The TV anime "Biblia Koshodō no Jiken Techō," based on the bestselling novel by Noboru Mikami which has been adapted into a TV drama and live-action film, will begin airing in April 2027. Additional cast members have also been announced, with Reo Koyamauchi as Fumika Shinokawa, Wataru Takagi as Shida, Yohei Azakami as Kikuya Kasai, and Saeko Kamijō as Nao Kosuge. The first promotional video, featuring the main characters Shiori Shinokawa and Daisuke Itsura, as well as Fumika Shinokawa, Shida, Kikuya Kasai, and Nao Kosuge, has also been released on YouTube.
"Biblia Koshodō no Jiken Techō" is a mystery series about Shiori Shinokawa, the extremely shy owner of Biblia Koshodō, a used bookstore quietly nestled in a corner of Kamakura, and Daisuke Itsura, who has a "fear of printed words," as they solve cases and mysteries related to old books. Published by MediaWorks Bunko (KADOKAWA), the series has sold over 8.5 million copies. A television drama starring Ayame Goriki aired from January to March 2013, and a live-action film starring Haru Kuroki and Shuhei Nomura was released in November 2018.
The anime will be directed by Mamoru Kanbe and produced by CloverWorks. Riko Akechi will voice Shiori Shinokawa and Shunsuke Takeuchi will voice Daisuke Goura.
◇Comment from Reo Koyamauchi, who plays the role of Fumika Shinokawa
I am very happy to be able to participate in this long-loved work. The world of this work, which is both fantastical and realistic, is captivating to read, as various people's pasts and feelings are gradually unraveled through old books. Fumika is a bright and sociable girl, and although she is the complete opposite of her older sister Shiori, I think the warmth between them, which is unique to sisters, is one of their charms. I am also looking forward to seeing how this world of the work will be expressed in a way that is unique to animation.
◇Comment from Wataru Takagi, who plays Shida
I'm Wataru Takagi, and I'll be playing Shida. He may seem like a suspicious old man at first glance, but his passion for books and his skills as a book reseller are second to none (laughs). As we unravel the memories and secrets of the people etched into the old books, I had a lot of fun exchanging lines with Akechi-san, who plays Shiori, and Takeuchi-kun, who plays Daisuke. I wanted to portray Shida's down-to-earth nature and charm in a lively way, adding a bit of my own playful touch. Please look forward to it!
◇Comment from Yohei Azakami, who plays the role of Kikuya Kasai
While working on this project, I realized I hadn't read a book recently, so I deliberately picked up a physical novel. The images that unfolded with each turn of the page, the feel of the paper, the sound of it rustling—it reminded me of the joy of holding a book again after so long. The character I play, Kikuya Kasai, is a book reseller called "Baron" by Shida, and I approached the recording with a deep love for books. I hope you enjoy it!
◇Comment from Saeko Kamijo, who plays the role of Nao Kosuge
When I first encountered her through text, I thought she was such a sweet and endearing girl that I couldn't help but want to protect her. I remember feeling a sense of protectiveness even before I thought about the audition. I decided in my heart, "If I'm going to meet her again, it will be when I hear the words 'I passed'!" and I placed the original work at the back of my bookshelf. And on the day I received the news that I had passed, I immediately reached for it and rejoiced at being reunited with her. The connection she brought me is a treasure to me. I want to perform with all my heart.
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Mamoru Kanbe ▽Assistant Director: Ayako Kurata▽Series Composition: Toshiya Ohno▽Director's Assistant: Kento Matsui▽Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Jun Nakai▽Prop Design: Manami Fukuse▽Art Director: Masatoshi Kai▽Art Setting: Yoshinori Shiozawa▽Color Design: Kazuko Nakajima▽Director of Photography: Teruyuki Kawase (T2studio)▽Camera Supervisor: Tomoyuki Shiokawa (T2studio)▽CG Director: Tatsuhiro Ito (Boundary)▽Editor: Rie Matsuhara (Seyama Editing Room)▽Music: Takahiro Obata▽Sound Director: Tomohiko Yaginuma▽Sound Effects: Shota Yaso▽Animation Production: CloverWorks
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Shiori Shinokawa: Riko Akechi; Daisuke Goura: Shunsuke Takeuchi; Fumika Shinokawa: Reo Koyamauchi; Shida: Wataru Takagi; Kikuya Kasai: Yohei Azakami; Nao Kosuge: Saeko Kamijo
