-06-06
Akane's performance of "Jugemu" takes a subdued approach, providing a pleasant respite for the spectators caught up in the excitement of the contest.
11. Answer
Air Date: 2026-06-13
Following Akane's bold question, the shrewd Issho makes the reporters leave the room, then reveals the truth about the expulsion incident.
12. Graduation
Air Date: 2026-06-20
Akane's Karaku Cup win draws attention at school. As graduation nears, her friends chase their own dreams, and Shiguma ponders a stage name for her.
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Rating
8.0/10
Release Date
2026-04-04
Episodes
12 (2 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
ZEXCS
TV Asahi
Aniplex
Shueisha
ABEMA
TV Asahi Music
BS Asahi