[Important] ABEMA to Exclusively Stream Live Special Program for TV Anime "Akane-banashi" on April 4th (Saturday) at 10:30 PM JST! Anna Nagase, Rie Takahashi, and Akihisa Shiono to Provide In-depth Commentary!

The new future TV "ABEMA" will exclusively stream the special program "TV Anime 'Akane-banashi' Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion" live and for free on the broadcast start date, April 4th, 2026 (Saturday) from 10:30 PM.

The TV anime "Akane-banashi" is based on the Rakugo manga of the same name, serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha) by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Magoshi. It depicts the story of Akane Owari, a girl who grew up fascinated by her father's magical Rakugo performances. Triggered by events surrounding her father's "Shinuchi Promotion Test," she dives into the world of Rakugo herself, aiming to reach the highest rank of "Shinuchi" as she grows. The passionate drama of Rakugo performers dedicating their lives to their craft has garnered attention, earning high praise as a work that carves out a new genre in shonen manga. The highly anticipated first anime adaptation will premiere in April 2026. Featuring a豪華 cast including Anna Nagase (as Akane Owari), Takuya Eguchi (as Karashi Neruma), Rie Takahashi (as Hikaru Kōraki), and Akihisa Shiono (as Kiseki Arakawa), anticipation is high for the profound world of Rakugo and the authentic drama depicted in animation.

The special program "TV Anime 'Akane-banashi' Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion," which will be exclusively streamed live and for free on "ABEMA," will feature live appearances by Anna Nagase (as Akane Owari), Rie Takahashi (as Hikaru Kōraki), and Akihisa Shiono (as Kiseki Arakawa). Ahead of the TV anime broadcast, which is just around the corner, they will provide an in-depth explanation of the story and the charm of the characters.

Additionally, a present campaign is planned during the broadcast, so please watch and participate in this special program.

Furthermore, the TV anime "Akane-banashi" will begin its early streaming on "ABEMA" from April 4th (Saturday) at 24:00 (midnight). The "ABEMA Anime Channel" will simultaneously start free advance broadcasting and free streaming of the latest episode. For the entire duration of the season, all episodes up to the latest one will be available for free viewing.

Only on "ABEMA" can you enjoy the special program featuring the豪華 cast of "Akane-banashi." Please enjoy the world of the buzzworthy, authentic Rakugo story with the cast on "ABEMA.".

■ Special Program "TV Anime 'Akane-banashi' Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion" Exclusive Free Live Broadcast Overview

<Broadcast Date & Program URL>

Broadcast Date: Saturday, April 4th, 2026, 10:30 PM - 11:30 PM JST

Broadcast Channel: ABEMA Anime Channel 2

Program URL: https://abema.go.link/3zrpP

Performers (Titles Omitted): Anna Nagase (Role of Akane Owari), Rie Takahashi (Role of Hikaru Kōraki), Akihisa Shiono (Role of Kiseki Arakawa)

FAQ

What is the special program about?

The special program, titled "TV Anime 'Akane-banashi' Pre-Broadcast! Roundtable Discussion," will feature cast members Anna Nagase, Rie Takahashi, and Akihisa Shiono discussing the anime's story and characters before its premiere.

When and where can I watch the special program?

The special program will be exclusively streamed live and for free on "ABEMA" on April 4th, 2026 (Saturday) from 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM JST on the ABEMA Anime Channel 2.

When will the TV anime "Akane-banashi" premiere?

The TV anime "Akane-banashi" will begin its early streaming on "ABEMA" on April 4th, 2026 (Saturday) at 24:00 (midnight) JST.

Will the anime episodes be free to watch?

Yes, "ABEMA" will offer free advance broadcasting and free streaming of the latest episode upon its premiere. For the entire season, all episodes up to the latest one will be available for free viewing.

Are there any special events during the broadcast?

Yes, a present campaign is planned during the broadcast of the special program. Viewers are encouraged to watch and participate.

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