REVIEW: ‘Akane-banashi’ Episode 2 — “First Performance”

Akane-banashi Episode 2, “First Performance,” jumps six years after the first episode, reintroducing Akane (Anna Nagase, Jujutsu Kaisen) as a teenager on the cusp of pursuing her dream of being acknowledged as a Raguko artist. When a performer is unexpectedly waylaid, she is given the chance to fill in for him, providing her with an exciting opportunity to prove herself. 

Akane-banashi Episode 2 opens by introducing a new Raguko performer, Guriko (Seiichiro Yamashita, Insomniacs After School). We see him following his master after he hears a rumor that he is dating a young girl. This leads him to a karaoke establishment, where he sees his master study Akane as she goes through a routine. When Guriko is discovered, he learns about how his master has been helping her learn the Raguko craft. 

This comical moment of meddling by Guriko serves as an excellent vehicle to reintroduce the show’s lead and catch the audience up on where she is now, so many years after the pilot. As explanations are being made, the moment is interrupted by news that a performer scheduled for a nearby venue has been delayed, creating a need for a last-minute replacement. Seeing this as a chance for her to get in front of a crowd, Akane is slotted in to take the performance. 

Akane-banashi Episode 2 introduces Guriko, and he leaves a lasting impression.

The remainder of Akane-banashi Episode 2 focuses on delivering a pair of Raguko performances. Akane comes first, and as one would expect, despite her years of eager preparation, she has some severe jitters when she finally takes the stage for the first time.

Nagase’s voice work in Akane-banashi Episode 2 effectively emphasizes the nature of Akane’s momentary lapse of will. It never feels like the protagonist is truly scared, just that the significance of the moment, now that it has arrived, is hitting her. This is a moment for the young performer. One of the most important things in her life. Once she speaks her first words in front of an audience, it feels like a break point. A second where an old life ends and a new one begins. 

Nagase’s voice work continues to excel as Akane-banashi Episode 2 plays out. The exaggerated delivery, underpinning the comedy of Akane’s chosen routine, is nailed by the actor. The animation pushes the humor as well, augmenting the delivery. Although there is an element of the performances that leaves mixed feelings.

When Akane performs, it is as if a new chapter has begun.

As Akane goes through her routine, the imaginary props in her story take form in the animation. Manju’s character is supposed to be eating, which appears in her hand. While this feels natural for an anime, it contradicts the concept of Raguko. The whole point is for the actor’s performance to sell the concept without visual aid. That the show adds them feels like an undercutting of that core principle. This is seen even more so in the performance that follows Akane’s. 

The performer who follows Akane is a well-known Raguko artist, Kaisei (Akihisa Shiono, Golden Kamuy: The Hunt For Prisoners Hokkaido). The contrast between the stories’ styles and the way the two deliver them showcases the breadth the art form can take. Kaisei is best known for his ability to depict sensual characters. That he can pour on the charm, just to switch to a goofy personality with a turn of his head, helps deliver the laughs he seeks. Both Akane and Guriko are impressed by his show. 

Afterwards, we find Akane looking over audience reviews, noting that they all talk about Kaisei. After a brief exchange with the seasoned performer, Akane storms off, vowing to surpass him. This happens just before the host appears with a stack of reviews talking about Akane.

We learn Akane’s motivation for pursuing Raguko in Akane-banashi Episode 2, and it hits home.

This missed moment feels like a small coincidence that will have a lasting impact on the protagonist’s growth. Would it have been better or worse for her to know many in the audience were talking about her? Would it spur her on, or invite complacency to know she was already catching people’s eyes?

The other element of Akane-banashi Episode 2 that leaves a memorable impact on the narrative is a flashback showing Akane approaching her master, asking him to teach her the craft. While everything in the moment is emotional, it is the particulars that motivate her that make the scene stand out. 

After being expelled from Raguko, her father got a job at a construction company and began earning far more than he had been earning while performing. Overall, their lives improved, as many people observed. However, all of these comments about “Things turning out for the best” galled Akane. Her father was forced to give up his art, something he loved and that she loved to watch him do. The thought that money is viewed as more important than that is shown to be a sizable part of her motivation. 

The brief focus on the conversation surrounding fulfillment in the arts versus earning money is timely.

This slice of her drive leaves a lasting impression. It’s obvious that none of these comments is intended to slight her father or his actions. Most likely, they were meant to soothe any lingering sadness he may bear. But that isn’t how they land when they reach Akane’s ears. They feel dismissive of something she loved, and drive her to show the world that what was lost was worth loving. A reminder of how words can impact people in ways other than we intend.

Akane-banashi Episode 2 showcases the art the series centers around, while exploring the protagonist’s motives as her quest begins. Its rich personality delivers a lasting impression, making Akane someone impossible not to root for. 

Akane-banashi Episode 2 is streaming now on YouTube. 

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