Six additional voice actors have been revealed for the English dub of the Akane-banashi anime, with their roles set to debut in the final episode of the first season. The announcements were made during an Anime Expo panel for the series.
The new additions to the English dub cast include Kari Wahlgren as Urara Ransaika, Greg Chun as Ryu'un Kenputei, Ben Diskin as Chocho Konjakutei, SungWon Cho as Miroku Kashiwaya, Crispin Freeman as Shomei Tsubakiya, and Keith Silverstein as Enso Sanmeitei.
Alongside the dub cast news, it was confirmed that Akane-banashi will return for a second season in January 2027. The first season of the anime, which adapts YÅ«ki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue's manga, began airing in Japan in April 2024. Episodes are available for free streaming in North America and Latin America via the show's official YouTube channel following their Japanese broadcast. Netflix has been releasing the English dub weekly, with earlier episodes already available.
The series has also secured a wide range of international streaming partners, including availability in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, the Asia Pacific region, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, and South Korea. The first season was directed by Ayumu Watanabe at ZEXCS, with a script overseen by Michihiro Tsuchiya.
The Akane-banashi manga, which launched in February 2022, follows Akane Osaki as she aims to become a master rakugo performer, inspired by her father. The manga has garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for the 47th Kodansha Manga Awards and the 16th Manga Taisho awards in 2023, and was recognized in Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga Is Amazing!) guidebook.
Source: Akane-banashi anime's Anime Expo panel (Alex Mateo)
