Trailers for “The Obsessed,” the highly anticipated anime film, have offered fans an early listen to its theme song, “Fanfare ~Koi ni Ukarete~” (Fanfare ~Giddy in Love~), performed by the film’s lead voice actors, Masaya Sano and Moka Kamishiraishi. The musical romance, officially titled Toritsukare Otoko in Japan, is set to debut in Japanese theaters on November 7, 2025.
Recent clips have highlighted the film’s musical elements, building excitement as its theatrical release approaches and following its screening at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Main Characters Bring Theme Song to Life
A recent clip, released on October 22, 2025, showcased the main characters, Giuseppe and Pechka, singing the central theme song, “Fanfare ~Koi ni Ukarete~”. Masaya Sano, a member of the Ae! group, voices the protagonist Giuseppe, while Moka Kamishiraishi lends her voice to Pechka, the enigmatic balloon seller. Both actors not only voice their respective roles but also contribute their singing talents to the film’s pivotal songs, including the main theme. Prior to this, on October 20, 2025, another clip was released, featuring a sample of “Giuseppe’s Theme,” an upbeat song also performed by Masaya Sano. Sano noted that recording this particular song was the initial step in the voice work, involving some “trial and error” to perfectly capture Giuseppe’s vocal essence.
A Deeper Dive into the Musical Elements
“The Obsessed” is described as a musical film, promising a rich auditory experience alongside its heartfelt narrative. Beyond the performances by the lead voice actors, atagi from the popular group Awesome City Club has made significant contributions to the film’s soundtrack. Atagi is credited with composing five original songs and contributing to the background score, marking an exciting debut in film scoring. This blend of original compositions and character performances aims to enhance the film’s unique storytelling, merging brilliant narrative with enchanting melodies.
Story and Production Details
The anime film is an adaptation of Shinji Ishii’s novel Toritsukare Otoko, which was originally published in 2001. The story centers on Giuseppe, a man known in his town for his intense, albeit short-lived, obsessions. His life takes a turn when he encounters Pechka, a quiet balloon seller, and falls in love. With the help of his mouse friend, Cielo, Giuseppe endeavors to win Pechka’s heart and brighten her world, discovering a passion worth holding onto for the first time.
The production of “The Obsessed” is helmed by director Wataru Takahashi, recognized for his work on several Crayon Shin-chan films. Naoyuki Miura penned the screenplay, ensuring depth and engagement in the adaptation. Character designs were crafted by Masatsugu Arakawa, adding an artistic flair that anime enthusiasts are expected to appreciate. Shin-Ei Animation is responsible for the animation production, with Bandai Namco Filmworks handling distribution.
As the premiere date approaches, the released trailers and clips offer a compelling preview of the film’s musical heart and charming narrative, setting the stage for a unique cinematic experience for anime and music lovers alike.
