Six Veterans Take the Rakugo Stage
The new cast, confirmed by Japanese entertainment news site Comic Natalie, plays six rakugo masters who first appeared in the Season 1 finale. Hōchū Ōtsuka (Jiraiya in Naruto, Urokodaki in Demon Slayer) takes on Kashiwaya Sanroku, a Living National Treasure and the top-ranked performer of the largest rakugo faction. In his official comment, Ōtsuka called the role "an incredibly heavy character" and said he feels the weight of responsibility heading into recording.
Tomokazu Seki (Gilgamesh in Fate, Sanemi Shinazugawa in Demon Slayer) plays Konjakutei Chōasa. Seki revealed he's been watching the show live since it first aired, calling its human drama gripping and saying the story reminds him of his own early career as a voice actor.
Rounding out the new additions: Ryōtarō Okiayu as Tsubakiya Shōmei, Hiroshi Naka as Sanmeitei Ensō, Mutsumi Tamura as Ransaika Urara, and Shin'ichirō Miki as Kenpūtei Ryūun. Naka noted that his character is modeled after the legendary real-life performer Sanyūtei Enshō, who happens to be Naka's all-time favorite rakugo artist. Tamura described her character Urara as someone who combines beauty with a fierce devotion to her craft, and said she's been carefully approaching the rakugo training portions of the recording sessions.
The Apprentice Training Arc
Akane-banashi follows Sakurasaku Akane, a girl inspired by the rakugo performances of her father, Arakawa Shinta, who decides to pursue the art herself. Season 2 picks up after Akane graduates high school. She's formally accepted as a disciple of the master Arakawa Shiguma and takes the stage name "Arakawa Akane," beginning her apprenticeship in the competitive world of professional rakugo.
The Season 2 announcement PV is now live on the tv asahi animation YouTube channel. Character designer and chief animation director Norie Tanaka also released a celebratory illustration to mark the occasion. Studio ZEXCS returns for production under director Ayumu Watanabe.
Live Rakugo Hits a Real Stage
A live event titled "TV Anime Akane-banashi Suehirotei Late-Night Rakugo" will be held on August 9, 2026 at Shinjuku Suehirotei, one of Tokyo's most storied rakugo theaters. Anna Nagase, who voices protagonist Akane, will appear alongside Hayashiya Kikuhiko, the real-life rakugo performer who serves as the show's rakugo supervisor, plus several other professional performers including Yanagiya Kichiroku, Hayashiya Anko, and Hayashiya Rakuichi. Ticket details will be announced later.
Looking Ahead
Akane-banashi Season 2 premieres in January 2027 on TV Asahi's IMAnimation late-night anime block, broadcasting across 24 stations nationwide, as well as BS Asahi. No international streaming partner has been announced for Season 2.
The source manga by Yūki Suenaga (writer) and Takamasa Bajō (artist) is serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump and published in English by Viz Media. It's also available for free on Shueisha's MANGA Plus app.