The anime Akane-banashi is preparing for the Karaku Cup arc. Along with a new trailer, the creators also revealed a fresh visual where Akane competes against other high school rakugo performers.

The materials also introduced two new participants in the competition for the first time: Karashi Nerimaya, voiced by Takuya Eguchi, and Hikaru Koragi, voiced by Rie Takahashi. The anime is directed by Ayumu Watanabe (“Summer Time Rendering”), produced by the studio ZEXCS. The script composition is by Michihiro Tsuchiya, character design by Kii Tanaka, and music by Akio Izutsu. The project also features Kikuhiko Hayashiya as a rakugo consultant.

Currently, the series is streaming for free on YouTube in North and South America. Additionally, Netflix will launch the title with English subtitles and dubbing on May 17.

The manga Akane-banashi by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue has been published since February 2022; as of now, 21 volumes have been released in Japan. VIZ Media licenses the English version and describes the story of Akane, who is trying to break into the world of rakugo — a traditional Japanese storytelling performance where the journey from warming up to the main act requires not only talent but also serious training.