TV Asahi is thrilled to announce that they have officially confirmed Season 2 (The Apprentice Arc) of the authentic Rakugo-themed series Akane-banashi, written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue and currently serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump (SHUEISHA) for January 2027. The announcements follow the conclusion of Season 1 and the Karaku Cup Arc.
After graduating from high school and officially becoming an apprentice of Shiguma Arakawa, Akane begins her journey as a professional Rakugoka under the name Akane Arakawa.
To commemorate the Season 2 announcement, character designer Kii Tanaka has drawn a special celebratory illustration!
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TVアニメ『あかね噺』
第2期制作決定
お祝いイラスト公開🪭╰━━━━━ｖ━━━━━╯
キャラクターデザイン・総作画監督
田中紀衣より描き下ろしイラストが到着！❏第2期制作決定PVhttps://t.co/bDf21uHmPF#あかね噺 pic.twitter.com/b2pf5IEoVs
— 『あかね噺』公式アカウント@TVアニメ好評放送中！ (@akanebanashi_PR) June 20, 2026
The cast members for the new characters appearing in the final episode of Season 1 have now been revealed, including:
- Miroku Kashiwaya: Hochu Otsuka
- Shomei Tsubakiya: Ryotaro Okiayu
- Enso Sanmeitei: Hiroshi Naka
- Urara Ransaika: Mutsumi Tamura
- Ryu’un Kenputei: Shinichiro Miki
- Chocho Konjakutei: Tomokazu Seki
Be sure to look forward to their roles in Season 2!
Here are the special comments from the new cast members!
Hochu Otsuka
“I’m honored to be voicing Miroku Kashiwaya in Akane-banashi! He is a “Living National Treasure” and a Grand Shin’uchi who stands at the pinnacle of the largestRakugo school. Even now, I feel a tremendous sense of weight and responsibility to meet those expectations. I will do my best to bring him to life in the anime!”
Ryotaro Okiayu
“I have been entrusted to voice Shomei Tsubakiya! It feels incredibly humbling to voice a mentor-like character to the other Rakugokas. I even made sure to visit the iconic Suehirotei Rakugo theater! There is a scene that becomes highly relevant and meaningful later in the story, so stay tuned! I’m even completely caught up on the manga! I cannot wait for you all to enjoy the upcoming season.”
Hiroshi Naka
“I will be portraying the Rakugoka Enso Sanmeitei! When I found out Enso Sanmeitei was based on the real-life Rakugoka Ensho San’yutei, I was shocked and thrilled! That’s because he is my absolute favorite Rakugoka. I personally even own several of his performances on DVD, including the captivating performance “Kurihashi-juku” from the ghost story “Kaidan Botan Dōrō.” The moment where Omine treats Kyuzo, the horse driver, to sake in order to get him to reveal information about her husband’s infidelity is simply masterful. Even the way Ensho sips from the teacup at the beginning of the story is such a joy to watch. His performance of “Shinigami” is also fantastic. Please check them out as well!”
Mutsumi Tamura
“I will be voicing Urara Ransaika! I feel that Rakugoka Urara is not only beautiful and glamorous, but she also possesses an intense determination from dedicating her life to the art of Rakugo. During the recording, we were very careful in capturing her dignified strength and grace. The Rakugo lessons were also nerve-wracking, but I’ve been enjoying them and I hope everyone looks forward to Season 2.”
Shinichiro Miki
“Ever since I was a child, I fell in love with watching Rakugo on TV. I’m truly delighted and thrilled to have the opportunity to voice this character in this world. Thank you for your support!”
Tomokazu Seki
“I’m thrilled to be entrusted with voicing Chocho Konjakutei. As a big fan of Rakugo, I’ve also been tuning in live to watch the anime every week since the very first episode! The drama is so compelling, and it really reminds me of my own early days in the industry, which keeps me invested every week! As one of the many colorful Rakugoka in the series, I’ll give it my all to convey Chocho’s unique charms. Please look forward to Season 2!”
Production Credits
Original Work: Yuki Suenaga, Takamasa Moue
Director: Ayumu Watanabe
Assistant Director: Yu Harima
Series Composer: Michihiro Tsuchiya
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kii Tanaka
Sub Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yasunari Nitta
Chief Animation Director: Hisashi Kagawa
Costume Design: Noriko Shimazawa
Prop Design: Yoshinori Iwanaga
Art Design: Shuhei Tada
Art: Takumi Sakurada
Color Design: Saori Goda
Photography Director: Yuta Nakamura
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
Sound Director: Noriyoshi Konuma
Music: Akio Izutsu
Rakugo Supervision: Kikuhiko Hayashiya
Animation Studio: ZEXCS
Cast
Akane Osaki: Anna Nagase
Karashi Nerimaya: Takuya Eguchi
Hikaru Koragi: Rie Takahashi
Kaisei Arakawa: Akihisa Shiono
Shinta Arakawa (Tohru Osaki): Jun Fukuyama
Maikeru Arakawa: Nobunaga Shimazaki
Koguma Arakawa: Chiaki Kobayashi
Kyoji Arakawa: Yohei Azakami
Guriko Arakawa: Seiichiro Yamashita
Shiguma Arakawa: Masaki Terasoma
Issho Arakawa: Akio Otsuka
Official Website: https://akane-banashi.com/
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