The highly anticipated anime film adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s novel, The Camphorwood Custodian (Kusunoki no Bannin), has unveiled a significant expansion to its voice cast and announced a unique bonus text story penned by the author himself, set to be distributed exclusively to moviegoers. The film is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on January 30, 2026.
This marks the first instance of a Keigo Higashino work being adapted into an anime film, bringing his intricate storytelling to a new visual medium.
Unveiling the Expanded Voice Cast for The Camphorwood Custodian
The production team for The Camphorwood Custodian has revealed several key additions to its already stellar voice cast, promising a rich vocal performance for the film’s intricate character dynamics. Fumiya Takahashi leads the cast as Reito Naoi, the young protagonist, with Yūki Amami voicing Chifune Yanagisawa.
The newly announced cast members filling crucial roles include:
- Takehito Koyasu as Masakazu Yanagisawa
- Miō Tanaka as Katsushige Yanagisawa
- Akira Kamiya as Tōichirō Ōba
- Asuka Saitō as Yumi Saji
- Ryūbi Miyase as Sōki Ōba
- Takao Ōsawa as Toshiaki Saji
These actors will bring to life the diverse characters who interact with Reito at the mysterious Tsukisato Shrine, each seeking answers or solace from the legendary camphor tree.
Exclusive Bonus Text Story: “The Camphorwood’s Secret Power”
In an unprecedented move, original author Keigo Higashino has penned an exclusive bonus text story, titled “Kusunoki no Urawaza” (The Camphorwood’s Secret Power), which will be given to moviegoers. This marks the first time Higashino has written such a bonus gift for a film adaptation of his work.
The “Kusunoki no Urawaza” story is set to delve into the past of Chifune’s cousin, Masakazu, and will notably unveil a previously unknown power of the camphorwood tree that was not explored in the original novel or the film. This exclusive narrative is expected to offer fans a deeper understanding of the story’s lore and characters.
The Mystical Narrative of The Camphorwood Custodian
The film adapts Higashino’s critically acclaimed novel, which centers on Reito Naoi, a young man unjustly fired from his job. After committing a desperate act of revenge, he finds himself arrested. An unexpected offer from a mysterious lawyer presents him with a path to freedom: become the “Camphorwood Custodian” at the Tsukisato Shrine under the instruction of his aunt, Chifune Yanagisawa.
As Reito reluctantly accepts his new role, he encounters a variety of individuals visiting the sacred camphor tree, each with their own wishes and secrets. Through these interactions, and his burgeoning bond with Chifune, Reito’s world begins to change, leading him into a deeper mystery surrounding the camphorwood’s true, enigmatic power.
Creative Team and Production Details
The animated film is directed by Tomohiko Ito, renowned for his work on popular series such as Sword Art Online and ERASED. Animation production is handled by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio, known for their high-quality animated works. The screenplay is penned by Taku Kishimoto, with character designs by Tsubasa Yamaguchi and Akiko Itagaki, and Hiroshi Takiguchi serving as art director.
The film’s theme song, “Katawara nite Tsukiyo” (Moonlit Night By My Side), is performed by Uru, with music composed by Yūgo Kanno. Aniplex is set to distribute the film.
With an expanded cast, a compelling story, and the added incentive of an exclusive narrative from Keigo Higashino, The Camphorwood Custodian is poised to be a significant release in early 2026.
