An exhibition dedicated to the Akane-banashi TV anime opened at hmv museum Shibuya6 on July 11 in Japan (July 10 in most of North America). The event runs through August 9 in Japan (August 8 in most of North America), and organizers have confirmed that the exhibition will travel to two additional venues later in 2026.

What’s on display

The Shibuya exhibition features never-before-shown line art and storyboards, along with uncolored line-test footage from the “Jugemu” recitation sequence. A recreated set piece called Hamon Road (tentative romanization) lets visitors walk through the scene that changes the fortunes of protagonist Akane. The venue also debuts previously unreleased footage of the voice cast receiving rakugo coaching for their roles, and includes a photo spot styled after the koza stage seen in the series.

Tour dates and locations

Following the Shibuya run, the exhibition moves to hmv museum 西宮, located inside HMV Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens, opening August 15 in Japan (August 14 in most of North America) and running through September 6 in Japan (September 5 in most of North America). Hours there are 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with entry cut off at 8:00 p.m.

The tour then continues to hmv museum 栄, located inside HMV Sakae, opening October 31 in Japan (October 30 in most of North America) and running through November 15 in Japan (November 14 in most of North America). Hours at this location are also 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with entry cut off at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets and goods

Admission is ¥1,300 (about $9) in advance or ¥1,500 (about $10) on the day of the event; children who have not yet entered elementary school are admitted free. Weekend and holiday admission requires a designated time slot.

Every paid ticket comes with one random original bookmark chosen from a set of five designs. Visitors who spend ¥10,000 (about $67) or more on eligible merchandise at the venue receive a free original tote bag. The exhibition’s original merchandise lineup includes acrylic stands, pin badges, clear files, and stickers, alongside general everyday goods themed around the show’s cast.

Background

Akane-banashi is based on the manga written by Yuki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump under Shueisha. The story centers on the world of rakugo, Japan’s traditional style of comic storytelling, and the TV anime adaptation has now been made into this traveling exhibition format. The tour begins in Shibuya before moving into the Kansai and Tokai regions.

What this means for overseas fans

No overseas release has been announced.