The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Palette’s 9-nine- visual novel series, titled 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown, has revealed its first promotional video, along with the ending theme song and premiere date. Fans can mark their calendars for July 2025, when the anime will officially begin broadcasting.
First Look: Promo Video and Ending Theme
The official website for 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown began streaming the first promotional video, offering a glimpse into the anime’s visuals and story. The trailer also unveils and previews the ending theme song, “Pale Blaze,” performed by Chihiro Yonekura, who previously contributed to the games’ soundtracks.
Story and Setting
9-nine- is set in the town of Shiromitsugawa, a seemingly ordinary college town striving to revitalize itself through tourism. However, the town holds a secret: the existence of mysterious Artifacts that grant superpowers to their users. The story follows Kakeru Niimi, a young man whose life is turned upside down when the local shrine’s sacred relic shatters, leading to the emergence of superpowered individuals and a series of supernatural murders. As Kakeru navigates this new reality, he grapples with themes of trust, romance, and the hunt for a dangerous culprit.
Production Details
The anime adaptation is being produced by PRA, with Kōichi Ōhata (known for his work on Burst Angel and Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny) serving as the director. Saori Sakiguchi (number24, Technoroid Overmind) is handling the character designs. The series composition is being overseen by Kōsuke Koremizu. Additionally, Fumiyuki Uehara (VAZZROCK THE ANIMATION) is credited as a co-character designer.
The main voice cast from the games are reprising their roles in the anime, including:
- Atsushi Abe as Kakeru Niimi
- Misato Fukuen as Miyako Kujo
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Sora Niimi
- Yuri Yamaoka as Haruka Kosaka
- Akane Fujita as Noa Yuuki
- Kazutomi Yamamoto as Yoichi Fukazawa
What to Expect
9-nine- Ruler’s Crown promises a blend of supernatural mystery, romance, and action. The anime will follow Kakeru as he becomes entangled in a quest to track down a super-powered serial killer. The series is expected to explore the relationships between the characters and delve into the secrets surrounding the Artifacts and their users.
Visual Novel Origins
The anime is based on the 9-nine- visual novel series developed and published by Palette. The series consists of four episodes, each focusing on a different heroine and released separately between 2017 and 2020. An all-ages extra episode was released in April 2021.
The visual novels have been praised for their engaging stories, well-developed characters, and the intriguing mystery surrounding the Artifacts. Each episode can be enjoyed independently, but they all contribute to the overarching narrative of the 9-nine- universe.
Release Information
- Premiere Date: July 2025
- Studio: PRA
- Ending Theme Song: “Pale Blaze” by Chihiro Yonekura
An advance screening of the first two episodes is scheduled for June 15 JST at Parthenon Tama.
The 9-nine- Series: A Deeper Dive
9-nine- is more than just an anime; it’s a multimedia franchise that has captivated fans through its intricate storylines, compelling characters, and exploration of supernatural themes. To fully appreciate the upcoming anime adaptation, it’s worth exploring the origins and evolution of the 9-nine- series.
Visual Novels: The Foundation
The 9-nine- saga began as a series of Japanese adult visual novels developed by Palette, a company renowned for its contributions to the eroge genre. The series is comprised of four main episodes, each released annually:
- 9-nine-: Kokonotsu Kokonoka Kokonoiro (April 2017) – Focuses on the heroine Miyako Kujo.
- 9-nine-: Sorairo Sorauta Soranooto (April 2018) – Centers around the heroine Sora Niimi.
- 9-nine-: Haruiro Harukoi Harunokaze (April 2019) – Highlights the heroine Haruka Kosaka.
- 9-nine-: Yukiiro Yukihana Yukinoato (April 2020) – Spotlights the heroine Noa Yuuki.
Each episode presents an independent story within the shared world of Shiromitsugawa, allowing players to dive into a unique narrative while gradually uncovering the overarching mysteries of the 9-nine- universe.
Story Themes and Elements
- Supernatural Abilities: The core of 9-nine- revolves around the existence of Artifacts, mysterious objects that bestow extraordinary powers upon their users. These abilities range from enhanced strength and speed to more esoteric and reality-altering powers.
- Murder Mystery: Each episode incorporates elements of a murder mystery, as the protagonists find themselves embroiled in investigations to uncover the culprits behind a series of supernatural crimes.
- Romance: The 9-nine- series is known for its romantic storylines, with each episode focusing on the budding relationship between the protagonist, Kakeru Niimi, and the featured heroine.
- Slice of Life: Despite the supernatural and mystery elements, the series also includes elements of slice of life, depicting the everyday lives of the characters and their interactions within the town of Shiromitsugawa.
Manga Adaptation
In addition to the visual novels, 9-nine- has also been adapted into a manga series. Illustrated by Izumi Kawachi, the manga has been serialized online via Futabasha’s Gaugau Monster website since October 2021.
Gameplay and Structure
Each episode of the 9-nine- visual novel series features:
- Multiple Endings: Player choices influence the story and lead to different endings, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
- Character-Driven Narrative: The story is heavily focused on character development and relationships, with each episode delving into the backgrounds and motivations of the featured heroines.
- Interconnected Storylines: While each episode can be enjoyed independently, the overarching narrative gradually unfolds as players experience each heroine’s story, revealing secrets and connections between the characters.
Reception and Impact
The 9-nine- visual novel series has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its engaging stories, memorable characters, and the intricate mysteries surrounding the Artifacts and the town of Shiromitsugawa. The series has been praised for its ability to blend supernatural elements with slice-of-life moments, creating a unique and captivating experience.
The upcoming anime adaptation is highly anticipated by fans who are eager to see the world of 9-nine- brought to life on screen. With its talented production team, returning voice cast, and the source material’s compelling storyline, 9-nine- Ruler’s Crown has the potential to become a standout anime series in 2025.
Navigating the 9-nine- Universe: A Guide to the Series Order
For newcomers eager to immerse themselves in the world of 9-nine-, understanding the recommended order of experiencing the series is crucial. The story unfolds progressively, with each installment building upon the previous ones, enriching the overall narrative and deepening the viewer’s connection with the characters. Here’s a guide to ensure you navigate the 9-nine- universe effectively:
1. Visual Novels (Episodes 1-4)
The core of 9-nine- lies within its four-part visual novel series. Each episode introduces a new heroine and delves into a unique mystery while contributing to the overarching narrative. Playing these in order is highly recommended. The episodes are:
- 9-nine-: Kokonotsu Kokonoka Kokonoiro (Episode 1): This initial episode sets the stage, introducing the town of Shiromitsugawa, the concept of Artifacts, and the first heroine, Miyako Kujo.
- 9-nine-: Sorairo Sorauta Soranooto (Episode 2): The story expands, focusing on Sora Niimi and further exploring the consequences of Artifact usage and the mysteries surrounding Shiromitsugawa.
- 9-nine-: Haruiro Harukoi Harunokaze (Episode 3): Haruka Kosaka takes the spotlight as new layers of the Artifact phenomenon are revealed, and the stakes become even higher.
- 9-nine-: Yukiiro Yukihana Yukinoato (Episode 4): The conclusion to the main storyline, this episode centers on Noa Yuuki and ties together many of the unresolved plot threads, offering a resolution to the initial conflicts.
2. New Episode (All-Ages Extra Episode)
After completing the four main episodes, the “New Episode” serves as an epilogue that assumes knowledge of all prior events. It ties up any remaining loose ends and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the 9-nine- universe.
Why Follow This Order?
- Progressive Storytelling: Each episode introduces new characters, concepts, and plot points that build upon what came before.
- Character Development: The relationships between characters evolve throughout the series, and experiencing the episodes in order allows you to witness this growth naturally.
- Mystery and Suspense: The overarching mystery of the Artifacts and their impact on Shiromitsugawa unfolds gradually. Playing the episodes out of order can spoil key plot points and diminish the sense of suspense.
Anime Adaptation
The 9-nine-: Ruler’s Crown anime is scheduled to premiere in July 2025. It is expected to adapt the storyline from the visual novels.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Spoilers: As with any mystery series, it’s best to avoid spoilers before experiencing the story for yourself.
- Engage with the Community: Discussing the series with other fans can enhance your appreciation and understanding of the complex storylines.
Final Thoughts
9-nine- Ruler’s Crown has generated substantial buzz among anime enthusiasts, promising a captivating fusion of mystery, supernatural elements, and romance. As the July 2025 premiere draws closer, fans eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in the enigmatic world of Shiromitsugawa and unraveling the secrets that lie within.
