I was blown away by the first chapter, I was surprised there was a rakugo manga this good I hadn't heard of. And then I realized the truth- this manga is new. I devoured the available chapters in one sitting and now I've come to preach the gospel of Akane-banashi.
If you like shonen manga at all, many of the story beats will be familiar. A young person enters a profession aiming to be the best and avenge their father. However, the protagonist, Akane, is utterly charming and what could be cliche tropes are used with such lightness and freshness that you can't help to be
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 Alternative TitlesJapanese: あかね噺 More titlesInformationType: Manga
Volumes: Unknown
Chapters: Unknown
Status: Publishing
Published: Feb 14, 2022 to ?
Genre:
Drama
Theme:
Performing Arts
Demographic:
Shounen
Serialization:
Shounen Jump (Weekly) Statistics Ranked: #7342 2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded. Popularity: #727
Members: 24,730
Favorites: 359 Available AtResources | Reviews
Filtered Results: 12 / 12
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Jul 4, 2022
Akane-banashi was an utter pleasure to read.
While the story set-up is your classical revenge narrative (albeit twisted into contemporary relevance), something we've seen before in many, many Shonen narratives, Akane-banashi stands out with its standout characters, modern yet atypical choice of setting, and finally its sheer storytelling finesse - finely delivering its narrative without bloating or rushing. It's a breath of fresh air that this isn't another manga chasing the whole Demon Slayer/Jujutsu Kaisen trend. The striking and punchy art and character design pull you in for sure, and the panelling is incredibly dynamic despite its relatively mundane subject matter. But style without substance ... 
Oct 23, 2022
Let's be honest. Most of us average Shonen Jump folks have probably never even heard of Rakugo, which is a practice that this manga revolves upon. You're probably wondering why you should even bother picking up a series about a practice you never even heard of. I had these same doubts too until I picked it up.
The series makes Rakugo to be far more suspense inducing, interesting and intense than you would expect it to be. It has incredible art and a realistic story that has you coming back for more every chapter. The protagonist, Akane, is head strong and determined (like every Shonen Protagonist ... 
Aug 1, 2023
Akane-banashi is one of the new rising stars in Weekly Shonen Jump. In a magazine where the action battle manga thrives the most, Akane-banashi has found its footing and has solidified its position in the magazine despite taking the unorthodox approach. As a big fan of manga that do take that approach, Akane-banashi was an instant favorite of mine. So here's my review of Akane-banashi, basically me stating why I love the manga so much.
Akane-banashi is a manga about Rakugo (basically an entertainment form of traditional Japanese storytelling) that centers around our protagonist, Osaki Akane who aspires to be a Rakugoka. Ever since her ... 
Jul 5, 2022
I do not know a damn thing about rakugo. Never knew a thing about it before, but after being exposed to this manga, I could certainly say that it is something new and refreshing. It kind of presents itself in a similar storytelling style as March Comes in Like a Lion. Telling the story of through an element aside from just the characters, but also through the artform of rakuga to express how those characters behave and view the world around them.
So far, 20 chapters into the story I have very much enjoyed Akane on her journey to become a renowned performer for the ... 
Aug 5, 2022
As a non-Japanese, I am always a bit skeptical about how to understand and enjoy a series that revolve around its culture, the rakugo show for example. I only watch joshiraku and ended up confused and didn't get all the jokes that perhaps only made for Japanese.
Until i found out this series. Akane banashi is one of the best new series in WSJ and certainly one of the most enjoyable. Akane, the main character, is cute and her determination to display the best rakugo performance is very interesting to read. As an ex art performer, i do relate to all her nervousness before coming to stage ... 
Aug 21, 2023
Akane Banashi a polished hidden gem that evokes emotion that shouldn’t be there, but its there. A revenge story to get back at the person who disregarded his fathers craft and art and prove to him that his fathers craft is something to be look at and admired. A truly heart felt manga of growth, realization and improvement. Nothing comes close to the goosebump inducing story this has to offer. No manga has made me feel goosebumps than this gem.
The case of Akane: In all respect, she is one of the best female shounen protagonist that this genre has to offer. She holds a ... 
Mar 18, 2024
on the good side: creative set up, and a structurally a well written and planned story. the designs are cute and there's a good deal of realism. akane is your typical shounen protagonist: energetic, passionate, and in a constant state of learning.
on the bad side: initially, it was super cool to learn about rokugo, but after a while it just gets... repetitive. maybe someone who is more familiar and interested in a "sports manga" type of format would be more interested in this series. akane banashi isn't a manga i stopped reading because of some final straw or even bad writing. it just kind ... 
Feb 22, 2024
Undoubtedly(for me) the best manga running in all of shonen jump right now, it is great (9/10) because it is still running so it better not derail its train. This is such a refreshing and different take on battle manga, it being rakugo and rising through the ranks, it's fun and the art is just chef's kiss, the facial expressions are the definition of expressive. It's a slow burn in a field I know nothing about and it made me seek out some new form of entertainment. I might never be fully into rakugo but through Akane's experience, I know enough and for that I
...
Mar 4, 2024
The first three chapters underline the importance of appreciating life's uncertainties and not taking anything for granted. Furthermore, the meticulous depiction of the main characters' holistic development serves as a catalyst, inspiring their transformative journey into becoming rakugoka. The decline in the art of rakugo by the main character's father becomes a poignant turning point, intensifying the protagonist's aspirations. Instead of deterring her, the father's setback fuels her determination, making her yearn even more to excel in rakugo, aspiring to earn her father's pride through her own success in the art form.
Akane can be considered as an impeccably fitting character, fearlessly venturing into uncharted territories ...
Feb 18, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series so far. I was pleasantly surprised because I know nothing of this part of Japanese culture. However, I am still able to relate to the characters. I genuinely feel like I can enjoy the character’s performances of Rakugo. Akane is a really great MC. I find myself getting really hyped to when it’s time to watch her preform. With every chapter i also love learning something new to the art of Rakugo. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes slice of life and competitive characters. I think people who liked Chihayafuru will enjoy this too.
Nov 2, 2022
I don't think Akane-banashi is bad. The reception has been very positive, both in Japan and outside of it, but unfortunately I just can't bring myself to like this manga.
I read the firsts 9 chapters and thought it was incredibly boring. Maybe it's because I just came from reading Show-ha Shouten, an incredibly dull "comedy manga", and I'm bringing vibes from there to here. Akane-banashi feels to me exactly like Show-ha Shouten. The main difference is that instead of being a comedy duo it's a solo comedian. The "comedy" however is terrible. Just like I said in my Show-ha Shouten review, I understand there are ... |
