Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, it depicts the growth of a young female rakugo performer.
After her father Shinta is mysteriously expelled on the very day of his master promotion, his daughter **Akane Sakurasaki** sets out to become a rakugo storyteller, chasing his legacy.
Aiming for the master rank her father never reached — and beyond — Akane steps onto the storytelling stage.
It premieres April 4, 2026 in TV Asahi's "IMAnimation" block. Production is handled by **ZEXCS** ✨
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① A Royal-Road Rakugo Coming-of-Age Story
A rare and passionate coming-of-age story set in the traditional art of rakugo.
It portrays, head-on, a girl honing her craft toward the pinnacle of storytelling.
The depth of rakugo draws in even newcomers.
02② Theme Songs Written by Keisuke Kuwata
Remarkably, both the OP "Hitotarashi" and the ED "AKANE On My Mind ~ Manju Kowai" are by **Keisuke Kuwata**.
Newly written songs by a legendary artist elevate the work's atmosphere.
03③ A Story of Inheritance, Chasing a Father's Back
Akane's driving force is her love for her father Shinta, expelled under mysterious circumstances.
To see the view he never reached, she inherits his art and presses forward.
The bond between parent and child and the inheritance of craft form the story's backbone.
04④ A Cast of Distinctive Rivals
Standing before Akane are vivid young rivals, including the prodigious **Kaisei Arakawa**.
The clash of their styles and convictions on stage is a highlight.
05⑤ Direction That Captures Rakugo's Pauses and Emotion
Rakugo conjures scenes through the pauses and gestures of its telling.
With direction only animation can offer, the world of each tale unfolds in the viewer's mind.
Watch for the expressive narration of the voice cast.
06⑥ 📺 Broadcast & Streaming Info
Premiere: April 4, 2026 (Sat)~
Broadcasting: TV Asahi "IMAnimation" block and others
Studio: ZEXCS
Please check the official site for the latest streaming info 📱
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
The anime depicts Akane's coming-of-age as she climbs the rakugo ladder one step at a time.
Watch for the gradual approach to the truth of why her father Shinta was expelled, and her artistic rivalry with the prodigy Kaisei Arakawa.
The stage where "inheritance" and "innovation" collide is a highlight.
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
At rakugo performer Shinta Arakawa's master-promotion ceremony, he was suddenly declared "expelled."
Witnessing her father's bitterness, his daughter Akane Sakurasaki resolves to walk the path of rakugo—aiming for the master rank he never reached, and beyond.
Thus begins Akane's story of honing her craft and her resolve.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
Its fresh angle portrays the seemingly high-bar subject of "rakugo" as a royal-road shonen coming-of-age story.
Even with zero knowledge you're drawn in, and the sensation of each tale unfolding in your mind is one of a kind. Watch for the cast's expressive "storytelling."
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
・Lavishly, both the OP and ED themes were newly written by Keisuke Kuwata.
・With rakugo supervision, real routines and gestures are carefully depicted.
・The unusual "rakugo x Jump" combination drew attention.
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
● The truth of why Shinta was expelled at his master-promotion ceremony.
● The true intent of the great name Issho Arakawa, who leads the school.
● What the rival Kaisei Arakawa carries, and his history with Akane.
● How far Akane's own talent can take her.
Set in the world of rakugo, the work weaves many human-drama threads.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
—Words that symbolize the world of classical rakugo.
● "I'll see the view my father never got to see."—Akane's resolve.
Every word spoken on the stage strikes the heart. Iconic scenes are sure to be born here, too.