The anime "Akane-banashi" is based on the popular manga currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), created by original author Yuki Suenaga and manga artist Takamasa Moue. The protagonist of the story is Akane, who has been enchanted by rakugo since her childhood, watching her father, Tōru Ōsaki (CV: Jun Fukuyama)—also known as "Shinta Arakawa"—perform as a storyteller. After witnessing a shocking incident on the grand stage where her father challenged his promotion to "shin'uchi," Akane begins her fierce journey toward reaching the highest rank in the rakugo world, "shin'uchi."

■Episode 10 "Jugemu"
[Synopsis]
Unlike the qualifiers where she fully displayed the sharpness and skill of her rapid-fire recitation, Akane delivers a relatively light and understated "Jugemu" in the main finals. While Karashi and Hikaru wonder suspiciously if she has thrown the match, this is actually a true storyteller's approach that feels comfortable to an audience wrapped up in the tournament's heat. By aligning with the character's emotions and naturally drawing the audience into the story with an unpretentious narrative style, Akane gradually reaches a whole new level.

(C)末永裕樹・馬上鷹将／集英社・「あかね噺」製作委員会

English