The highly anticipated anime film adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s novel, The Camphorwood Custodian (Kusunoki no Bannin), has unveiled new cast members and additional staff, with its premiere officially slated for 2026. This marks the first time a work by the prolific mystery author, Keigo Higashino, will be adapted into an anime film.
Key Talent Joins the Production
The film is set to bring together a talented team to bring Higashino’s unique narrative to life. Confirmed cast members include Fumiya Takahashi and Yūki Amami, though their specific roles have not yet been detailed.
Esteemed Director and Studio at the Helm
Directing the film is Tomohiko Itou, known for his work on popular anime such as Sword Art Online, ERASED, and HELLO WORLD. The animation production is being handled by A-1 Pictures, a studio with a strong track record, including titles like Solo Leveling, Mashle: Magic and Muscles, and Lycoris Recoil. The distribution in Japan will be managed by Aniplex.
Screenwriting and Character Design Details
Taku Kishimoto, an experienced anime screenwriter known for Haikyu!!, Erased, and Fruits Basket, is involved in the screenplay. Tsubasa Yamaguchi is credited with the film’s character designs, promising a unique visual interpretation of the novel’s world.
About “The Camphorwood Custodian” Novel
Keigo Higashino’s The Camphorwood Custodian novel, first published in March 2020, has garnered significant popularity, with over one million copies in circulation. Higashino is renowned for his masterful plots and deep exploration of human emotion across various genres, with many of his works frequently adapted into live-action.
The Intriguing Plot Summary
The story centers on Reito Naoi, a young man unjustly fired from his job, who finds himself arrested after a desperate act of vengeance. While awaiting indictment, a mysterious lawyer offers him an unexpected release in exchange for complying with a client’s wishes. Reito accepts the offer, only to discover the client is his late mother’s half-sister, Senshu Yanagisawa.
Senshu commands Reito to become the “custodian” of a camphor tree at Tsukisato Shrine—a tree steeped in mysterious legend, said to grant wishes. As Reito undertakes this peculiar role, he encounters various individuals visiting the shrine, each with their own reasons for seeking the tree. These encounters, along with his evolving bond with Chifune, gradually begin to restore color to Reito’s life. However, Reito remains unaware of the camphorwood’s true power, a secret that will draw him into a deeper mystery and ultimately reshape his future.
Anticipation Builds for 2026 Release
The film’s announcement was first made on April 8, 2025, and fans of Higashino’s work and anime enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the 2026 debut. The unique blend of mystery and supernatural elements, combined with the proven talent of the production team, suggests a compelling cinematic experience.
