Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father!

Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam—the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal—to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi.

As a prominent rookie with a target on her back, Akane takes an opening slot with the goal of clapping back against the veteran futatsume, Rien Konjakuan, who insulted her. While her crisp rakugo performance wows the crowd, Karashi finds something about it worrying… Then, a shocking truth is discovered about Akane’s repertoire, leaving her at a huge disadvantage as a zenza. How will Akane overcome this next big hurdle in her training?

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father! Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam—the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal—to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi. During the final round of the Karaku Cup, Akane delivers a performance that spellbinds the audience. As the crowd is gripped with emotion, Akane receives a shocking review from her most hated foe, Issho Arakawa. Who will emerge victorious at the competition and have a one-on-one talk with the man who ruined the life of Akane’s father? As the thrilling Karaku Cup comes to a conclusion, a new chapter unfolds… What awaits Akane on the next stage of her journey to become a professional rakugoka?

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father! Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam—the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal—to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi. The student rakugo competition known as the Karaku Cup is about to begin. Akane immediately draws the attention of the crowd with her connection to the Arakawa school’s rising star Kaisei Arakawa, Issho Arakawa’s apprentice, and her own amazing rakugo skills. With her ani-san Koguma’s advice in her back pocket, she figures out the key to winning the competition with “Jugemu,� a rakugo story famous for its long, repetitive tongue twister. But she'll have to deal with impressive rivals with unique styles of their own… Will she be able to overcome this battle of wills, wits, and dreams?

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father! Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam—the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal—to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi. Akane accompanies her senior apprentice Kyoji to a retirement home to perform as his zenza opening act before he takes the stage. Her assignment is to offer rakugo that pleases the audience in front of her. How will Akane be able to prove to Kyoji that she has grown from his training? Later, she learns about a rakugo competition for students. The presiding judge is none other than Issho Arakawa—the man who banished Akane’s father from the Arakawa school. Desperate to take part in the competition, Akane must first seek permission from Master Shiguma. He allows her to participate under one unique, tongue-twisting condition…“Jugemu.�

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father! Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam—the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal—to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi. Akane unintentionally stirs up a scandal when she’s discovered taking informal lessons from her father’s former teacher, Shiguma Arakawa. And she’s about to make even bigger waves because she is about to begin her first steps in climbing the ranks of a rakugo performer from zenza opening act to shin’uchi headliner is exchanging her secret lessons for formal training. But she’ll still have to finish high school and navigate her relationship with Shiguma’s existing apprentices, all while learning that becoming a stellar rakugoka takes much more than just being good at performing!