Akane-banashi - Season 1

First aired: 4/4/2026 12 episodes

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.

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Episodes

1. That Day

Aired: 4/4/2026

Akane Osaki, a fifth-grade student, is captivated by the magical Rakugo performance of her father, Shinta Arakawa. Determined to support the family who have always stood behind his dream, Shinta takes on the promotion exam to achieve the highest rank in the Rakugo world - Shin'uchi. As Akane and the others look on, Shinta delivers a performance that showcases his true skill. However, the exam takes a shocking and completely unexpected turn that no one could have foreseen.

2. First Performance

Aired: 4/11/2026

Guriko Arakawa, a fledgling Futatsume (the second-highest rank Rakugo performer), begins investigating a rumor that his master, Shiguma Arakawa, has been secretly meeting a young woman. What he discovers, however, is Akane, now a high school student, receiving private Rakugo lessons from Shiguma at a karaoke box. Around that time, Shiguma receives word that a performer is urgently needed to fill a slot at an event at “Rakugo Cafe.” Yet instead of choosing the more experienced Guriko, Shiguma unexpectedly nominates Akane.

3. Senior Apprentices

Aired: 4/19/2026

After performing for the first time and being motivated by Kaisei Arakawa's Rakugo performance, Akane is officially accepted as Shiguma's apprentice. He introduces her to her unique senior apprentices and the disciplined Kyoji Arakawa takes her under his wing. Akane is sure that she’ll get to hone her artistic Rakugo skills, but all Kyoji orders her to do is menial tasks. On top of that, he sends her to train at the most unexpected place…

4. Beyond Joy

Aired: 4/25/2026

During her training at the Izakaya “Umi”, Akane learns the art of “attentiveness”. Kyoji takes her to his next job at a retirement home, where Rakugo is the recreational event of the day. Determined to make sure her elderly audience members enjoy themselves, Akane shows off the results of her training on stage. Following her, Kyoji takes the stage, determined to show her the dignity and authority as her senior apprentice.

5. Her Path Forward

Aired: 5/2/2026

6. Episode 6

Aired: 5/9/2026

7. Episode 7

Aired: 5/16/2026

8. Episode 8

Aired: 5/23/2026

9. Episode 9

Aired: 5/30/2026

10. Episode 10

Aired: 6/6/2026

11. Episode 11

Aired: 6/13/2026

12. Episode 12

Aired: 6/20/2026