It has been announced that actor Asuka Saito will be appearing as a voice actor in the animated feature film "The Camphor Keeper" (directed by Tomohiko Ito, scheduled for release on January 30, 2026), based on the novel by Keigo Higashino. This will be Saito's first time acting as a voice actor in an anime, as she will play the role of university student Yumi Saji. The film tells the story of a mysterious camphor tree that is said to grant wishes if you pray to it, and the young man who becomes its guardian, Reito Naoi. Yumi seeks Reito's help in uncovering the secret of her father, who visits the camphor tree without the family's knowledge.
Saito commented, "This was my first time acting as a voice actor, but the days spent expressing my feelings with just my voice were very refreshing and have become an irreplaceable experience for me. During the dubbing, I received various directions from Director Ito, and I feel like I was able to gradually get closer to the character."
"The character I play, Saji Yumi, is a bright, straightforward girl with a gentle side that allows her to naturally close the gap with people. At first, I was impressed by her lively side, but as I played the role, I came to understand the kindness that lies deep in her heart as she cares for the people she cares about. How will she deal with her family? I hope you will also pay attention to the changes in their relationships. I believe that the act of 'prayer' depicted in the story has a deep meaning. I felt a simple, yet very powerful message in the fact that you can pray for someone and that your thoughts will certainly reach them. I hope that the 'prayer' contained in this work will reach the hearts of those who watch it."
In addition to Saito, it was also announced that Ryubi Miyase and Osawa Takao will appear as additional cast members. Miyase will play Ooba Soki, the heir to a long-established Japanese sweets manufacturer who attends Kusunoki in order to take over the family business, while Osawa will play Saji Toshiaki, Yumi's father who attends Kusunoki in secret from his family.
Miyase commented, "It was difficult to convey emotions with just my voice, but I think I was able to gain a lot of realizations and learn a lot by facing the role of Ooba Soki head-on. Some people may think the film is difficult based on its image, but I think it's a work that even small children can enjoy. Someone's memories and feelings are gently handed over to people living in the present - I'm happy to be able to feel that warmth through the screen."
This will be Osawa's first appearance as a voice actor in an anime since 2012's "Wolf Children." Regarding his character, Toshiaki Saji, he commented, "At first glance, he may seem like an ordinary father. But within that 'ordinary' he has deep feelings for his family and indescribable conflicts, exuding a human quality. I'm sure many people will be able to relate to him, or a loved one." Regarding the appeal of the work, he said, "The original work is carefully written from an adult perspective, and that perspective is properly reflected in the anime. Entrusting your feelings to someone, quietly reflecting on what you've received up until now—these themes gently resonate with the heart. I think the depth of the story, which resonates with people of all generations, is also a major attraction of this work."
The official visual has been released, depicting Reito, who has been ordered to The Camphor Keeper, his aunt, Yanagisawa Senshu, who ordered him to become the guardian, and the camphor tree. A trailer has also been released, depicting Reito being toyed with by people who visit the camphor tree for various reasons, while approaching the mystery hidden in the tree.
It was also announced that Yugo Kanno, who has been in charge of the music for Higashino's original "Galileo" series, the NHK Asadora drama "Hanbun, Aoi," and the animated film "Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback," will be in charge of the music. The original soundtrack CD for "The Camphor Keeper" will be released on January 30, 2026.
A special bookmark-shaped movie ticket card for the film will go on sale on November 21st.
"The Camphor Keeper" (Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha), published in 2020, is a novel that has sold over one million copies. It tells the story of a mysterious camphor tree, which is said to grant wishes if you pray to it, and the young man who becomes its guardian. Naoi Reito, a young man who lost his job after being unfairly fired, is driven to the brink and arrested for a mistake. A lawyer suddenly appears and tells Reito, "If you follow my client's instructions, I'll release you." Reito accepts the condition, and before him appears his late mother's half-sister, Yanagisawa Chishu, who has made a major contribution to the development of the Yanagisawa Group, a major corporation. Chishu commands Reito to become The Camphor Keeper that stands at Tsukigo Shrine. The mystery of the camphor tree will entangle Reito's life and lead him to an unexpected truth.
The anime will be directed by Ito, known for "Sword Art Online" and other works, and produced by A-1 Pictures, the studio behind "Sword Art Online" and "Solo Leveling." Actor Fumiya Takahashi will play the protagonist, young man Reito Naoi, and Yuki Amami will play the protagonist's aunt, Senshu Yanagisawa.
