REVIEW: ‘Akane-banashi’ Episode 1 — “That Day”

Akane-banashi Episode 1, “That Day,” from Zexcs, introduces Akane Osaki (Anna Nagase, Summer Time Rendering) as she follows her father, Toru (Jun Fukuyama, See You Tomorrow At The Food Court), into the world of Rakugo performance. We learn about the art form and the dynamic between Akane, Toru, and her mother, Masaki, as a critical moment in her father’s career plays out. This moment will help direct Akane down her own path into Rakugo.

Serving as a prologue for the story to come, Akane-banashi Episode 1 does a fantastic job of laying out the groundwork. We get a lovely introduction to the central family and the nuances of its dynamic. Akane, Toru, and Masaki all have deep, impactful moments here, as we see how the family fits together. But the one who shines the brightest is Akane.

Akane-banashi Episode 1 brings Akane and Toru to life fantastically.

Akane-banashi Episode 1 establishes its lead skilfully. We see Akane as the passionate learner of Rakugo, the hopeful admirer of her father, and as a feisty child who can lash out and make mistakes. Watching her mimic her father’s routines and impersonate his mannerisms as he practices his work breathes incredible life into her. The tremendous animation greatly aids this vibrant portrayal of childhood energy.

The emotive energy that the animation conveys isn’t limited to Akane. With Rakugo being an art form that conveys emotion and tone almost completely through body language and speech, it is critical for the series to truly capture the energy of the performances. Zexcs appears to have come prepared for this critical element, as the stage performances are brought to life with impressive animation. 

Whenever Toru is performing, Akane-banashi Episode 1 brings him to life fantastically. The smallest motion, down to him smoothing out his clothes, is crafted with fluidity and depth. As Toru performs, you feel the earnest nature of his work as he tries to win his audience over. A multitude of emotions play out in these moments, whose smooth transitions build up Toru’s passion for his craft. 

Akane-banashi Episode 1 showcases fantastic vocal performances.

After laying down the groundwork for Toru’s work and Akane’s admiration for him, the story follows the family to a special evaluation. If Toru passes this test, he will be elevated to a Rakugo performer. This moment is a critical one for Toru, and the weight of it comes through amazingly well. 

Fukuyama delivers a fantastic vocal performance here. As Toru begins to spiral out of control, his internal monologue captures perfectly what he is struggling with. We also get the external dialogue as he performs his routine. While not as panicked, the rapid delivery and tremors of tension betray his inner mood. Only when he remembers his daughter and wife are in the crowd, and his duties to them, does he manage to calm down. 

As Akane-banashi Episode 1 sees Toru lock into his routine, the shift in tone is palpable. The pairing of incredible animation and steady voice work transforms the whole scene, unleashing Toru at his best. He draws you into his words and motions, both completely mesmerizing. 

Akane-banashi Episode 1 ends with a big time skip.

The heights that Toru ascends to in this incredible moment make the final narrative hit of Akane-banashi Episode 1 land with painful force. Through the god’s-eye view we are granted, we understand the supreme effort Toru put into his performance. The fact that the judgment feels motivated by personal bias makes the situation feel all the worse. But just as the curtain draws for Toru, Akane makes her choice: She will become a Ragoku performer.

Akane-banashi Episode 1 ends with a time skip as Akane, now older, prepares to enter a performance high school to master the arts she learned to love through her father, and it feels like no force in the cosmos will be able to stop her. 

Akane-banashi Episode 1 lays incredible groundwork for the narrative, delivered through phenomenal visual presentation and voice work. Having firmly established why the audience shouldn’t just root for, but love Akane, the only question is if the series can maintain the incredible start it’s gotten off to.

Akane-banashi Episode 1 is streaming now on YouTube. 

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