Episode guide
Akane-banashi: Season 1
12 episodes · premiered Apr 4, 2026
Akane Osaki, captivated since childhood by the magical performances of her father, Shinta Arakawa, witnesses a shocking incident during his decisive performance for promotion to shin'uchi (master rank). Six years later, now a high school student, she sets her sights on becoming a shin'uchi herself—pushing forward in the highly competitive world of rakugo.
- Episode 1: That Day Apr 4, 2026 · 25m Young girl Akane Osaki falls in love with rakugo comic storytelling through watching her father perform. One day, a shocking event derails his career.
- Episode 2: First Performance Apr 11, 2026 · 25m Hearing that Master Shiguma is secretly meeting with a young girl, Futatsume Guriko investigates and finds him teaching Akane at a karaoke parlor.
- Episode 3: Senior Apprentices Apr 19, 2026 · 25m Akane joins Shiguma's school as an apprentice. The earnest Kyoji Arakawa is tasked with guiding her, but she finds herself stuck doing menial chores.
- Episode 4: Beyond Joy Apr 25, 2026 · 25m Akane performs at a nursing home, displaying all she has learned. Kyoji goes next, determined to show her his skill as her elder fellow apprentice.
- Episode 5: Her Path Forward May 2, 2026 · 25m Akane gets career counseling from her teacher Iwashimizu, known as the Ice Lady, who refuses to acknowledge Akane's dream of becoming a Rakugoka.
- Episode 6: Terakoya May 9, 2026 · 25m After learning that Issho will judge the annual student Rakugo championship, Akane gains Shiguma's permission to compete — but on one condition.
- Episode 7: Karaku Cup May 16, 2026 · 25m At the Karaku Cup preliminaries, all eyes are on defending champion Karashi and rising voice actor Hikaru Koragi, but Kaisei picks Akane to win.
- Episode 8: What They Want May 23, 2026 · 25m As the Karaku Cup finals begin, Karashi wins over the crowd with his bold adapted Rakugo, but head judge Issho's verdict remains to be seen.
- Episode 9: Performer May 30, 2026 · 25m At the Karaku Cup finals, Hikaru Koragi performs a sentimental story to prove she is more than just a pretty face. Next, Akane takes the stage.
- Episode 10: Jugemu Jun 6, 2026 · 25m Akane's performance of "Jugemu" takes a subdued approach, providing a pleasant respite for the spectators caught up in the excitement of the contest.
- Episode 11: Answer Jun 13, 2026 · 25m Following Akane's bold question, the shrewd Issho makes the reporters leave the room, then reveals the truth about the expulsion incident.
- Episode 12: Graduation Jun 20, 2026 · 25m Akane's Karaku Cup win draws attention at school. As graduation nears, her friends chase their own dreams, and Shiguma ponders a stage name for her.