"Spectacular Emotional Expression" and "Completely Different from Shinta!" for Popular Voice Actress's "Theatrical Rakugo" — Anime "Akane-banashi" Episode 9

In Episode 9 of the anime "Akane-banashi," which aired on May 30, the rapidly rising young voice actress Hikaru Kōragi (voiced by Rie Takahashi) performed "Shibahama" at the Karaku Cup. As Hikaru demonstrated the expressive power unique to a voice actress, online viewers were buzzing with excitement, leaving comments like, "I was blown away," and "The difference in their approaches is fascinating."

In Episode 9, "The Expresser," Hikaru took the stage for the finals of the Karaku Cup. Capitalizing on her strengths as a voice actress, she delivered the ninjo-banashi (human-interest story) "Shibahama" with exceptional acting skills and an emotionally charged voice. Furthermore, by intentionally adding more depictions of the wife to carefully convey her emotions, she invited the audience's empathy and instantly captured their hearts. After watching Hikaru's rakugo, Kaisei Arakawa (voiced by Akihisa Shiono) dubbed it, "In other words, this is 'theatrical rakugo' performed with a dramatic approach."

Following Hikaru's rakugo, online viewers flooded the internet with praise, with comments such as, "Her emotional expression is spectacular," and "I was blown away." Since "Shibahama" was also the story previously performed by Tōru Ōsaki, also known as "Shinta Arakawa" (voiced by Jun Fukuyama)—the father of Akane Ōsaki (voiced by Anna Nagase)—some viewers focused on the contrast between their expressions, noting, "It’s completely different from Shinta's!" and "The fascination of seeing different approaches was truly amazing."