The Reason Behind the Episode 1 Expulsion Scandal Revealed in "Akane-banashi"! Akane and Isshō Arakawa Face Off

In Episode 11 of the anime "Akane-banashi," broadcast on June 13, Isshō Arakawa (CV: Akio Ōtsuka) finally revealed the true meaning behind the expulsion scandal that took place six years ago.

This series began with Tōru Ōsaki (CV: Jun Fukuyama), also known as "Shinta Arakawa"—the father of the protagonist, Akane Ōsaki (CV: Anna Nagase)—being expelled by Isshō on the grand stage where he challenged for a promotion to Shin'uchi (master rank). In Episode 11, "The Answer," the story continued from the scene where Akane, who faced Isshō at the end of the previous episode, asked for the reason behind Shinta's expulsion.

Learning that Akane is Shinta's daughter and that she had watched the performance on the stage during the expulsion scandal, Isshō asked her, "What did you think when you watched that performance?" Akane replied, "What do you mean 'what did I think?' That cheering was everything. That was unmistakably the art of a Shin'uchi." However, when Isshō countered with, "Really? Can you honestly say that from the bottom of your heart?", the image of Shinta, who was initially a little nervous, flashed across her mind.

Even so, Akane argued that a bit of nervousness is unavoidable on a stage where one's life is on the line, countering, "That's exactly why I watched with a feeling of wanting to cheer him on! Both the audience and I did!" Isshō then completely shut down Akane's argument, saying, "Is an art supported by the audience truly the 'art of a Shin'uchi'?" He continued, "Support should follow the art; when support precedes the art, it is proof of immaturity." Furthermore, Isshō sternly stated that a Rakugoka is an entertainer but also a guardian of traditional performing arts, whose duty is to pass down the inherited art to the next generation, declaring, "Those who weaken Rakugo are not needed in 'Arakawa.'"

Hearing Isshō's true intent, Akane responded, "I'm glad. I'm glad you are someone with a rationale... with convictions. It wasn't for some trivial reason like a whim or for performance." Then, thinking to herself, "Even so, I believe in my dad's art," Akane declared to Isshō, "I will make you acknowledge it. With the very art you cast aside!"

Regarding the reason for the expulsion scandal that was finally revealed, online viewers shared various reactions, such as "So that's what it was about," "There was a solid reason behind it," and "The first episode was shocking, but I see now, it actually makes sense."