Akane-banashi English Dub Arrives on Netflix May 17
Get ready, anime fans! The English dub for the Akane-banashi anime debuts on Netflix. Mark your calendars for May 17, when the first two episodes stream, bringing the unique world of rakugo to English-speaking audiences. This announcement includes the full reveal of the talented English dub cast and dedicated staff, promising an immersive viewing experience for this acclaimed series.
Meet the Akane-banashi English Dub Cast
Bang Zoom! Studios brings an impressive roster of voice actors to Akane-banashi. Leading is Abby Trott as protagonist Akane Osaki. Fans can anticipate a compelling performance as Akane navigates the competitive world of rakugo, driven by her passion and a past incident.
The detailed cast list for the first two episodes includes:
- Abby Trott as Akane Osaki
- Xander Mobus as Shinta Arakawa
- Rebecca Wang as Masaki Osaki
- Brook Chalmers as Shiguma Arakawa
- Evan Michael Lee as Issho Arakawa
- Rich Brown as Zensho Arakawa
- Kirk Thornton as Ikken Arakawa/Yanagiya
- Mona Marshall as Yoshino
- Clifford Chapin as Kimihisa Kashio/Emcee (episode 1), Riichi (episode 2)
- Dorah Fine as Mrs. Ozaki
- Matt Shipman as Kaisei Arakawa (episode 2)
- Darius Marquis Johnson as Guriko Arakawa (episode 2)
Darius Marquis Johnson, Matt Shipman, Dorah Fine, Kirk Thornton, and Rich Brown also provide additional voices. This strong ensemble aims to deliver a memorable rendition of the Akane-banashi narrative.
The Dedicated English Dub Staff
Bringing an anime to life in another language requires a skilled team. The Akane-banashi English dub production is by Bang Zoom! Studios. The announced staff members are:
- Production: Bang Zoom! Studios
- Executive Producer: Eric P. Sherman
- Co-Producers: Mami Okada, Mio Moroe
- Associate Producer: Misa Shimogata
- ADR Director/ADR Writer: Alex Von David
- Casting Director: Mami Okada, CSA
- Production Assistant: Alisa Ogura-Traxler
- Sound Supervisor: Patrick Rodman, CAS
- Re-Recording Mixer: Michael Brooks
- Recording Engineer: Kenneth Thompson
- Dialogue Editors: Esgardo Valadez, Keeley Pierson (from episode 2)
- Audio Operations Supervisor: Ismael Yanez
- Assistant Engineer: Mara Westgaard
- Video Coordination: Kevin Ross
- Video Editor: Megumi M. Tsuji
- Closed Captions: Kaylyn Saucedo
- Spotting: Breaugh Olson
- Translation: Yuki Urakawa
This comprehensive team ensures every aspect of the dub, from translation to sound mixing, meets high standards.
Streaming Details: When and Where to Catch Akane-banashi
The first two episodes of the Akane-banashi English dub launch on Netflix globally on May 17. Following this, new English dubbed episodes release weekly, allowing viewers to follow Akane's journey.
For those preferring the original Japanese broadcast or other regions, the anime aired on TV Asahi's "IMAnimation" block on April 4. A dedicated "Akane-banashi Global" YouTube channel streams full episodes free in North America and Latin America after Japanese TV broadcast. The anime is also available across various international platforms: aniverse (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), ADN (France, Monaco, Andorra, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg), Anime Box (Spain), Anime Generation (Italy), and Ani-One YouTube channel (Asia Pacific, excluding Korea and China). Other services cater to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, and South Korea.
The Compelling Story of Akane-banashi
Akane-banashi is a passionate rakugo drama. The narrative revolves around high school student Akane Osaki, captivated by her father Shinta Arakawa's magical performances. A pivotal incident during her father's promotion performance six years prior ignites a fire within Akane. Now, she is determined to become a shin'uchi, the highest rank in rakugo, despite the competitive nature of this unique Japanese storytelling art. The story delves into her journey to master the art with only her voice and body.
Akane-banashi Manga: A Critical Success
The source material, Akane-banashi manga, has garnered critical acclaim since its February 2022 launch by writer Yūki Suenaga and illustrator Takamasa Moue. Shueisha has published 21 compiled book volumes, showcasing its popularity.
The manga received prestigious nominations, including the 47th Kodansha Manga Awards and the 16th Manga Taisho awards in 2023. It also achieved a #4 ranking on Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook's top 20 list for male readers in 2023. Its recognition extends internationally, making the American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association's 2024 list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens and named on The New York Public Library's Best Books list for teens in 2023.
Both Viz Media's Shonen Jump service and Shueisha's MANGA Plus service publish the manga in English, with Viz Media also offering print editions, making it accessible to a broad readership. The manga's established reputation bodes well for the anime adaptation's potential.
Dive into the World of Rakugo
With its English dub available on Netflix, Akane-banashi offers an excellent opportunity for international audiences to explore the intricate world of rakugo. The combination of a strong voice cast, dedicated production team, and universally praised source material sets the stage for a truly engaging anime experience. Prepare to be enchanted by Akane Osaki's journey as she strives to master an ancient art form and honor her family's legacy. Don't miss the Akane-banashi English dub streaming May 17 on Netflix!
