The upcoming anime adaptation of Takako Shimura’s manga, “Scenes From Awajima” (Awajima Hyakkei), has announced the addition of prominent voice actresses Natsumi Fujiwara and Ayumi Tsunematsu to its cast. The music drama series, animated by studio MADHOUSE, is set to premiere in April 2026.
Fujiwara will lend her voice to the character Emi Okabe, while Tsunematsu will portray Katsurako Ibuki. This casting news comes alongside the unveiling of a third character visual, further building anticipation for the series.
Voice Acting Talent Joins “Awajima Hyakkei” Production
Natsumi Fujiwara is known for her diverse roles, including Tamaki in “Rock is a Lady’s Modesty.” Ayumi Tsunematsu has also held notable roles, such as Belmeria in “Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury.” Their involvement adds significant talent to the ensemble cast of “Scenes From Awajima.”
Plot and Production Details for the “Scenes From Awajima” Anime
“Scenes From Awajima” centers on the Awajima Opera School, a prestigious institution where aspiring young women gather from across the country, all dreaming of gracing the grand stage. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, admiration, competition, and even jealousy as these girls pursue their artistic ambitions. Yen Press, which has licensed the original manga for English publication, describes the story as capturing “the precious feelings of girls who are at once both classmates and rivals, tenderly captured in the portraits of an ensemble cast!”
The anime adaptation is being directed by Morio Asaka, recognized for his work on series like “Chihayafuru” and “NANA,” at the acclaimed studio MADHOUSE. Yasuhiro Nakanishi is handling the series composition, with Kunihiko Hamada designing the characters, and Takahiro Obata composing the music.
The manga, created by Takako Shimura, originally began serialization in 2011 on Ohta Publishing’s PocoPoco website, later moving to Ohta Web Comic in 2016 before concluding in March 2024. The final compiled volume was released in May 2024. Yen Press is set to release the first English volume on January 20, 2026.
With a Spring 2026 premiere confirmed, “Scenes From Awajima” promises a compelling blend of theatrical beauty, emotional storytelling, and character-driven drama. The series has also previously announced Niina Nakabayashi as Wakana Tabata and Yō Taichi as Kinue Takehara, with Ai Kayano cast as Ryōko Ueda. The ongoing reveal of cast members and character visuals continues to heighten anticipation for this much-awaited adaptation.
