Get ready to dive into a world of literary mystery and fantastical adventures! Nowaki Fukamidori’s popular novel, “Whoever Steals This Book” (この本を盗む者は), is officially getting an anime film adaptation, slated to premiere in 2026. The announcement has sent ripples of excitement through anime and book communities alike, promising a captivating cinematic experience.
What’s the Story About?
“Whoever Steals This Book” revolves around Mifuyu Mikura, a high school student living in Yomunaga, a town famous for its many bookstores and rich literary culture. Mifuyu’s family owns Mikura Hall, a vast library inherited from her great-grandfather. Ironically, despite being surrounded by books, Mifuyu harbors a strong dislike for them, especially given her family’s legacy.
The plot thickens when books begin to disappear from Mikura Hall, triggering an ancient “book curse”. This curse plunges the town into chaos, transforming it based on the stories within the stolen books. To set things right, Mifuyu reluctantly embarks on a quest to find the thief and recover the missing books. Along the way, she’s aided by a mysterious girl named Mashiro, and together they navigate the dangerous and enchanting worlds of the cursed stories.
The Journey from Novel to Anime
The journey of “Whoever Steals This Book” began as a light novel written by Nowaki Fukamidori and published by Kadokawa in October 2020. The series gained popularity, leading to a manga adaptation illustrated by Kakeru Sora, which ran in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine from December 2021 to March 2023. Yen Press has licensed both the light novel and manga for English release, further expanding its international fanbase.
Who’s Behind the Anime Film?
The anime film adaptation is being brought to life by a talented team:
- Director: Daiki Fukuoka (known for Yuki Yuna is a Hero: The Hero Chapter)
- Studio: Kagokan
- Script: Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Toilet-bound Hanako-kun)
- Character Design & Chief Animation Direction: Keiko Kurosawa (Astra Lost in Space)
- Music: Michiru Oshima (Anne Shirley)
- Animation Producer: Yuji Higa, founder of studio Kagokan
With such a skilled team, fans can anticipate a visually stunning and emotionally engaging adaptation.
A Glimpse into the Film: Teaser Trailer and Visual
To whet fans’ appetites, a teaser trailer and visual have been released. The teaser trailer offers a sneak peek into the film’s atmosphere and characters, while the visual provides a glimpse of Mifuyu and Mashiro against a backdrop that hints at the story’s fantastical elements.
Themes and Appeal
“Whoever Steals This Book” explores several compelling themes:
- The Power of Stories: The narrative highlights the transformative power of stories and their ability to shape reality. The curse that engulfs the town demonstrates how stories can come to life and influence the world around us.
- Family Legacy and Personal Identity: Mifuyu grapples with the burden of her family’s legacy and her own identity. Her initial dislike for books stems from feeling trapped by her family’s obsession with them. As she confronts the book curse, she begins to understand and appreciate the importance of her heritage.
- Friendship and Self-Discovery: Mifuyu’s friendship with Mashiro plays a crucial role in her personal growth. Mashiro helps her overcome her aversion to books and discover new aspects of herself.
- Mystery and Adventure: The quest to find the book thief and break the curse provides a thrilling and engaging mystery. Each stolen book leads Mifuyu and Mashiro into different story worlds, offering a variety of exciting adventures.
Nowaki Fukamidori: The Author Behind the Magic
Nowaki Fukamidori is a prolific Japanese author known for their imaginative storytelling and engaging characters. While “Whoever Steals This Book” is one of their most well-known works, they have written over 25 books and even own their own publishing label, Meteora Press.
What to Expect in 2026
As the release date draws closer, fans can look forward to more updates, including casting announcements, additional trailers, and further insights into the film’s production. “Whoever Steals This Book” promises to be a must-watch anime film that will captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, adventure, and heartwarming themes.
