The key visual for the TV anime series "Hidari-Hiki no Ellen," based on Kappei's manga that has also been adapted into a TV drama, has been released. It features characters such as Koichi, a struggling designer; Ellen, a genius painter; Kato Sayuri, who has known the two for a long time; Kishi Akari, a charismatic model; and Kamiya Yusuke, Koichi's senior in the industry. The accompanying copy reads, "To all those who couldn't become geniuses."
Additional cast members have also been announced, including Ishikawa Yui as Kato Sayuri, Ellen's childhood friend and Koichi's classmate; Akira Sekine as Kishi Akari, a fashion model; Okitsu Kazuyuki as Kamiya Yusuke, the ace creative director at Meguro Advertising, where Koichi works; Amami Yurina as Mihashi Yurina, a copywriter and junior colleague of Koichi; and Koji Yusa, a talented but tyrannical creative director towards his subordinates.
It was also announced that episodes 1 to 3 of the series will be screened in theaters starting March 27, 2026.
"Hidari-Hiki no Ellen" is a popular online series that has racked up a total of approximately 240 million pageviews and a total of over 3.9 million copies of the comics in print. Set in the world of creatives, it depicts the struggles and discouragements of Koichi, an ordinary man who dreams of becoming something despite struggling with the limitations of his own talent, and Ellen, a solitary genius who is tormented by her overwhelming talent. Koichi, who chose the path of a designer, encounters seasoned creatives in the advertising industry, while Ellen, who has plunged into the global art scene, encounters extraordinary artists.
The anime will be directed by Toshimasa Suzuki, known for "Fafner in the Azure: Heaven and Earth," and produced by Signal MD and Production IG. Shoya Chiba will play the protagonist, Asakura Koichi, and Yumi Uchiyama will play Yamagishi Ellen. It will begin airing on TV Tokyo in April 2026.
Comments from the additional cast members are as follows:
◇Yui Ishikawa as Sayuri Kato
The entertainment world is a place where sensibilities collide, so I was able to empathize with the various emotions that appear in this work, such as admiration, jealousy, conflict, and hope. I was also left with a stunned feeling that there are people in this world who have feelings that they can never reach, no matter how hard they try. I work every day surrounded by geniuses in various fields, so I want to give it my all when I play Sayuri. I want to perform with energy that matches the soulful cry that is put into the work.
◇ Akira Sekine
My name is Sekine Akira, and I will be voicing Akira Sekine Akari. What I like, what I want to do, what I can do, what I can't do... Success and failure, tailwinds and headwinds. The more I read, the more I was overwhelmed by this work, where so many different things are intricately intertwined. My first impression of Akari was, "Wow... she's an amazing person...!" I am determined to work hard every day so that I can convey to everyone the charm of this girl, who has a strong core of her own. I hope you will all enjoy her!
◇Kazuyuki Okitsu, who plays Yusuke Kamiya
I will be voicing Kamiya Yusuke in the anime series "Hidarikiki no Ellen." My name is Okitsu Kazuyuki. This work hits you hard with dreams, hopes, and reality. Reading the original manga really ripped me to the core. But as I continued reading, I felt a strange sense of my own heart growing as well. While feeling a sense of longing, I also walk through reality step by step. And there comes a moment when that touches someone's heart. I'm sure the city will look a little different after you've finished watching it. Please look forward to it!
◇ Amami Yurina, who plays Mitsuhashi Yurina
I'm Amami Yurina, and I'll be playing Mitsuhashi Yurina. I learned about the world of advertising through Micchan. I used to casually look at the scenery, but now I enjoy copywriting and design, and new changes have been made to my daily life! And the first line I came across in the original work was "To all those who couldn't become geniuses." These words had a huge impact on me, and they really stuck in my heart. At the same time, I'm also very excited, and I cherish that feeling. I'm doing my best in the recordings, fully accepting my emotions and conflicts so that I too can become something! Please look forward to the broadcast!
◇Yusa Koji, who Koji Yusa
This time I will be playing the role of Yanagi Hajime. This work features very realistic, life-sized characters. The story is set in a world that is not flashy, and I think it will resonate with everyone. I will do my best to portray the character Yanagi as a living human being. Please be sure to watch the show to the end.
