REVIEW: ‘Akane-banashi’ Episode 4 — “Beyond Joy”

Akane-banashi Episode 4, “Beyond Joy,” sees Akane (Anna Nagase, Cosmic Princess Kaguya) and Kyoji (Yôhei Azakami, Love through a Prism) travel to an assisted living facility to perform for the residents there. Akane will open the show, and this is her chance to show what she has learned since her last performance. 

Virtually Akane-banashi Episode 4 plays out during the show. With all of her experiences from the past week at the restaurant inspiring Akane, she is ready to serve her audience, not just perform a routine she wishes at them. This feels even more meaningful given the show’s venue.

The choice of an assisted living facility for Akane to cement this lesson in her career as a performing artist is perfect. This locale further brings the importance of the protagonist’s recent lessons to the forefront of the story. After all, most of her audience can’t easily get out, and it is only through visits like this that they get to have such experiences. Better make it a great one for them. 

Akane gets to prove herself all throughout Akane-banashi Episode 4.

Akane-banashi Episode 4 instantly shows off all Akane has learned. From the moment she assumes her place on stage, she is instantly engaged with her audience. Reacting to them, observing, and picking a story that is likely to appeal to them. She even alters how she delivers her story, slowly drawing her audience into the performance before leaving them all laughing nonstop. 

All of Akane’s growth is explored elegantly through Kyoji’s eyes. As he judges his student’s improvement, we learn as much about him as we do Akane. How analytical he can be, as well as his genuine desire to see her shine as brightly as she can, comes through the young man’s musings. 

Once Akane’s time is done, Kyoji takes the stage, allowing Akane to see him perform for the first time. Through Kyoji’s performance and Akane’s observations of it, Akane-banashi Episode 4 touches on an important aspect of performing: being different. 

In performance, it is about excellence and celebrating what makes a performer unique.

Akane quickly realizes that Kyoji is far too serious to be doing comedy. His voice and presentation don’t lean into the tone of his story as most Rakugo performers do. And that makes him hysterical. By doing something that “shouldn’t” work, Kyoji surprises the audience, delivering something unique and entertaining. He is memorable because he truly stands out. 

Given how limited the elements of Rakugo are, being able to find a niche all your own must be even more critical than in other forms of art. With only your body, a hand fan, and a hankerchif to work with, carving a special place for yourself must be worth everything. Kyoji fully understands what he has, as Akane observes him leaning into his singular strength, leaving a lasting impression on his audience. 

Both Akane’s personability and Kyoji’s unique wit both come to life through another strong visual performance. Whether presented in full motion or still shots, the art drives home the importance of facial expressions and body language as the artists shift fluidly between the roles they bring to life on stage. 

The relationship between Akane and Kyoji reaches a new stage in Akane-banashi Episode 4.

Akane-banashi Episode 4 ends with a lovely moment after the performance has wrapped. Returning to the restaurant where she worked, Akane is told to refer to Kyoji as ‘Ani-san’ from now on. This honorific encapsulates a sense of familiarity between the two, while maintaining their hierarchy. Effectively casting Kyoji in a big brother role for the fledgling Rakugo performer. 

The meaning of the moment is not lost on Akane, as the student lights up at what has been granted her. The feeling of acceptance, especially when it is clear that it is earned rather than given, brings even more energy to the character than is normally present. She is growing, and her best is yet to come. 

Akane-banashi Episode 4 delivers lots of character exploration as it follows both Akane and Kyoji onto the stage. The nuances of being a Rakugo are intriguing, and the performances woven into it keep the episode entertaining rather than just a long string of exposition. 

Akane-banashi Episode 4 is streaming now on YouTube.

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