Akane-banashi

Akane-banashi

Episodes

12 Aired

That Day

EP 01

2026.04.04 (土)·24分

That Day

あの日

Akane Ousaki, a fifth-grader, was captivated by the magic-like rakugo of her father, Shinta Arakawa, a professional storyteller. To support the family who backed his dreams, Shinta takes on the promotion exam for "Shin'uchi," the highest rank in the rakugo world. While Shinta demonstrated his true potential before Akane and the others, the exam takes a shocking and unexpected turn.

First Performance on Stage

EP 02

2026.04.11 (土)·24分

First Performance on Stage

初高座

Guriko Arakawa, a novice "futatsume" (second-rank performer), hears a rumor that his master, Shiguma Arakawa, is secretly meeting a young woman and begins an investigation. He discovers Akane, a high school student, receiving training from Shiguma in a karaoke room. When Shiguma is informed that a "Rakugo Cafe" urgently needs a performer for a show, he chooses Akane instead of the experienced Guriko.

Senior Disciples

EP 03

2026.04.18 (土)·24分

Senior Disciples

兄弟子

After finishing her first performance and being inspired by Kaisei Arakawa, Akane becomes an apprentice in the Shiguma clan. Shiguma introduces her to her colorful senior disciples, and the serious Kyoji Arakawa is assigned to lead Akane's training. Though Akane is eager to refine her craft, Kyoji assigns her nothing but chores. Furthermore, she ends up training in an unexpected location...

Beyond the Joy

EP 04

2026.04.25 (土)·24分

Beyond the Joy

喜びの先

Having learned "attentiveness" through her apprenticeship at the izakaya "Umi," Akane accompanies Kyoji to their next workplace. That day's venue is a nursing home, where they are to perform rakugo as part of the facility's recreation. To ensure the elderly audience enjoys themselves, Akane fully demonstrates the results of her training on stage. Following her, Kyoji takes the stage to show Akane his dignity as a senior apprentice.

The Path Forward

EP 05

2026.05.02 (土)·24分

The Path Forward

進む道

Akane, a high school senior, barely has time to breathe after finishing her midterms before she's faced with career counseling from her homeroom teacher. Her opponent is Iwashimizu, known as the "Ice Queen." While Akane intends to become a rakugoka, Iwashimizu refuses to budge, insisting on a practical university path. In an attempt to get her career choice recognized, Akane consults with her friends to try and win Iwashimizu over...

Terakoya

EP 06

2026.05.09 (土)·24分

Terakoya

寺子屋

The student Rakugo championship, the "Karaku Cup." Upon learning that Issho Arakawa will serve as the head judge this year, Akane asks Shiguma for permission to compete. Shiguma's condition is to "win with 'Jugemu'." Faced with the difficulty of winning with a routine everyone knows, Akane and Guriko seek guidance from Koguma Arakawa, the "Terakoya" of the Shiguma school who is incredibly knowledgeable about Rakugo...

Karaku Cup

EP 07

2026.05.16 (土)·24分

Karaku Cup

可楽杯

The day of the Karaku Cup preliminaries has arrived. This year's focus is on Karashi Nerimaya, a university student who has won two consecutive Karaku Cups, and the rapidly rising young voice actress Hikaru Koragi. Meanwhile, Kaisei, who is serving as the MC, recommends the unknown high school girl Akane as a potential winner to reporters. Koguma, Guriko, and Iwashimizu also appear at the venue to watch over Akane. Against formidable rivals, will Akane be able to win the preliminaries with "Jugemu"?

Needs

EP 08

2026.05.23 (土)·24分

Needs

ニーズ

The main round of the Karaku Cup finally begins. In the venue, Arakawa Issho, the head judge, is present. As the contestants take the stage one after another, it is finally time for Karashi Nerimaya, one of the top contenders for the title. Karashi's specialty is "adapted rakugo," which involves arranging classical rakugo in a modern style. Karashi wins over the audience with his bold approach, but how will Issho evaluate him?

The Performer

EP 09

2026.05.30 (土)·24分

The Performer

表現者

The Karaku Cup finals. Following Karashi, voice actress Hikaru Koragi takes the stage. Hoping to change the status quo where she is often judged by her looks rather than her acting skills as a voice actress, Hikaru enters the Karaku Cup and performs a ninjobanashi that showcases her expressive power. Coincidentally, her chosen story is "Shibahama," the exact same piece from Shinta's shin'uchi promotion exam six years ago. Hikaru's passionate performance electrifies the venue. Amidst this tense atmosphere, Akane finally takes the stage.

Jugemu

EP 10

2026.06.06 (土)·24分

Jugemu

寿限無

Unlike the preliminaries where she fully showcased the sharpness and skill of her rapid-fire recitation, Akane performs a relatively understated 'Jugemu' in the finals. While Karashi and Hikaru wonder if she has thrown the match, it is actually a rakugo-like approach that feels comfortable to the audience swept up in the heat of the competition. By empathizing with the characters' feelings and naturally drawing the audience into the story with an unobtrusive narrative style, Akane gradually reaches a certain realm.

The Answer

EP 11

2026.06.13 (土)·24分

The Answer

答え

Confronting Issho Arakawa at a roundtable discussion, Akane directly asks him the reason behind Shinta's expulsion. After asking the surrounding reporters to excuse themselves, Issho sees through the fact that Akane is studying under Shiguma. Facing a faltering Akane, Issho finally begins to reveal the true intentions behind the expulsion incident six years ago—something he has never spoken of before. Having finally learned the reason for her father's expulsion, which she has chased for so long, what emotions will rise in Akane's heart...?

Graduation

EP 12

2026.06.20 (土)·24分

Graduation

卒業

Following her victory at the Karaku Cup, Akane suddenly becomes the center of attention at school. However, Akane's feelings are complicated, as she feels she didn't manage to truly impress Issho. As high school graduation approaches, her friends are inspired by her success and begin to pursue their own dreams. Meanwhile, Shiguma ponders what stage name to give Akane, who will officially become his apprentice after graduation. Akane, too, finds herself reflecting on the origin of her own name and thinking of her father, Shinta.