As fans of Akane-banashi know, there is no right or wrong reason to choose a career in the performing arts. You can do it for the love of the craft, because you see it as a way to make money, or, in the case of the Akane-banashi anime, out of spite. To avenge the disgrace of her father, Akane enters the traditional Japanese storytelling form of rakugo. The Akane-banashi anime is out now, and its release schedule is a little different from most anime this season.

(Updated June 23, 2026)

How often do new Akane-banashi episodes air

Akane-banashi Season 1 began on April 4, 2026, with weekly episodes airing after that through the Spring 2026 Anime Season. Unlike most anime, fans in North America, including the US, can watch every episode of Akane-banashi for free on YouTube.

When is the next episode of Akane-banashi out?

The next Akane-banashi episode won't air until January 2027. Akane-banashi Episode 12 was released on June 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST. That was the final episode of the season, meaning that there won't be any new episodes for a while. A second season was confirmed at the same time, with a release date of January 2027.

Where can I watch Akane-banashi?

As we mentioned above, American fans are in the fortunate position to be able to watch Akane-banashi for free on YouTube. Every episode is available for free in North America. Outside of that territory, a few different streamers have the rights to the show, including Netflix and Crunchyroll. If you’re a regular anime viewer, chances are good that you’ll be able to watch Akane-banashi with an existing subscription.

Will there be an Akane-babashi season 2?

Thanks to the popularity of the first season and the continued popularity of the manga, Akane-banashi season 2 was announced in June 2026. No exact release date has been announced, but it is expected to air in January 2027.

Is rakugo a real thing?

The simple answer is yes. The performance art depicted in Akane-banashi has existed in Japan for centuries, though it has evolved and changed over time. Rakugo is typically performed by one person who sits on a raised platform in the middle of the stage. They tell a story, usually a humorous one, using limited body movements and without moving from that spot. Think of it as something akin to stand-up comedy with strict rules in place. While the depiction of rakugo in Akane-banashi is stylized for the medium of manga and anime, it is still a fairly faithful representation of a somewhat obscure part of Japanese culture.

Is the Akane-banashi manga still ongoing?

The first chapter of Akane-banashi appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump in February 2022, and it has been running consistently since then. Currently, 21 volumes have been published with no ending in sight. The Akane-banashi manga is still ongoing, with new chapters most weeks on the Shonen Jump app and on the Viz Media website.

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