Keisuke Kuwata Writes His First Original Anime Theme Song! Audio Unveiled in Special Release Video for Anime "Akane-banashi," Along with 2nd Key Visual & Main PV

From the anime "Akane-banashi" scheduled to air from April 2026, it has been announced that Keisuke Kuwata's "Hitotarashi" will be the opening theme song, and the 2nd key visual, 2nd main PV, Keisuke Kuwata × TV Anime "Akane-banashi" special anime video, and congratulatory comments and illustrations have been released.

This work is based on the manga currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), with original story by Yuki Suenaga and artwork by Takasho Baba. Akane Ōsaki, who has been captivated by the magical rakugo of her father, rakugo storyteller Shinta Arakawa (Tōru Ōsaki), since childhood, witnesses a shocking incident at the crucial stage where her father challenged for his shin'uchi promotion. Six years later—there stands Akane, now a high school student, forging ahead to become a "shin'uchi," the highest rank in the rakugo world. An authentic rakugo story where storytellers compete at the pinnacle of narrative arts—now begins.

Opening Theme Song by Keisuke Kuwata, His First Complete Original Work in His Career

The opening theme song for the anime "Akane-banashi" has been decided to be Keisuke Kuwata's "Hitotarashi." This is the first time since his debut in 1978 that Kuwata has written both lyrics and music as a complete original work for an anime theme song. This new song can be heard in advance in the released 2nd main PV.

Additionally, a special anime video drawn by animation studio ZEXCS has been released. The special content features new animation with voice acting performed by Kuwata himself. Furthermore, a congratulatory illustration by artist Takasho Baba depicting Kuwata in a kimono holding a guitar has arrived.