The anime adaptation of Akane Banashi (あかね噺), based on the manga by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Majo, has been officially confirmed for a second season. It will begin broadcasting in January 2027 on TV Asahi’s nationwide IMAnimation block across 24 stations, as well as BS Asahi. A production announcement PV and a celebratory illustration by character designer and chief animation director Norie Tanaka have also been released.

Story and Season 2 Arc

The series follows Sakurazaki Akane, a girl captivated by the traditional Japanese art of rakugo after watching her father, the rakugo performer Arakawa Shinta, perform when she was young. Season 2 covers the “Zenza Shugyō-hen” (前座修業篇) — the apprentice training arc — in which Akane, having graduated high school and been formally accepted as a disciple of Arakawa Shiguma, begins her journey as a professional rakugo performer under the stage name Arakawa Akane.

Six New Voice Cast Members

The cast for new characters who appeared in the final episode of Season 1 has been announced:

• Yoshitada Otsuka — as Kashiwaya Sanroku
• Ryotaro Okiayu — as Tsubakiya Masaaki
• Hiroshi Naka — as Sanmeitei Enso
• Mutsumi Tamura — as Ransaika Urara
• Shinichiro Miki — as Kenfutei Ryuun
• Tomokazu Seki — as Konjakutei Chocho

Comments from the New Cast

Yoshitada Otsuka (Kashiwaya Sanroku)

Sanroku is a grand master performer, a living national treasure who stands at the top of the largest rakugo school. It’s an enormously weighty role, and I intend to give it everything I have.

Ryotaro Okiayu (Tsubakiya Masaaki)

Playing a rakugo master is a daunting honor. I’ve already made my first visit to Suehirotei to get a feel for the world, and I’ve finished reading the source manga. I’m very excited!

Hiroshi Naka (Sanmeitei Enso)

When I looked into who the character was modeled after, I found it was Sanyutei Ensho — my absolute favorite rakugo performer. I was genuinely surprised. His “Kaidan Botan Doro” is especially captivating.

Mutsumi Tamura (Ransaika Urara)

Urara-shisho is not just beautiful and glamorous — she has a fierce dedication to her art. I’m working carefully in the recording booth to convey her dignified strength and allure.

Shinichiro Miki (Kenfutei Ryuun)

I loved watching rakugo on TV as a child, so I’m truly delighted to be part of this world as a voice actor.

Tomokazu Seki (Konjakutei Chocho)

I’m a rakugo fan and have been watching the show live since it first aired (laughs). The human drama is so intense — parts of it even remind me of my own early days in the industry. I’ll give this role everything I’ve got!

Special Rakugo Event at Suehirotei

A special live rakugo event titled 「TVアニメ『あかね噺』末廣亭深夜寄席」 will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Shinjuku Suehirotei in Tokyo. Doors open at 21:00, with the performance beginning at 21:15. The lineup includes voice actress Anna Nagase (the voice of Akane), rakugo supervisor Hayashiya Kikuhiko, Yanagiya Kichiroku, Hayashiya Anko, and Hayashiya Rakuichi. Further details on tickets and the event will be announced at a later date.