Akane-banashi Episode 5 Story & Preview Cuts Released: Iwashimizu Pushes Akane Toward University, But What Will She Do?

The story and preview images for Episode 5 of the TV anime Akane-banashi (JP: あかね噺) have been revealed. This episode will air on Saturday, May 2 at 11:30 PM (JST), and will later be available on various international streaming platforms.

Episode 5 Story

Now a third-year high school student, Akane barely has a moment to relax after her midterm exams before she is summoned for a career counseling session. To make matters worse, the session is with Iwashimizu, a teacher notorious enough to be dubbed the "Ice Queen." While Akane is determined to become a professional Rakugo storyteller, Iwashimizu refuses to back down, firmly insisting on a more practical path toward university. Desperate to get her teacher’s approval for her future in Rakugo, Akane consults with her friends to find a way to win Iwashimizu over, but...

Introduction

"Reach the pinnacle of art with nothing but your own body—

Since childhood, Akane Osaki grew up watching the back of her storyteller father, Shinta Arakawa. Enchanted by the magic of his rakugo, she witnessed a shocking incident during the most important performance of his career—the stage where he staked everything on his promotion to shin'uchi.

Six years later—Akane has become a high schooler, charging forward with a single-minded goal: to reach the highest rank in the rakugo world, the ""Shin'uchi"".

A true-to-life rakugo story, where storytellers hone their skills and clash at the absolute height of the narrative arts—begins here!! "

Akane-banashi Characters List

Spring 2026 Anime List

Source : Akane-banashi Official