Shonen Jump’s Next Era: Why One of Its Top Manga Needs an Anime Adaptation Now

Shonen Jump is currently navigating a challenging period, particularly as mainstay series such as My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen have recently concluded, with One Piece also anticipated to wrap up shortly. This situation raises concerns about a potential decline in readership, reminiscent of the significant drop experienced during the 1990s after the end of iconic series like Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk.

In light of the impactful conclusions of these major franchises, Shonen Jump is under pressure to discover a new flagship title to captivate its audience. Fortunately, recent releases such as Kagurabachi and the upcoming Ichi the Witch have garnered favorable critical and commercial responses, making them strong contenders for anime adaptations that could sustain reader interest. However, there is another contender that has long warranted an anime adaptation: Akane-banashi.

Why Akane-Banashi Deserves To Be Shonen Jump’s Next Big Anime

Among the various titles in Shonen Jump’s present roster, few deserve a televised adaptation as much as Akane-banashi, created by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue. This series, with its unique focus on the performance art of rakugo, offers an engaging narrative complemented by artistic expressions that capture the essence of the performances. The evolving journey of Akane as she hones her craft would greatly benefit from the visual storytelling capabilities of an anime, potentially drawing in a broader audience to both the series and Shonen Jump.

One of the standout features of Akane-banashi is its character development. Each character is crafted with significant depth, making them memorable and relatable—even the antagonists. Central to this narrative, Akane shines brightly as her personal and artistic growth is brought to life through exceptional writing, which is among the best in contemporary Shonen Jump manga. An anime adaptation could amplify this character-driven storytelling, allowing it to reach an even larger viewership.

Akane-Banashi’s Anime Might Be Coming Sooner Than People Think

Is Akane-Banashi Already Getting An Anime?

The prospect of an Akane-banashi anime adaptation appears promising, possibly even in development. Recently, Netflix Japan shared a promotional video on their X account showcasing various Shonen Jump anime, including a noticeable feature of an Akane-banashi panel. As the video exclusively highlighted existing or upcoming adaptations, this development suggests that Akane-banashi could soon be joining the ranks of series available for streaming on Netflix.

This speculation is further supported by Netflix Japan’s partnership with Shueisha, fostering an integrated subscription model for both Netflix and Shonen Jump. This alliance likely points to Netflix’s increasing commitment to adapting Shonen Jump titles.

While official announcements regarding an anime adaptation remain absent—particularly following the recent Jump Festa 2025—enthusiasm for this possibility is palpable. The exceptional storytelling and artistry that Akane-banashi showcases in its rakugo-centric narrative significantly differentiate it from more action-oriented titles. If greenlit, this adaptation could effectively revive interest in Shonen Jump amidst ongoing changes in demand.

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