Yoroida’s fantasy comedy manga, #Kanagawa ni Sunderu Elf (also known as Kanagawa Elves or The Elves Living in Kanagawa), is set to receive both a live-action drama and a television light anime adaptation. The live-action drama is slated to premiere on September 30, 2025, while the light anime will follow in December 2025. Both adaptations will debut within Television Kanagawa’s (tvk) programming in Japan.
The Elves Living in Kanagawa: A Synopsis
The comedic slice-of-life manga centers on a unique premise: two years prior to the story’s start, a forest fire destroyed the ancestral homes of a community of elves. Forced to relocate, these mystical beings have now found refuge in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, just south of Tokyo. Instead of remaining hidden, the elves integrate into modern Japanese society, living openly among humans in bustling cities like Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara.
The narrative humorously explores the contrast between the otherworldly, whimsical elves and their surprisingly comfortable daily lives in Japan, alongside the human residents of Kanagawa who are learning to coexist with their magical new neighbors. The manga highlights their everyday activities, from shopping at malls and reading books at Yokohama Station to riding trains and even encountering other fantasy creatures like orcs in urban settings. The series is currently serialized in Micro Magazine’s Comic Elmo online manga service and has five volumes in print.
Live-Action Drama Details
The live-action drama adaptation of #Kanagawa ni Sunderu Elf will premiere on September 30, 2025. Oolongta Yoshida is helming the project as both writer and director.
Cast for the Live-Action Drama
Key cast members for the live-action drama have been announced, with actors portraying elves and humans from different cities within Kanagawa:
- Yokohama Elf: Sion Yoshitaka
- Kawasaki Human: Ryotaro Akazawa
- Yokosuka Elf: Teruhisa Takura
- Chigasaki Elf: Junya Asada
- Sagamihara Elf: Rion Hatakeyama
- Machida Orc: Ryuga Akahane
Upcoming Light Anime Adaptation
Following the live-action drama, a television light anime adaptation is scheduled to begin in December 2025. Further details regarding the staff and additional cast for the anime are expected to be announced at a later date. A light anime is typically a short-form animation, often with a comic-motion style.
This dual adaptation approach aims to bring Yoroida’s unique blend of fantasy and comedy to a wider audience through both live-action and animated formats.