Akane-banashi (Japanese: あかね噺, “Akane’s Story”) is a Japanese manga series written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue. It follows teenager Akane Osaki as she aims to reach the highest rank in rakugo, partly to avenge her father, who was expelled from the profession six years earlier. The rakugo in the series is supervised by professional rakugoka Keiki Hayashiya. Akane-banashi has been serialized in Shueisha‘s shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2022, with the chapters collected into 13 tankōbon volumes as of September 2024. Viz Media has licensed the series for English release in North America.

Blending humor, drama, and cultural tradition, Akane-banashi is a story of resilience and ambition. Through Akane’s journey, readers are introduced to the beauty and complexity of rakugo, filled with engaging performances and emotional growth. This series has become a fan favorite for its unique subject, strong character development, and compelling portrayal of a little-known art. Perfect for readers who enjoy slice-of-life narratives with a touch of comedy, Akane-banashi offers an inspiring story about talent, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.