The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Palette’s 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown has released its second promotional video, revealing the opening song and confirming its debut on July 5, 2025. Fans of the visual novel series have eagerly awaited this adaptation, and the new information has only heightened the anticipation.
What We Know So Far
Premiere Date
The 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown anime is set to premiere on July 5, 2025, giving fans a concrete date to mark on their calendars.
Promotional Videos
The second promotional video offers a sneak peek into the anime’s animation style, key characters, and overall tone. This video, in particular, highlights the opening song, building more excitement.
Opening and Ending Themes
The opening theme song was revealed in the latest promo video. While the title of the opening theme is currently unknown, the ending theme song is “Pale Blaze,” performed by Chihiro Yonekura. Yonekura has a history with the 9-nine- series, as she performed all opening and closing themes for the original visual novels. She expressed her emotional connection to “Pale Blaze,” noting how moved she was by the song’s dynamic development and genuine message. The track is written and arranged by Shota Horie, with lyrics by Tako Yamaguchi.
Production Details
The anime is being directed by Koichi Ohata, known for his work on Burst Angel, Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny, and Maken-Ki! Battling Venus. Saori Sakiguchi, who worked on number24 and Technoroid Overmind, is in charge of character design. The animation is being handled by Studio PRA.
Cast
The anime will feature the original voice cast from the visual novel series, including:
- Atsushi Abe as Kakeru Niimi
- Misato Fukuen as Miyako Kujo
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Sora Niimi
- Yuri Yamaoka as Haruka Kosaka
- Akane Fujita as Noa Yuuki
- Kazutomi Yamamoto as Yoichi Fukazawa
- Tomokazu Sugita as Renya Takamine
- Hana Takeda as Satsuki Naruse
- Satomi Arai as Sophitia
Story and Setting
9-nine- is set in Shiromitsugawa, a seemingly ordinary college town that has unsuccessfully tried to boost tourism with a poorly received anime based on local folklore. The town’s peace is disrupted when a sacred relic at the local shrine is shattered, leading to certain individuals awakening with supernatural abilities. Protagonist Kakeru Niimi finds himself caught in a quest to stop a superpowered serial killer. Each installment in the 9-nine- series focuses on a different heroine, offering standalone stories within the same overarching setting.
What is 9-nine-?
9-nine- began as a series of Japanese adult visual novels developed and published by Palette. The series consists of four episodes, released for Windows between April 2017 and April 2020. Later, the series was ported to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in June 2022. Sekai Project localized and released the visual novels in English on Steam.
Plot Overview
The 9-nine- series is a supernatural mystery centered around the town of Shiromitsugawa. After a sacred relic is destroyed, several residents gain extraordinary powers, becoming “Users” of mysterious Artifacts. The story follows Kakeru Niimi and his companions as they investigate a series of supernatural murders and attempt to control the chaos that ensues. Each episode focuses on a different heroine and delves deeper into the mysteries of the Artifacts and the powers they bestow.
Key Elements of the Story
- Supernatural Powers: The emergence of supernatural abilities among the town’s residents is a central theme. These powers are linked to the mysterious Artifacts.
- Murder Mystery: The series revolves around solving a series of murders connected to the supernatural events, adding suspense and intrigue to the narrative.
- Romance: Each episode focuses on the relationship between Kakeru and a different heroine, blending romance with the overarching mystery.
- Episodic Structure: The episodic format allows each installment to explore different facets of the story while maintaining a cohesive narrative.
Characters
- Kakeru Niimi: The protagonist, a young man who gains supernatural powers after the shattering of the sacred relic. He is described as having a strong sense of responsibility and a kind heart.
- Miyako Kujo: One of the main heroines, Miyako is a popular girl who becomes involved in the supernatural events.
- Sora Niimi: Kakeru’s younger sister, who also possesses supernatural abilities.
- Noa Yuuki: Another heroine, described as the “chuunibyou leader” of the group, bringing a unique dynamic to the team.
Development and Release
The visual novel series was developed by Palette, with each episode offering a standalone story that contributes to the larger narrative. The English releases by Sekai Project have made the series accessible to a broader audience.
Reception
9-nine- has been praised for its engaging mysteries, well-developed characters, and the blending of supernatural elements with romance. The episodic structure allows for focused storytelling, although some critics have noted inconsistencies in story quality.
Staff and Production
The anime adaptation boasts a talented team:
- Director: Kōichi Ōhata
- Series Composition: Kōsuke Kuremizu
- Character Design: Saori Sakiguchi
- Animation Studio: PRA
- Sound Director: Jin Aketagawa
- Music: Yamazo
The returning voice cast ensures continuity with the visual novels, pleasing longtime fans of the series.
Visual and Thematic Elements
Key Visuals
The anime has released several key visuals, showcasing the main characters and setting the tone for the series. The visuals highlight the character designs by Saori Sakiguchi and give fans a glimpse of the animation quality.
Themes
- Mystery and Suspense: The series blends elements of mystery and suspense as the characters investigate supernatural occurrences and try to identify a killer.
- Supernatural Powers: The emergence of unique abilities among the characters adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, exploring the consequences and responsibilities that come with such powers.
- Romance and Relationships: The relationships between Kakeru and the heroines are central to the story, adding emotional depth and character development.
- Urban Fantasy: The setting of Shiromitsugawa, a seemingly ordinary town with hidden supernatural elements, creates a compelling backdrop for the story.
Anticipation and Reception
Fan Expectations
Fans of the 9-nine- visual novels have high expectations for the anime adaptation. The return of the original voice cast and the involvement of experienced staff members have generated excitement within the community.
Advance Screenings
An advance screening of the first two episodes was held on June 15, 2025, at the Parthenon Tama in Tokyo, featuring cast members. This event provided early viewers with a sneak peek at the anime and generated buzz ahead of the official premiere.
Comparisons to the Visual Novels
The anime adaptation is expected to stay true to the source material while also bringing a fresh perspective to the story. Comparisons between the anime and visual novels are inevitable, with fans eager to see how the adaptation handles key plot points and character arcs.
Where to Watch
As the premiere date approaches, fans can look forward to watching 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown on various streaming platforms.
Final Thoughts
With the premiere date fast approaching, 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown is poised to be one of the standout anime of July 2025. The combination of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements, coupled with a talented production team and returning voice cast, makes this adaptation one to watch for anime enthusiasts.
