The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Takako Shimura’s manga, Awajima Hyakkei, has released its inaugural promotional video, offering a glimpse into the series and confirming its premiere for April 2026. The new footage also introduces two key voice cast members, building excitement for the upcoming series from Madhouse studio.
First Look: Awajima Hyakkei Promotional Video
The recently released two-minute trailer for Awajima Hyakkei provides a serene yet evocative preview of the anime’s world, which centers around the girls of the Awajima music academy. The trailer showcases newcomer Wakana Tabata and her initial interactions with fellow students, set against a backdrop featuring an “evocative blue-green” scene. This visual style aligns with the “youth portrait series that vividly captures the hearts of girls who attend opera school with the dream of standing on stage” as described in the manga’s synopsis.
Key Cast Members Revealed
Accompanying the promotional video, two central voice actors for Awajima Hyakkei have been announced. Niina Nakabayashi will lend her voice to Wakana Tabata, the aspiring musical star who enrolls in the Awajima Opera School. Joining her is Yō Taichi, who will portray Kinue Takahara, the dorm leader who is dedicated to her studies while honoring her best friend’s wishes. These initial cast revelations give fans a clearer picture of the talent bringing Shimura’s characters to life.
April 2026 Premiere and Production Details
Awajima Hyakkei is officially slated to premiere in April 2026. The anime series is being produced by the renowned animation studio Madhouse, known for its work on various critically acclaimed titles. Morio Asaka is directing the series, with Yasuhiro Nakanishi handling the series composition, and Kunihiko Hamada responsible for character designs. Takahiro Obata is composing the music for the series.
The World of Awajima Opera School
The story of Awajima Hyakkei revolves around the Awajima Opera School dormitory, often referred to as the “boarding house,” a place where young girls from across Japan gather, all sharing the ambition of performing on stage. The narrative explores themes of love, friendship, admiration, obsession, jealousy, and fear, painting a detailed picture of the girls’ lives within this unique setting. The manga, written and illustrated by Takako Shimura, was originally serialized on Ohta Publishing’s PocoPoco website from June 2011 to 2016, before moving to Ohta Web Comic, where it concluded in March 2024. The complete series has been compiled into five tankōbon volumes. Yen Press has licensed the series for English publication, with the first volume set to release in January 2026.
