The first key visual for the TV anime series "From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman," based on a popular novel that originated on the novel submission site "Let's Become a Novelist," has been released. The visual shows protagonist Beryl Gardenant, a "countryside sword saint known only to those in the know," being led by the hand by Alleucia and Surena and looking a little confused. Also visible are Kurni and Vissel, who are smiling as they watch Beryl from behind, and the visual captures a scene of Beryl and her former students spending time in the beautiful countryside. The first promotional video was also released on YouTube, showing Beryl, who has been living in the countryside, heading to the royal capital, reuniting with her former students, and meeting new friends.
It was also announced that Saito Chiwa and Ishikawa Kaito will appear as additional cast members. Saito, who plays Lucy Diamond, the head of the magic division of the Kingdom of Leveris and "the pinnacle of refined yet experienced magicians," commented, "Beryl is humble and calls himself a 'country bumpkin old man,' but to Lucy he is pure, cute, and trustworthy. I played the role carefully to express the affection hidden beneath her cynical expression. I'm sure everyone will be enchanted by Hirata (Hiroaki)'s (who plays Beryl) natural yet cool Beryl. I sighed many times on set. Enchanted. This is a production where you can enjoy this unrivaled man's wonderfulness to the fullest. Look forward to it!"
Ishikawa, who plays Hembritz Drout, the vice-commander of the Liberio Knights and the "noble knight of the thunderous sword," said, "I'm honored to be involved in a work that I've read for a long time. Seeing Beryl's efforts and training blossom, even as an actor, makes me excited. Personally, it was an honor to record while watching Hirata's back. I hope everyone looks forward to the powerful swordplay."
It was also announced that the spin-off comic "A Country Old Man Becomes a Sword Saint: The Beginning of the Magic Swordsman" will begin serialization on the manga app "Manga UP!" (Square Enix) from November 29th.
The work is a light novel written by Shigeru Sagazaki and illustrated by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima. It is a classic fantasy about a powerful old man who is unconsciously unrivaled. Beryl Gardenant runs a small sword-fighting dojo in a rural village, and one day, her former student, Allusia, who rose to become the leader of the kingdom's knights at a young age, visits her and ends up going to the royal capital as a special instructor for the knights... This is the story. The comic adaptation by Kazuki Tono was selected for the Piccoma Award 2023 and has become popular, with the series' total circulation exceeding 6.5 million copies.
The anime will be directed by Akio Kazumi and produced by Passione and Hayabusa Films. Hirata Hiroaki will play the main character, Beryl Gardenant. It will air on TV Asahi's anime slot "IMAnimation" from April 2025.
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Beryl Gardenant: Hirata Hiroaki▽Aleucia Citrus: Toyama Nao▽Srena Lysandera: Ueda Hitomi▽Kurni Cruciel: Hirose Yuki▽Fissel Habeler: Yano Hinaki▽Lucy Diamond: Saito Chiwa▽Henblitz Draught: Ishikawa Kaito
