The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Megumi Hatakenaka’s historical fantasy novel series, “Shabake,” has released its first promotional video, revealing more cast and staff details, the opening song, and its October 2025 debut on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block. This highly anticipated anime promises a captivating blend of mystery, historical setting, and supernatural elements.
A Glimpse into the Story
Set in the Edo period, “Shabake” centers around Ichitaro, the young and sickly heir to Nagasakiya, one of the largest commercial stores in Nihonbashi. Due to his frail health, Ichitaro is unable to venture outside, but he is constantly protected by spirits, including his loyal companions Sasuke, an inugami (dog spirit), and Nikichi, a hakutaku (mythical beast). One fateful night, Ichitaro secretly leaves his home and witnesses a murder, setting off a chain of bizarre events and prompting him to seek the culprit with the assistance of his supernatural friends.
New Cast Members Announced
Adding to the excitement, Koji Okino and Taku Yashiro have been announced as additional cast members. Okino will voice Nikichi, while Yashiro will portray Sasuke, Ichitaro’s spirit companions who aid him in his adventures.
Voice Actor Comments
- Koji Okino (Nikichi): “Ever since I was a child, I’ve thought that strange things happen because there is something other than humans… Oh, don’t be scared, because I’m the type who can’t see anything (laughs). I hope you all will have fun solving the mystery with us!”
- Taku Yashiro (Sasuke): “I’m really happy that the world of Shabake is finally coming to life as an animation, and I’m very excited about it. I hope that many people will enjoy the drama and mystery woven by humans and monsters, centering around the young master.”
“Inochi no Parade” to Open the Series
The opening theme song, titled “Inochi no Parade” (Parade of Life), will be performed by Kujira. The promotional video offers a sneak peek of the song, which perfectly captures the anime’s atmosphere.
Kujira’s Thoughts on the Theme Song
“I think ‘Shabake’ is a story about the strength of thinking of others even when you are weak, and the kindness of living with invisible beings. The quiet days of the main character, Ichitaro, and the youkai are by no means flashy, but there is a warm bond between them, and I consciously created the theme song so that you could feel the air and scent of the story. I would be happy if it is a song that flows by in the silence of the night, and that breathes in sync with the story.”
The Creative Minds Behind the Anime
The “Shabake” anime boasts a talented team of creators:
- Director: Takahiro Okawa
- Series Composition: Touko Machida
- Character Design: Akari Minagawa
- Music: Rei Ishizuka
- Animation Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures (BN Pictures)
A Beloved Series with a Rich History
“Shabake” began as a novel series written by Megumi Hatanaka and illustrated by Yū Shibata. Published by Shinchosha since December 2001, the series has grown to 23 volumes as of July 2024. The series has sold over 10 million copies and won the 1st Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award in 2006. It has been adapted into various forms, including:
- Manga adaptation illustrated by Mimori (2017-2023)
- A 3-minute original net animation (ONA) produced by Shuka (2021)
- Two live-action TV series
- Radio plays
- Stage plays and musicals
Story and Characters in Detail
The story unfolds in Edo-era Japan, focusing on Ichitaro, the frail but kind-hearted young master of the Nagasakiya store. Afflicted with poor health since birth, Ichitaro’s world is largely confined indoors. However, he is far from alone. He is constantly attended to and protected by various spirits and youkai (supernatural beings), who are drawn to his gentle nature and the inherent kindness within him.
Main Characters
- Ichitaro (Young Master): Voiced by Daiki Yamashita, Ichitaro is the central figure of the story. His weak constitution contrasts with his strong sense of justice and compassion, leading him to become involved in solving mysteries with the help of his supernatural companions.
- Nikichi: Voiced by Koji Okino, Nikichi is a hakutaku, a wise and benevolent mythical creature. As one of Ichitaro’s closest companions, Nikichi provides guidance, knowledge, and support in solving cases and navigating the complex world of spirits.
- Sasuke: Voiced by Taku Yashiro, Sasuke is an inugami, a dog spirit known for loyalty and protective instincts. Sasuke acts as Ichitaro’s guardian, using his abilities to defend him from danger and assist in investigations.
Synopsis
One night, driven by curiosity and a desire to experience the world beyond his home, Ichitaro ventures out and witnesses a murder. This incident marks the beginning of a series of mysterious and unsettling events in Edo. With the assistance of Nikichi and Sasuke, Ichitaro embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind these occurrences, navigating the intricate relationships between humans and spirits.
Themes
“Shabake” explores several prominent themes:
- The coexistence of humans and spirits: The series depicts a world where the human and spirit realms are intertwined, with both harmony and conflict arising from their interactions.
- The strength of kindness and compassion: Ichitaro’s gentle nature and genuine concern for others, both human and spirit, drive his actions and inspire those around him.
- The search for justice and truth: Despite his physical limitations, Ichitaro is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysteries he encounters, seeking justice for the victims and bringing peace to the troubled spirits.
- The importance of friendship and loyalty: The bond between Ichitaro, Nikichi, and Sasuke highlights the power of friendship and loyalty in overcoming challenges and achieving common goals.
What to Expect
With its captivating storyline, endearing characters, and talented production team, the “Shabake” anime promises to be a delightful viewing experience for fans of historical fantasy and mystery genres. The series is set to premiere in October 2025 on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block, offering a fresh and engaging adaptation of Megumi Hatakenaka’s beloved novels.
