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 protagonist of the story is Akane, who has been fascinated by Rakugo since childhood, watching the example set by her father, Tohru Osaki (CV: Jun Fukuyama), also known as the storyteller "Shinta Arakawa." After witnessing a shocking incident during her father's crucial performance for promotion to the rank of Shin'uchi, Akane begins her journey toward reaching that highest rank in the Rakugo world.
Episode 4: "Beyond Joy"
[Synopsis]
After learning kibataraki during her training at the izakaya "Umi," Akane accompanies Kyoji to their next job site. The venue that day is a retirement home, where they are to perform Rakugo as part of the facility's recreation. To ensure the elderly audience enjoys the show, Akane makes full use of her training on stage. Following her, Kyoji takes the stage to demonstrate his dignity as a senior disciple to Akane.
(C)末永裕樹・馬上鷹将／集英社・「あかね噺」製作委員会
