The world of anime is often dominated by high-octane battles, supernatural powers, and intergalactic stakes. Yet, every once in a while, a series comes along that proves the spoken word can be just as sharp as any katana. Akane-Banashi is that series. Centered on the traditional Japanese art of Rakugo (a form of comedic storytelling), it’s a story of legacy, revenge, and the grueling discipline required to master a craft that relies entirely on a paper fan, a hand towel, and pure charisma.
As we follow Akane’s journey to redeem her father’s honor and reach the rank of Shin’uchi, the tension is reaching a fever pitch. Whether you are a longtime fan of the manga or a newcomer captivated by the stunning animation, keeping track of the release schedule is vital.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming episodes.
TitleAkane-BanashiCreatorYuki Suenaga (story), Takamasa Moue (art)Production HouseZexcsRelease DateApril 4, 2026 — presentEpisode 5 Release DateMay 2, 2026IMDb Rating (as per Apr 26, 2026)8.0 / 10StreamingNetflix, ABEMA, Akane-Banashi Global YouTube, etc.
When Is Akane-Banashi Episode 5 Releasing?
Akane-Banashi Episode 5 is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. The series has followed a weekly Saturday rollout so far. As per the official website, the episode will be broadcast in Japan at 11.30 PM JST. After its Japanese TV broadcast, Akane-Banashi Episode 5 will arrive on Netflix with a one-hour delay. Episode 5 will air on May 2, 2026, at 7:30 AM PT/PDT.
The timetable below reflects the Netflix release timing (delayed by one hour), not the original 11:30 PM JST TV broadcast. Here’s how that release time translates across major global time zones:
Time ZoneRelease DateRelease TimeKorea Standard Time (KST)May 3, 202612:30 AMChina Standard Time (CST)May 2, 202611:30 PMHong Kong Time (HKT)May 2, 202611:30 PMPhilippines Time (PHT)May 2, 202611:30 PMSingapore Standard Time (SGT)May 2, 202611:30 PMIndian Standard Time (IST)May 2, 20269:00 PMPakistan Standard Time (PKT)May 2, 20268:30 PMBangladesh Standard Time (BST)May 2, 20269:30 PMNepal Time (NPT)May 2, 20269:15 PMThailand Time (ICT)May 2, 202610:30 PMVietnam Time (ICT)May 2, 202610:30 PMIndonesia Western Time (WIB)May 2, 202610:30 PMIndonesia Central Time (WITA)May 2, 202611:30 PMIndonesia Eastern Time (WIT)May 3, 202612:30 AMAustralian Western Standard Time (AWST)May 2, 202611:30 PMAustralian Central Standard Time (ACST)May 3, 20261:00 AMAustralian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)May 3, 20261:30 AMNew Zealand Standard Time (NZST)May 3, 20263:30 AMGulf Standard Time (GST)May 2, 20267:30 PMArabia Standard Time (AST)May 2, 20266:30 PMEastern European Summer Time (EEST)May 2, 20265:30 PMCentral European Summer Time (CEST)May 2, 20264:30 PMBritish Summer Time (BST)May 2, 20263:30 PMGreenwich Mean Time (GMT)May 2, 20262:30 PMWestern European Summer Time (WEST)May 2, 20263:30 PMSouth Africa Standard Time (SAST)May 2, 20264:30 PMBrazil Time (BRT)May 2, 202611:30 AMArgentina Time (ART)May 2, 202611:30 AMEastern Daylight Time (EDT)May 2, 202610:30 AMCentral Daylight Time (CDT)May 2, 20269:30 AMMountain Daylight Time (MDT)May 2, 20268:30 AMPacific Daylight Time (PDT)May 2, 20267:30 AMAlaska Daylight Time (AKDT)May 2, 20266:30 AMHawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (HDT)May 2, 20264:30 AMNewfoundland Daylight Time (NDT)May 2, 202612:00 PMAtlantic Daylight Time (ADT)May 2, 202611:30 AMCentral Africa Time (CAT)May 2, 20264:30 PM
Keep in mind that Akane-Banashi Episode 5 will not drop on Netflix at the exact same time as the Japanese broadcast, as there is a 1-hour delay between the two.
So, the times listed already account for the one-hour delay from the Japanese broadcast and reflect the global streaming release.
Akane-Banashi Season 1 Full Episode Release Schedule
Akane with Kyoji in Akane-Banashi. [Credit: Zexcs]
Based on the current public episode schedule, Akane-Banashi Season 1 has 12 episodes. According to the prominent leaker, @sugoilite on X, the anime is set to run for 2 split cours (total 24 episodes). However, no announcements have been made by the studio so far.
So, we are speculating the first cour to have 12 episodes, as per the usual pattern:
Episode 1 — April 4, 2026
Episode 2 — April 11, 2026
Episode 3 — April 18, 2026
Episode 4 — April 25, 2026
Episode 5 — May 2, 2026
Episode 6 — May 9, 2026
Episode 7 — May 16, 2026
Episode 8 — May 23, 2026
Episode 9 — May 30, 2026
Episode 10 — June 6, 2026
Episode 11 — June 13, 2026
Episode 12 — June 20, 2026
What To Expect From Akane-Banashi Episode 5?
Akane in Akane-Banashi. [Credit: Zexcs]
Episode 5 should continue the part of Akane-Banashi that has made the anime interesting so far: growth through frustration. After Episode 4, Akane is still very much in the early stage of formal rakugo training, and the story has already shown that her progress will not come from one big breakthrough.
Instead, it will come from repeated practice, correction, and learning how to read an audience. So, Episode 5 should keep pushing Akane deeper into the rigors of rakugo life, while also giving a spotlight to other rakugo apprentices like Guriko, Kyoji, Maikeru, and Kaisei, among others. That balance is the show’s biggest hook.
Where To Watch Akane-Banashi?
Akane’s shop owner in Akane-Banashi. [Credit: Zexcs]
At the moment, the anime is split across different platforms by region as per the official website. In Japan, it airs on TV Asahi, AT-X, and BS Asahi. North and Latin America have been served through the official Akane-Banashi Global YouTube channel, while other regions use local streaming partners.
Netflix’s wider rollout is set to begin on May 17, 2026, and that launch includes Japanese and English dubs.
Here’s a table that combines both TV broadcast and streaming details:
TypePlatform / ChannelStart DateTime (JST)NotesEarly StreamingNetflixApril 5, 202612:00 AMSimultaneous early releaseStreamingAmazon Prime VideoApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingDisney+April 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingU-NEXTApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingDMM TVApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingd Anime StoreApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingd Anime Store (Prime Video Channel)April 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingNico Nico (d Anime Store branch)April 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingTELASAApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingJ:COM STREAMApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingmilplusApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingHuluApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingLeminoApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingAnime TimesApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingWOWOW On DemandApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingFODApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingBandai ChannelApril 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral releaseStreamingAnime放題April 6, 202612:00 AMGeneral release
1. Is Akane-Banashi Released Weekly?
Yes. The current release calendar shows a new episode every Saturday.
2. What Day Do New Episodes of Akane-Banashi Come Out?
New episodes come out on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. JST in Japan, with an one-hour delay on Netflix.
3. Does Akane-Banashi Have an English Dub?
Yes. Netflix’s May 17, 2026, rollout is reported to include both Japanese audio and an English dub.
4. When Will Akane-Banashi Season 1 Finale Release?
Most probably, Episode 12 could be the finale for the first season, which will air on June 20, 2026.
When are you watching Episode 5? Drop your time zone below!
Akane-Banashi is streaming on Netflix Asia.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
