The anime "Akane-banashi" is based on the popular manga currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. The story's protagonist is Akane, who has been fascinated by rakugo since childhood, watching the back of her father, Tohru Osaki (CV: Jun Fukuyama), also known as "Shinta Arakawa." After witnessing a shocking incident during her father's critical performance for his promotion to Shin'uchi, Akane begins her journey toward reaching the highest rank in the rakugo world, the Shin'uchi.

Episode 2: "First Performance"
[Synopsis]
Arakawa Guriko, a fledgling "Futatsume," hears a rumor that his master, Arakawa Shiguma, is having a secret meeting with a young woman and begins an investigation. There, he finds Akane, a high school student, receiving training from Shiguma at a karaoke box. Just then, Shiguma receives word that an extra performer is urgently needed for a "Yose" (rakugo theater) at a "Rakugo Cafe." Instead of the experienced Guriko, Shiguma appoints Akane for the role.

(C)末永裕樹・馬上鷹将／集英社・「あかね噺」製作委員会

English