Exclusive Free Live Broadcast of the TV Anime 'Akane-banashi' Cast Special on ABEMA, Premiering April 4 (Sat) at 10:30 PM! Anna Nagase, Rie Takahashi, and Akihisa Shiono Break Down the Highlights!

The 'New TV of the Future,' ABEMA, will exclusively broadcast the special program 'TV Anime "Akane-banashi" Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion' live for free starting at 10:30 PM on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the day the broadcast begins. The TV anime 'Akane-banashi' is based on the Rakugo manga written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, currently serialized in 'Weekly Shonen Jump' (Shueisha). It tells the authentic Rakugo story of Akane Osaki, a girl fascinated by her father's magical Rakugo performances as a professional storyteller. Triggered by events surrounding her father's 'Shin'uchi' (highest rank) promotion test, she jumps into the world of Rakugo herself, growing as she aims for the top rank of Shin'uchi. The passionate drama of storytellers risking their lives on the art of conversation has generated buzz, earning high praise for pioneering a new genre in shonen manga. The long-awaited first anime adaptation airs in April 2026. Featuring a gorgeous cast including Anna Nagase (as Akane Osaki), Takuya Eguchi (as Karashi Renmaya), Rie Takahashi (as Hikaru Koragi), and Akihisa Shiono (as Kaisei Arakawa), much attention is focused on the deep world of Rakugo and the authentic drama depicted through animation. Appearing live on the special program 'TV Anime "Akane-banashi" Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion,' exclusively broadcast for free on ABEMA, are Anna Nagase (Akane Osaki), Rie Takahashi (Hikaru Koragi), and Akihisa Shiono (Kaisei Arakawa). Leading up to the TV anime's premiere immediately following the special, they will thoroughly explain the appeal of the story and characters. Also, a giveaway campaign is planned during the broadcast, so please be sure to watch the special program and participate. Furthermore, the TV anime 'Akane-banashi' will be streamed early on ABEMA starting at midnight on Saturday, April 4. Simultaneous to the early free broadcast on the 'ABEMA Anime Channel,' the latest episode will be available for free streaming. From then on, throughout the entire season, you can enjoy unlimited free viewing of all episodes up to the latest one. ABEMA is the only place you can enjoy the 'Akane-banashi' special program featuring the gorgeous cast. Please enjoy the highly anticipated world of this authentic Rakugo story along with the cast on ABEMA. ■ Outline of the Exclusive Free Live Broadcast: Special Program 'TV Anime "Akane-banashi" Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion' Broadcast Date & Time: Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM Broadcast Channel: ABEMA Anime Channel 2 Program URL: https://abema.go.link/3zrpP Cast (Titles omitted): Anna Nagase (as Akane Osaki), Rie Takahashi (as Hikaru Koragi), Akihisa Shiono (as Kaisei Arakawa)