It has been announced that the TV anime "Shabake", based on Megumi Hatanaka's popular novel series "Shabake", will be broadcast on Fuji TV's nationwide anime slot "Noitamina" every Friday at 11:30 pm starting in October. It has also been announced that Koji Okino and Taku Yashiro will appear as additional cast members. Okino and Yashiro will play Nikichi and Sasuke, respectively, the assistants of the spirits who serve the main character, Ichitaro. It was also announced that creator Kujira will be in charge of the opening theme (OP), "Parade of Life". The first promotional video has been released on YouTube, showcasing the song.
Okino, who plays Nikichi, commented, "Ever since I was a child, I've thought that strange things happen because there is something other than humans. Oh, don't be scared, because I'm the type who can't see anything (laughs). I hope you all will have fun solving the mystery with us!"
Yashiro, who plays Sasuke, said, "I'm really happy that the world of Shabake is finally coming to life as an animation, and I'm very excited about it. I hope that many people will enjoy the drama and mystery woven by humans and monsters, centering around the young master."
Kujira said, "I think 'Shabake' is a story about the strength of thinking of others even when you are weak, and the kindness of living with invisible beings. The quiet days of the main character, Ichitaro, and the youkai are by no means flashy, but there is a warm bond between them, and I consciously created the theme song so that you could feel the air and scent of the story. I would be happy if it is a song that flows by in the silence of the night, and that breathes in sync with the story."
"Shabake" is a popular novel series that has sold over 10 million copies. Set in the Edo period, it is a period drama mystery in which a sickly young man named Ichitaro and the demons around him solve difficult and unusual cases. In 2006, it won the "1st Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award."
The anime will be directed by Takahiro Okawa and produced by BN Pictures, the studio behind the Aikatsu! and Gintama series. Daiki Yamashita will play the main character, Ichitaro.
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Okawa Takahiro▽Series Composition: Machida Doko▽Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Minagawa Akari▽Sub-Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Shiga Yuka▽Yokai Design: Niregi Tetsuro▽Prop Design: Konuma Yurika, Koinuma Nana, Hakoda Nanami, Saito Chie, Starroid▽Art Director and Art Setting: Sato Masahiro▽Color Design: Matsuo Takefumi▽Director of Photography: Ogami Yoichi▽Editing: Arai Kazuhiro▽Sound Director: Kikuta Hiromi▽Music: Ishizuka Rei▽Animation Production: BN Pictures
