Akane-banashi
- English: -
- Synonyms:
- Japanese: -
- Type: TV
- Source: Manga
- Status: Currently Airing
- Season: spring 2026
- Episodes: 12
- Duration: 24 min per ep
- Genres: Drama
- Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
- Studio: Zexcs
From a young age, Akane Ousaki has always loved to watch her father, Tooru, practice and perform rakugo, a form of traditional Japanese comedic storytelling. Rakugo performers are split into three ranks, with the highest, shinuchi, only granted to the very best performers after they pass a difficult promotion test. When Tooru takes the exam, Akane experiences her father putting on a stellar performance in front of a big crowd and judges, but the strict main judge, Isshou Arakawa, still fails him, forcing him to quit rakugo. Ever since, Akane has been diligently practicing rakugo herself. Now a senior in high school, she coincidentally lands a spot to perform in front of a crowd with the help of Shiguma Arakawa, Tooru's former teacher. Her splendid performance surprises everyone and is just the beginning: Shiguma appoints her as his new apprentice, and with his help, Akane sets out to become a shinuchi in her father's place. [Written by MAL Rewrite]