Rising voice talent Anna Nagase recently discussed her portrayal of Akane Osaki in the acclaimed Weekly Shōnen Jump series Akane-banashi during an interview at Anime Expo 2026. Known for breakout roles such as Ushio Kofune in Summer Time Rendering and Riko Amanai in Jujutsu Kaisen, Nagase took on the challenge of voicing a character dedicated to mastering rakugo, a traditional Japanese art of theatrical storytelling that requires a single performer to voice multiple characters with limited props.
When asked about Akane's strengths and weaknesses, Nagase described the protagonist as forward-facing and relentless in her pursuit of goals. She noted that while this momentum allows Akane to push through obstacles, it also means she may stumble or fail along the way. To prepare for the role, Nagase and other cast members studied rakugo techniques. She explained that unlike simple voice modulation, performing rakugo relies heavily on expression, feelings, and emotions to bring distinct personalities to life, a skill set she finds very similar to the demands of voice acting.
Among the various stories performed in the series, Nagase identified "Jugem" as particularly difficult to learn and memorize, noting that she performed it three times. She credited the process of mastering these stories with helping her grow as an actress. Regarding her fellow cast members, she expressed admiration for Eguchi-san, who voices Karashino, praising his ability to embody the character's personality and elicit strong reactions from audiences.
Nagase also addressed how Akane-banashi might influence appreciation for rakugo among younger and international audiences. Initially viewing the art form as difficult to access without deep cultural knowledge, she realized that finding a single entry point can open up many possibilities for enjoyment. She believes the series serves as an effective gateway, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story while learning about the history of rakugo.
On the topic of gender representation, Nagase acknowledged that while less than 10% of current rakugoka are women, she believes Akane-banashi could inspire more girls and women to pursue the art. She highlighted that female performers offer a unique flavor to the stories, noting how refreshing it was to watch them portray male characters during her own training. Finally, when asked about her favorite scene, Nagase pointed to episode 10, where Master Arakawa Kisho delivers a line stating that audience cheers do not make one a professional. She emphasized that this message resonated deeply with her, reinforcing the belief that one must live as a professional before receiving external validation.
Sources: Anime News Network.