The world of Takako Shimura’s Awajima Hyakkei is set to enchant audiences in 2026 with its TV anime adaptation. A teaser visual and “ultra teaser” promotional video have been released, spotlighting the main staff and the animation studio behind this highly anticipated series: Madhouse.
A Dream Takes Form: The Journey to Animation
Awajima Hyakkei (“One Hundred Views of Awajima”) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takako Shimura. The manga was originally serialized on Ohta Publishing’s PocoPoco website from June 2011 to 2016, before moving to Ohta Web Comic, where it ran from July 2016 to March 2024. The series has been compiled into five tankōbon volumes, with the final volume released in May 2024. The announcement of an anime adaptation was made in May 2024, exciting fans of Shimura’s work.
Madhouse Magic: The Studio Behind the Scenes
The anime adaptation is being produced by the renowned animation studio Madhouse. Founded in 1972, Madhouse has a long and impressive history of producing acclaimed anime series and films. Their portfolio includes titles such as Cardcaptor Sakura, Death Note, Chihayafuru, Overlord, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and many more. Madhouse is known for its high-quality animation, attention to detail, and ability to bring stories to life with stunning visuals.
The Creative Team: Crafting the World of Awajima Hyakkei
The Awajima Hyakkei anime boasts a talented team of creators, ensuring a faithful and captivating adaptation of Shimura’s manga:
- Director: Morio Asaka (Cardcaptor Sakura, Chihayafuru, My Love Story!!)
- Character Designer: Kunihiko Hamada (Cardcaptor Sakura)
- Series Composition: Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War)
- Art Direction: Hideki Nakamura (Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway)
- Compositing: Junko Sakai (My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999)
- Music: Takahiro Obata (SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary)
With Morio Asaka at the helm, known for his work on heartwarming and visually stunning series, the anime is in capable hands. Kunihiko Hamada’s character designs promise to capture the essence of Shimura’s art style, while Yasuhiro Nakanishi’s experience with series composition will ensure a compelling narrative. The contributions of Hideki Nakamura, Junko Sakai, and Takahiro Obata will further enhance the visual and auditory experience of the anime.
Story: A Glimpse into the World of Musical Theater
Awajima Hyakkei is a coming-of-age omnibus series that follows the lives of young girls attending Awajima, a school based on the real-life Takarazuka Musical School, as they aspire to be on stage. The story explores their dreams, friendships, rivalries, and the challenges they face in the pursuit of their passion. Set in the same world as Shimura’s Sweet Blue Flowers, Awajima Hyakkei delves into the drama and romance of being in an all-female theater troupe. The manga presents an adolescent drama about a group of young girls who all attend a “girls-only musical school,” recounting the formative years they shared, at times shifting between different characters’ viewpoints and time.
The Awajima Musical School Training Camp, dubbed the “boarding house,” is where young girls gather from all over Japan to perform on stage. The unique environment of the musical school is simultaneously a respite space for these aspiring girls and also a harsh battleground that pits young students against each other.
Takako Shimura: The Author Behind the Masterpiece
Takako Shimura is a renowned manga artist known for her delicate art style and emotionally resonant stories. Besides Awajima Hyakkei, she is also the author of Sweet Blue Flowers and Wandering Son, both of which have been adapted into acclaimed anime series. Shimura’s works often explore themes of adolescence, identity, and relationships with sensitivity and insight. She also drew the original character designs for the Aldnoah.Zero anime, Battery the Animation, and the Overtake! racing anime.
What to Expect: Themes and Tone
Fans can anticipate a coming-of-age story filled with relatable characters, heartfelt moments, and captivating drama. The anime is expected to capture the essence of Shimura’s manga, showcasing the beauty and challenges of pursuing one’s dreams. With Madhouse’s expertise in animation and the talented staff involved, Awajima Hyakkei promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging series. The series explores themes of perseverance, blossoming talents, and the sometimes cruel reality of the competitive world of musical theater. The clear depiction and psychological portrayal allow the subtle inner workings of each character to come through.
Mark Your Calendars: 2026 Premiere
The Awajima Hyakkei anime is scheduled to premiere in 2026. While the exact release date is yet to be announced, fans can stay tuned for further updates and announcements from Kadokawa and Madhouse.
Final Act: A Promising Adaptation
With its talented staff, renowned animation studio, and heartwarming story, the Awajima Hyakkei anime is poised to be a standout series in 2026. Fans of Takako Shimura’s work and newcomers alike can look forward to an enchanting tale of dreams, friendship, and the pursuit of passion set in the captivating world of musical theater. As the curtain rises on this exciting adaptation, anticipation builds for the premiere of Awajima Hyakkei in 2026.
