The art of rakugo proved it doesn’t need explosions or magical powers to captivate the audience, and its animated adaptation is ready for the next big step. During a special event held this Sunday, it was officially confirmed that the Akane-banashi anime will get a second season, arriving on screens in January 2027.

In this new phase, the story will fully delve into the awaited Zenza Arc, following Akane Osaki, now formally known by the stage name Akane Arakawa, after graduating high school and joining Shiguma’s school. The young storyteller will take her first professional steps at the traditional Yasaka-tei theater, surrounded by true masters of the genre in an unmatched narrative competition.

Accompanying this announcement, a first video trailer and a promotional image focused on the protagonist’s new phase were revealed. Additionally, new cast members were added, featuring Taku Yashiro as Asagao Konjakutei and Yoji Ueda as Hassho Tsubakiya. These voices join the additions that appeared at the end of the previous installment, including notable actors like Hochu Otsuka as Miroku Kashiwaya, Ryotaro Okiayu as Shomei Tsubakiya, Hiroshi Naka as Enso Sanmeitei, Mutsumi Tamura as Urara Ransaika, Shinichiro Miki as Ryu’un Kenputei, and Tomokazu Seki as Chocho Konjakutei.

The first season aired from April to June, covering up to the conclusion of the exciting Karaku Cup Arc. That production was directed by Ayumu Watanabe at studio ZEXCS, with Yu Harima as assistant director, Kii Tanaka handling character design and animation direction, Michihiro Tsuchiya supervising the scripts, and Akio Izutsu composing the music, with special advisory from master Kikuhiko Hayashiya to faithfully represent the art of rakugo.

About Akane-banashi

Akane-banashi is an acclaimed manga written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. The series began its publication in Shueisha’s famous Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in February 2022, having released its 24th compiled volume on October 2. Since its debut, the title became one of the biggest surprises in the magazine’s lineup, earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Kodansha Manga Awards and the Manga Taisho in 2023.

The story follows Akane Osaki, a girl passionate about rakugo, the traditional Japanese art of comedic and interactive oral storytelling, who dreams of achieving the supreme Shin’uchi rank. Inspired by her father’s dedication and tragic professional fate within this guild, Akane decides to challenge the traditions of a discipline historically dominated by men to prove her own talent on stage.

Did you get the chance to watch the first season of Akane-banashi, or will you use the wait to read the manga?