Shockwaves at the First Note of the ED! Anime "Akane-banashi" Episode 2: A "Big Artist" Descends Beyond Just the OP; Original Creator Admits "I was also flabbergasted"

On the April 11 broadcast of the anime "Akane-banashi" Episode 2, the ending theme song was revealed for the first time. While the series had already made waves by casting Keisuke Kuwata for the opening theme, the "familiar voice of a legendary artist" began to flow during the ending as well, leaving viewers startled with comments like "I'm seriously blown away" and "I never saw this coming."

Episode 2, "First Performance," depicted Akane Osaki (CV: Anna Nagase) taking on her first stage performance, as well as her encounter with Kaisei Arakawa (CV: Akihisa Shiono), a rising star in the rakugo world who became a "Futatsume" (second-rank) storyteller at the age of 19.

At the end of the episode, the ending theme "AKANE On My Mind ~ Manju Kowai," sung by Kuwata, was unveiled. Against a laid-back melody, the visuals featured a beach and Akane appearing in a summer style.

Kuwata had already garnered attention upon his casting for the opening theme, with fans noting, "This is too luxurious" and "Another massive newcomer has been born in the world of anime songs." The surprise of him handling the ending theme as well sent shockwaves through the internet, with reactions like "Is it for real that Kuwata-san is doing both?", "I'm seriously blown away," "I never saw this coming," and "He's genuinely trying to become a Shin'uchi (Master) of the anime song world."

Furthermore, Yuki Suenaga, the original creator of "Akane-banashi," posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account: "It's surprising, isn't it? I was also flabbergasted. At any rate, it's a must-listen!!"