It has been revealed that Kyoto Animation's latest TV anime, "20th Century Electric Catalog - Eureka Evrika -," is in production and will be broadcast in 2026. The original work is the light novel "20th Century Electric Catalog" by Hiroshi Yuki, published by KA Esuma Bunko.
Set in Kyoto in the early 20th century, when only steam engines were developed, this is a tale of adventure that begins with the encounter of a boy in despair after losing his brother, with whom he shared the dream of the "Electric Age," and a girl who lives devoutly, yearning for and regretting her late mother. As the characters uncover the secrets of the "20th Century Electric Catalog," they come face to face with their past regrets, and rediscover their former dreams and selves.
The film will be directed by Minoru Ohta, who was also the instrument animation director for "Sound! Euphonium 3," and will be Ohta's directorial debut. Tatsuhiko Urahata, who has worked on "Violet Evergarden" and "Baki," will be in charge of series composition, Kohei Okamura, who has worked on "Free! -the Final Stroke- the Movie," will be in charge of character design and chief animation director, Takaaki Suzuki, who has worked on "Violet Evergarden" and "Girls und Panzer," will be in charge of world setting, and Hitomi Koto will be in charge of music. Yuma Uchida will play the protagonist, Kihachi Sakamoto, and Sora Amamiya will play the heroine, Inako Momokawa.
The first promotional video, featuring impressive backgrounds reminiscent of impressionist paintings, and the first key visual, drawn by character designer Kohei Okamura, have also been released. The visual depicts Kihachi and Inako with intense gazes in the streets of Kyoto.
*Staff (titles omitted)
Original work: "20th Century Electric Catalog" by Hiroshi Yuki (KA Esuma Bunko/Kyoto Animation) ▽ Director: Minoru Ota ▽ Series composition: Tatsuhiko Urahata ▽ Character design and chief animation director: Kohei Okamura ▽ World setting: Takaaki Suzuki ▽ Music: Hitomi Koto ▽ Animation production: Kyoto Animation
*Cast (titles omitted)
Kihachi Sakamoto: Yuma Uchida ▽Inako Momokawa: Sora Amamiya
*Comments from staff and cast members (titles omitted)
Director Minoru Ota
This work is a story of "rebirth" in which all the characters begin with some kind of setback, but through repeated encounters and conflicts, they rise again. The sight of the characters, bare with their emotions and single-mindedly moving forward, is sure to warm your heart. The matte setting further emphasizes the drama of the characters' lives there, and the visuals are fresh and enjoyable. Please come and see for yourself the new frontiers of the KyoAni world.
Series Composition: Tatsuhiko Urahata
It's been over 20 years since the 21st century began, but the story we're bringing you today takes place over 100 years earlier, at the beginning of the 20th century. In a world slightly different from ours, there's an older brother who dreams of a century of electricity, and his younger brother, Kihachi, who pursues the dream his older brother left behind. And by meeting Kihachi, Inako carves out a new life for herself. Set in the unfamiliar Kyoto of the early 20th century, we hope you enjoy the story they unfold!
World setting: Takaaki Suzuki
In creating "20th Century Electric Catalog - Eureka Evrika," I racked my brains to think of a world that could have existed, one that is similar to the world we know, yet somehow different, and I wondered how I could make the characters and the world that appear as appealing as possible without straying from the theme of the story. I hope that those who see the work will be inspired to visit "that world."
Music by Koto Hitomi
I'm Koto Hitomi, and I'm in charge of the music. I believe we often experience doubt and anxiety in life. We may doubt various information, other people's stories, our own hearts, and even ourselves at times. However, in today's world where all kinds of speculation is flying around, doubt is necessary. However, I believe that what sustains people's hearts is, as always, "faith." Strong faith, when combined, can sometimes lead to miracles we could never have imagined on our own. I believe this is how people have "recovered" throughout history. I believe "20th Century Electric Catalog - Eureka Evrika" is a work that reminds us of things we must never forget, like a fire quietly burning somewhere in our hearts, illuminating us in secret. I hope that through music, I can sometimes comfort and sometimes encourage the lives of Kihachi and his friends. I also hope that it will light a light in the hearts of all those who watch.
Yuma Uchida as Kihachi Sakamoto
I have been given the opportunity to play Sakamoto Kihachi. This production is set in an era when steam, not electricity, was the norm. From the time of the audition, I was directed to be conscious of the feel of the era. I remember being fired up to build up my acting in a sensitive way. I will do my best so that many people can enjoy the production! "20th Century Electric Catalog - Eureka Evrika" Please be sure to check it out!
Amemiya Sora as Sora Amamiya
When I saw the setting materials at the audition, the illustrations were so beautiful, and the characters' lines in the manuscript were so adorable and earnest, I strongly felt that I wanted to be involved in this work and play Inako!! The thoughts of many people intertwine as they search for the Electric Catalog and strive for the Age of Electricity, and while it may seem serious, there are also some crazy gags, making it a truly colorful work! For me, this is a new type of acting, and every episode has been a constant challenge since I was cast, but I will do my best to portray the straightforward Inako, who cherishes her beliefs, in an appealing way!
