It has been announced that a sequel to the TV anime series "Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin," based on a Japanese-style action RPG with a rice farming theme, will be broadcast as a special TV anime series called "Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin: Kokorowa Rice Cultivation Diary." The sequel will be broadcast in two parts, with the first part airing on February 15th at 4:45 PM and the second part airing on the 22nd at 4:45 PM on TV Tokyo. In the sequel, Sakuna's best friend, Kokorowahime, an inventor and novelist with many talents, takes on the challenge of rice farming.
Director Masayuki Yoshihara said, "When I was approached about making a spin-off of Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin and 'Kokorowa Rice Cultivation Diary' was suggested, I thought a story focusing on Kokorowahime would be interesting. In the original novel and the TV series, she was Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin's best friend and the goddess of invention, supporting them from behind the scenes. This time, however, Kokorowahime is the main character, and I think I've been able to portray her, in a sense, the feelings and anguish of a creator, as well as her own growth, as she asks herself why she writes stories. Of course, you'll see the cheerful Sakuna and friends on Hinoe Island, the first appearance of the capital city, and new characters surrounding Kokorowahime, and the rice farming and action are still going strong. In terms of the timeline, it takes place after the battle with Oomizuchi, so please pay attention to the subtle changes in Taemon, Myrte, Kinta, Yui, Kaimaru and others. From brush to plow! I hope you enjoy Kokorowahime's story."
Regarding the original work "Edelweiss," he commented, "I love the novel version that this is the original work for! And when I received the storyboards...I thought it was amazing. There are plenty of highlights, such as the daily life of Onbashira Miyako that wasn't depicted in the game, Kokorowa's inner conflict as a creator, and the depictions of rice restoration and cultivation drawn by the collaboration of Ando-sensei, who works in rice pesticides, and PAWorks, which has stunning art! Look forward to it!!"
Keiji Ando, who is collaborating on the story, said, "The story I wrote as a novelization is now being made into a film. Thanks to the efforts of the cast and staff, as well as Edelweiss, I am excited that it will become a wonderful film. I hope you will look forward to watching Kokorowa and her friends' rice farming on Hinoe Island."
"Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin" is a unique game set on the island of Hinoe, where players fight against the demons that rule the island, and is popular for its unique blend of simulation elements inspired by traditional Japanese rice farming. Released in 2020, it was a hit, with cumulative worldwide shipments exceeding 1.5 million copies, sparking discussion of it as the "Reiwa rice riots." An anime adaptation aired from July to September 2024.
