The anime "Akane-banashi" is based on the popular manga currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), written by Yūki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. The story centers on Akane, who has been fascinated by rakugo since childhood after watching her father, Tōru Ōsaki (CV: Jun Fukuyama)—better known by his stage name "Shinta Arakawa." After witnessing a shocking incident during her father’s crucial performance for promotion to the rank of shin'uchi, Akane sets out to reach the highest rank in the rakugo world: Shin'uchi.

■Episode 5: "The Path Forward"
[Synopsis]
Akane, a third-year high school student, is relieved after finishing her midterms, but only for a moment before she has to face career guidance from her teacher. Her opponent is Iwashimizu, known as the "Ice Woman." While Akane plans to become a rakugoka, Iwashimizu refuses to budge, recommending a realistic university path. Determined to make her teacher acknowledge her path as a rakugoka, Akane consults her friends to try and win her over...

(C)末永裕樹・馬上鷹将／集英社・「あかね噺」製作委員会

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