Pre-apprenticeship mentor character adds depth—introducing Kyoji as Akane's guide before formal training enriches the rakugo journey. Yohei Azakami voicing rakugoka is great casting; his ability to convey traditional performance art suits the role perfectly. Akane's journey to zenza is exciting progression; watching her climb rakugo ranks creates compelling character development. Rakugo supervision ensures authenticity; having Kikuhiko Hayashiya oversee the performance art guarantees genuine portrayal.

Akane is on her way to becoming a zenza as Akane-banashi continues — but before she can study under Shiguma Arakawa officially, she'll need some extra guidance. Enter Kyoji Arakawa, Akane's mentor as she navigates her pre-apprenticeship. A new character trailer shows the rakugoka in action, as voiced by Yohei Azakami.

WATCH KYOJI ARAKAWA'S CHARACTER TRAILER: Akane-banashi Kyoji Arakawa Character Trailer

Cast

Kyoji Arakawa - Yohei Azakami

Production Staff

Director: Ayumu Watanabe (Summer Time Rendering)

Animation Studio: ZEXCS

Series Composition: Michihiro Tsuchiya (Saint Cecilia & Pastor Lawrence scriptwriter)

Character Design: Kii Tanaka (Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead)

Music: Akio Izutsu (Akuma Kun)

Rakugo Supervisor: Kikuhiko Hayashiya

About the Manga

The original manga by Yuki Suenaga (story) and Takamasa Moue (art) began in February 2022 with 21 volumes released in Japan to date. VIZ Media releases an English-language version of the manga.

The Story

VIZ Media describes the story:

Akane unintentionally stirs up a scandal when she's discovered taking informal lessons from her father's former teacher, Shiguma Arakawa. And she's about to make even bigger waves because she is about to begin her first steps in climbing the ranks of a rakugo performer from zenza opening act to shin'uchi headliner is exchanging her secret lessons for formal training.

But she'll still have to finish high school and navigate her relationship with Shiguma's existing apprentices, all while learning that becoming a stellar rakugoka takes much more than just being good at performing!

Are you excited for Akane-banashi? Did you read the manga? What do you think of Kyoji as a mentor? Do you enjoy rakugo storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!