Introduction

It has been officially announced that the bestselling novel ‘Shabake’ by author Natsume Hatanaka will be adapted into a television anime set to premiere in 2025. The protagonist, Ichitaro, will be voiced by Daiki Yamashita, and the main staff involved in the production has also been revealed. Alongside this announcement, a teaser visual and a promotional video have been released, generating excitement among fans.

About the Original Work

‘Shabake’ is a popular historical mystery novel that won the Excellence Award at the 13th Japan Fantasy Novel Award and has sold over 10 million copies in total. Set in the Edo period, the story follows Ichitaro, a young master of the Nagasaki-ya, a prominent store in Nihonbashi, who has been physically weak since birth and struggles to go outside. With the help of various yokai (supernatural creatures), he solves bizarre murder cases. Since its first publication in 2001, the series has expanded to 23 volumes and has been adapted into various media, including radio dramas, television dramas, stage plays, and manga.

Production Team

• Director: Takahiro Okawa, known for his work as assistant director on ‘Mononogatari’
• Series Composition: Douko Maita, who worked on ‘The Strongest Mage of the Demon Army Was a Human’
• Character Design: Aikori Minagawa, who was a key animation director for ‘Attack on Titan: The Final Season’
• Music: Rei Ishizuka, known for the ‘PriPara’ series
• Animation Production: BN Pictures, famous for ‘Gintama’

Teaser Visual and Promotional Video

The promotional video features Ichitaro greeting the yokai in the morning, complete with voice acting. The teaser visual depicts Ichitaro peeking out from the store, accompanied by a small yokai on his shoulder and two store employees, showcasing the charming atmosphere of the series.

Comments from the Cast and Staff

Daiki Yamashita (Ichitaro): “I am very honored to play Ichitaro in the TV anime ‘Shabake.’ The yokai around Ichitaro are very unique and charming, and I hope everyone enjoys the balance of suspense and humor as they solve mysteries together! I encourage people of all ages to watch this wonderful work when it airs!”

Takahiro Okawa (Director): “When I think of the Edo period, it feels like a distant world, but Hatanaka-sensei’s original work ‘Shabake’ makes it feel very relatable. I hope to create a work that allows viewers to feel close to Ichitaro and the people of Edo, as well as the yokai surrounding them. Please look forward to the broadcast!”

Douko Maita (Series Composition): “I have always wanted to write a period drama, and I was thrilled to receive the script for ‘Shabake,’ a work I have been a fan of. Ichitaro is a sickly but strong-willed character with a brilliant mind, and I hope everyone enjoys the antics of Sasuke and Niki, who pamper him!”

Aikori Minagawa (Character Design): “I am honored to have the opportunity to work on character design. I will do my best to convey the charm of each character through animation!”

Rei Ishizuka (Music): “The setting is Edo, with yokai and diverse human relationships, and there are many aspects I want to focus on in the soundtrack. It has been enjoyable to think about what kind of unique music would suit this world. I hope to meet the expectations of the passionate fans of this work!”

Natsume Hatanaka (Original Author): “I am deeply moved to see ‘Shabake,’ which started as a submission for a public newcomer award, being adapted into an anime. I hope that many people will enjoy the yokai and Ichitaro as they come to life on screen!”