Akane-banashi Episode 9 Story & Preview Cuts Released: Voice Actress Hikaru Koragi Delivers a Passionate Performance

The story and preview images for Episode 9 of the TV anime Akane-banashi (JP: あかね噺) have been revealed. This episode will air on Saturday, May 30 at 11:30 PM (JST), and will later be available on various international streaming platforms.

Episode 9 Story

The Karaku Cup finals continue. Following Karashi, voice actress Hikaru Koragi takes the stage. Driven by a desire to change her current situation—where she is often evaluated on her looks rather than her acting skills as a voice actress—Hikaru approaches the Karaku Cup by performing a Ninjo-banashi (sentimental story) that utilizes her expressive abilities. Coincidentally, the piece she performs is "Shibahama," the exact same story Shinta chose for his Shin'uchi promotion exam six years ago. Hikaru captivates the venue with her passionate performance. Amidst the lingering excitement in the air, it is finally time for Akane to take the stage.

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