Aniplex has announced that the popular Shabake novels by Megumi Hatakenaka are getting a TV anime adaptation. This new anime will premiere in 2025, and it promises to bring the beloved story to life in a fresh and engaging way.
What is Shabake About?
The Shabake novels take place in Edo, a time long ago in Japan. The story follows a young man named Ichitarō, who is often sick but has a kind heart. Watching over him is a mysterious spirit, adding a supernatural twist to his everyday life.
Meet the Team Behind the Anime
Daiki Yamashita, known for his incredible voice work, will play Ichitarō in the anime.
The talented Takahiro Ōkawa is directing the series at BN Pictures. Fans might recognize his work from shows like Hula Fulla Dance and Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari. Touko Machida, who has written scripts for shows like Lucky Star and Smile Down the Runway, is in charge of the story scripts.
Character designs are being handled by Akari Minagawa, while Rei Ishizuka will compose the music. Together, this team is working to create an anime that stays true to the spirit of the novels.
A Legacy of Success
The Shabake series has been around for a long time, with the first novel debuting in 2001. Since then, many sequels have followed, making it a favorite among readers. Over 10 million copies of the novels are in circulation, showing just how popular the series is.
But the story hasn’t been limited to books. It has inspired live-action TV shows, manga, radio plays, musicals, and even picture books. There was also a short online anime adaptation in 2021, though it had a different cast and crew.