Akane-banashi Karaku Cup Arc Visual & PV Released: Akane, Karashi, and Hikaru Clash in Student Rakugo Championship

New key visuals and a promotional video (PV) have been released to mark the start of the "Karaku Cup Arc" in the TV anime Akane-banashi. The visual showcases the start of the Karaku Cup, a prestigious student rakugo championship. It features Akane Osaki, a high school girl aiming for Shin'uchi—the highest rank for a rakugo performer—alongside Karashi Nerimaya, a genius of student rakugo, and Hikaru Koragi, a rapidly rising young voice actress.

The upcoming arc depicts the collision of their individual ambitions: Karashi aims for a consecutive title with his innovative adapted rakugo; Hikaru challenges the world of rakugo to test her own potential; and Akane seeks to confront Issho Arakawa, the man who once expelled her father.

Akane-banashi is based on the manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since February 2022. The story follows Akane, who was enchanted by her father's magical rakugo as a child. Following a pivotal performance that changed her father's life, she decides to walk the path of a rakugoka (storyteller) herself. Now 17 years old, Akane strives to reach the rank of Shin'uchi, overcoming various trials to master the world-class skills required for the craft.

The series has earned high acclaim, ranking 2nd in the "Manga Taisho 2023" and 3rd in the comics division of the "Next Manga Awards 2022." Known for its authenticity, the project has collaborated with professional storytellers, the Rakugo Kyokai Association, and the Asakusa Engei Hall. Special promotional videos featuring eight professional rakugo masters, including Kikuo Hayashiya and Kyotaro Yanagiya, have also been released to highlight the manga’s unique charm.

Source : ORICON NEWS