Global streaming service Netflix has confirmed it will stream Akane-banashi worldwide with both subtitles and an English dub starting Sunday, May 17th, 2026.
The premiere will launch with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases beginning with Episode 3. The first three episodes are also available on YouTube with English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles.
Akane-banashi follows Akane Osaki, who grew up admiring her father’s rakugo performances — a traditional form of solo storytelling. When her father is expelled from the exam to become a rakugo master, along with several other aspiring performers, Akane sets out to make a name for herself and restore her father’s honour.
The Japanese voice cast features Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, Jun Fukuyama as Shinta Arakawa, Shizuka Ito as Masaki Osaki, and Akio Otsuka as Issho Arakawa.
Directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with a script by Yuki Suenaga and animation production by Zexcs, Akane-banashi premiered on Saturday, April 4th, 2026. The opening theme “Hitotarashi” is performed by singer-songwriter Kuwata Keisuke.
The series is adapted from the manga of the same name, written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, which has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump since February 2022. In Canada, VIZ Media offers the English-translated manga in print and digital formats; it is also available on Manga Plus.
Source: @NetflixAnime
©Yuki Suenaga, Takamasa Moue / SHUEISHA, Akane-banashi Committee
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