Master Shiguma and Akane Suspected of "Sugar Dating" Takes #1! Top 3 Most Commented Scenes from Episode 2 of the Anime "Akane-banashi"

The official X account of ABEMA Anime has announced the Top 3 scenes that garnered the most comments during the broadcast of "Akane-banashi" Episode 2, "First Performance."

"Akane-banashi" is based on the popular Rakugo manga currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha), written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. The story follows Akane Ōsaki, a young girl who grew up captivated by her father’s "magical" Rakugo. Triggered by the events surrounding her father’s Shin'uchi promotion exam, she dives into the world of Rakugo herself, aiming for the highest rank of "Shin'uchi" in this authentic coming-of-age story.

The series has earned high praise for opening up a new genre in shonen manga, depicting the intense drama of Rakugo storytellers who stake their lives on the art of conversation. The TV anime, which began airing in April 2026, features a star-studded cast including Anna Nagase (as Akane Ōsaki), Takuya Eguchi (as Karashi Nerimaya), Rie Takahashi (as Hikaru Kōragi), and Akihisa Shiono (as Kaisei Arakawa). Fans are highly anticipating the profound world of Rakugo and the serious drama brought to life through animation.

ABEMA conducted an independent survey of the scenes that attracted the most viewer comments from Episode 2, "First Performance," which aired on Saturday, April 11. These were released as the "Top 3 Most Commented Scenes for Akane-banashi Episode 2" on the official ABEMA Anime X account.

▼Top 3 Most Commented Scenes for "Akane-banashi" Episode 2

1st: Master Shiguma and Akane suspected of "sugar dating"
2nd: Guriko getting caught tailing Master Shiguma
3rd: Akane’s sudden debut performance being decided

(C)末永裕樹・馬上鷹将／集英社・「あかね噺」製作委員会