And so, here begins a story.
As a child, Akane witnesses a shocking event during her father's career-defining show. Now in high school, she vows to reach the art's highest rank.
4/4/2026
Young girl Akane Osaki falls in love with rakugo comic storytelling through watching her father perform. One day, a shocking event derails his career.
4/11/2026
Hearing that Master Shiguma is secretly meeting with a young girl, Futatsume Guriko investigates and finds him teaching Akane at a karaoke parlor.
4/19/2026
Akane joins Shiguma's school as an apprentice. The earnest Kyoji Arakawa is tasked with guiding her, but she finds herself stuck doing menial chores.
4/25/2026
Akane performs at a nursing home, displaying all she has learned. Kyoji goes next, determined to show her his skill as her elder fellow apprentice.
5/2/2026
Akane gets career counseling from her teacher Iwashimizu, known as the Ice Lady, who refuses to acknowledge Akane's dream of becoming a Rakugoka.
5/9/2026
After learning that Issho will judge the annual student Rakugo championship, Akane gains Shiguma's permission to compete — but on one condition.
5/16/2026
At the Karaku Cup preliminaries, all eyes are on defending champion Karashi and rising voice actor Hikaru Koragi, but Kaisei picks Akane to win.
5/23/2026
As the Karaku Cup finals begin, Karashi wins over the crowd with his bold adapted Rakugo, but head judge Issho's verdict remains to be seen.
5/30/2026
At the Karaku Cup finals, Hikaru Koragi performs a sentimental story to prove she is more than just a pretty face. Next, Akane takes the stage.
6/6/2026
Akane's performance of "Jugemu" takes a subdued approach, providing a pleasant respite for the spectators caught up in the excitement of the contest.
6/13/2026
Following Akane's bold question, the shrewd Issho makes the reporters leave the room, then reveals the truth about the expulsion incident.
6/20/2026
Akane's Karaku Cup win draws attention at school. As graduation nears, her friends chase their own dreams, and Shiguma ponders a stage name for her.
