Special Collector's Edition Announced for Akane-banashi Anime Opening Theme "Hitotarashi"
We have exciting news for Akane-banashi fans! The opening theme for the anime adaptation, "Hitotarashi" (人誑し), performed by the legendary artist Keisuke Kuwata, is set to be released physically in a special collector's edition. This single, which will be released on June 24, 2026, comes in a limited edition version that includes a surprise sure to delight collectors: a special acrylic stand featuring Keisuke Kuwata and the series' protagonist Akane Arakawa standing back-to-back!
Written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, Akane-banashi has stood out as one of the most unique works in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine since February 2022. Centered on the traditional Japanese art of storytelling known as Rakugo, the series follows the story of young Akane, who sets out to restore her father's honor after he is unfairly expelled from the world of Rakugo. The anime adaptation, produced by Studio ZEXCS and directed by Ayumu Watanabe, premiered in Japan on April 4, 2026, and has received great acclaim.
The involvement of music industry giant Keisuke Kuwata in this project is a major event in itself. Known as the lead singer of the band Southern All Stars and one of the most influential figures in J-pop history, Kuwata captures the spirit of the series through both the opening theme "Hitotarashi" and the ending theme "AKANE On My Mind ~ Manjū Kowai". The combination of the rhythmic and theatrical nature of Rakugo with Kuwata's unique musical style has been described by fans as a "perfect match."
This special collaboration
