The highly anticipated original anime series, ZENSHU, produced by studio MAPPA, has made a splash with its simultaneous English dub release on January 5, 2025. This rare move allows English-speaking fans to enjoy the series at the same time as its premiere in Japan. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime worldwide, excluding Japan.
A Rare Simultaneous Release
The anime premiered on TV Tokyo on Sunday, January 5th, at 11:45 PM JST, and was followed by broadcasts on BS TV Tokyo and AT-X. Immediately after its Japanese broadcast, the English dubbed version became available on Crunchyroll, marking a significant moment for international anime fans. This simultaneous release of both the original Japanese and English dubbed versions is an uncommon practice, making it a special treat for viewers eagerly anticipating the series.
Story of a Budding Animator
ZENSHU follows Natsuko Hirose, a recent high school graduate embarking on a career as an animator. Her exceptional talent allows her to quickly rise through the ranks, debuting as a director in no time. Her first anime becomes a massive success, creating a social phenomenon and securing her place in the industry. The series, therefore, offers a glimpse into the world of animation production, highlighting the creative process, the challenges faced by animators, and the rewarding outcomes of their hard work. The narrative delves into the life of Natsuko as she navigates her career, showcasing both her successes and the hurdles she encounters along the way.
English Dub Cast: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars
The English dub boasts a talented cast, featuring a mix of veteran voice actors and rising stars. Here is the comprehensive list of the English voice cast:
Main Characters
- Natsuko is voiced by Madeleine Morris.
- Luke is voiced by Ryan Negrón.
- Unio is voiced by Luci Christian.
- Memerun is voiced by Alexis Tipton.
- QJ is voiced by Derick Snow.
- President is voiced by CJ Critt.
- Haruko is voiced by Kirsty Johnson.
- Mayor is voiced by Christopher Guerrero.
Supporting Cast
- Baobab is voiced by Linda Young.
- Pegbar is voiced by Celeste Perez.
- Magical Girl is voiced by Brina Palencia.
- Veteran Episode Director is voiced by Anthony Bowling.
- Production Assistants are voiced by Aaron Campbell and Corey Pettit.
- Employee is voiced by Joshua Waters.
- Townsmen are voiced by Ben Stegmair and Tony Kaku.
- Townswomen are voiced by Natalie Van Sistine, Katelyn Barr, and Colleen Clinkenbeard.
- Vendors are voiced by John Burgmeier and Jeremy Schwartz.
- Boy is voiced by Leah Clark.
- Girl is voiced by Dani Chambers.
- Soldiers are voiced by Mauricio Ortiz-Segura, David Matranga, Brian Hathaway, Joshua Waters, Patrick Seitz, Nazeeh Tarsha, and Aaron Campbell.
- Women are voiced by Kate Bristol, Marianne Bray, and Molly Zhang.
- Lookout is voiced by Ben Stegmair.
Additional Voices
- William Ofoegbu, Adam Rowe, Brandon Wetch, Bryn Apprill, Conner Allison, Francine Gonzalez, Molly Searcy, and Philip Annarella provide additional voices.
Behind the Scenes
The English dub is directed by Emily Fajardo, and produced by Zach Bolton. The adaptation is being handled by James Cheek, with William Dewell as the mixer and Sawyer Pfledderer as the engineer. This talented team ensures that the English dub maintains the quality and spirit of the original Japanese version.
Production and Music
ZENSHU is an original animation produced by MAPPA, known for their high-quality work on series like Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen. The series is directed by Mitsue Yamazaki, who is also known for directing Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun. The scripts are written by Kimiko Ueno of Delicious in Dungeon, and the original character designs by Yoshiteru Tsujino are adapted by Kiyoko Ishikawa of Sarazanmai. The music is composed by Yukari Hashimoto of A Sign of Affection, adding another layer of depth to the viewing experience.
What to Expect
ZENSHU promises a compelling narrative, with a unique premise centered on the animation industry. The same-day English dub release further highlights its accessibility and appeal to global audiences. The series provides a unique glimpse into the life of an animator, tackling the challenges and triumphs of a creative career. The animation is expected to be visually stunning, thanks to MAPPA’s reputation, and the soundtrack by Yukari Hashimoto will further enhance the emotional depth of the story.
Conclusion
The simultaneous English dub release of ZENSHU marks a significant step in bridging the gap between Japanese animation and its global audience. With a talented cast and crew, coupled with a compelling storyline, ZENSHU is set to become a must-watch anime for fans worldwide. The series offers an in-depth look at the world of animation, making it a unique and engaging viewing experience for anyone interested in the creative process behind anime production.
