The anime film adaptation of Nowaki Fukamidori and Kakeru Sora’s fantasy mystery manga, Whoever Steals This Book (Kono Hon o Nusumu Mono wa), is now officially slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on December 26, 2025. This announcement brings the release date forward from its previously indicated 2026 window.
A Literary Mystery Unfolds
The film centers on Mifuyu, a high school student who, despite her family’s long lineage of esteemed book collectors and their famous Mikura Hall library, harbors a dislike for books. However, her apathy is shattered when a thief breaks into Mikura Hall, stealing several books and inadvertently unleashing an ancient curse. This curse transforms the town according to the stories within the stolen books, plunging it into a fantastical and mysterious ordeal. To reverse the curse and reclaim the stolen collection, Mifuyu is forced to embark on an adventure, venturing directly into the very stories she once despised. She is aided in her quest by a mysterious character named Mashiro. The narrative promises an exciting blend of fantasy and mystery, interwoven with themes of family, courage, and the profound power of stories.
Key Production Team and Studio
The Whoever Steals This Book anime film is directed by Daiki Fukuoka, known for his work on Yuki Yuna is a Hero: The Hero Chapter. Studio Kagokan is handling the animation production for the film. The script is penned by Yasuhiro Nakanishi, who has previously contributed to series like Toilet-bound Hanako-kun and Kaguya-sama: Love is War. Character designs and chief animation direction are credited to Keiko Kurosawa, recognized for her work on ASTRA LOST IN SPACE. Michiru Oshima, known for composing scores for works such as Anne Shirley and Fullmetal Alchemist, is responsible for the film’s music. Yuji Higa, the founder of Studio Kagokan, is serving as the animation producer. Kadokawa Animation is slated to distribute the film.
Original Works and International Release
The anime film is based on the Japanese novel Whoever Steals This Book written by Nowaki Fukamidori, which was first published in October 2020 by Kadokawa Shoten. A paperback edition followed in June 2023. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Kakeru Sora, was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine from December 2021 to March 2023, compiled into three tankōbon volumes. Yen Press holds the license for the official English version of both the original novel and the manga, making the story accessible to a wider international audience.
