Akane-banashi Anime Gets 2nd Season Announcement: To Air in January 2027
Akane-banashi fans have exciting news: The production by Shin-Ei Animation and director Tomoki Kobayashi has been greenlit for a second season and will officially air in January 2027. Additionally, the voice actors for six new characters introduced in the final episode of the first season have been announced.
Originally adapted from the manga of the same name by Yuki Suenaga (story) and Takamasa Moue (art), Akane-banashi focuses on the fascinating world of rakugo. The series, which tells the struggle of a young girl named Akane to revive her father's rakugo career, has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 2022. The first anime season was highly acclaimed in 2025, particularly praised for introducing rakugo culture to a younger audience.
In the new season, viewers can expect a period where the story deepens further. We know that the six announced new characters appeared as members of the Arakawa troupe in the final scene of the first season. Although the names of the voice actors for these roles have not yet been fully revealed, it can be said that the series is known for its quality casting. In the previous season, Minori Suzuki (Akane) and other experienced voice actors stood out with their performances.
This news is a great gain for both the anime and manga communities, especially considering that rakugo-themed productions are rare. After the first season, events in the manga have also intensified, with Akane facing more challenges and an increasing number of rivals. The second season is expected to take this storyline even further. For now, the release date is confirmed; however, new trailers and character introductions are likely to arrive at the end of 2026. We will closely follow the developments.
