A new 30-second main trailer for the upcoming Anne Shirley anime has been released, showcasing a preview of the opening song “Yokan” by Tota. This adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables is scheduled to premiere on April 5 JST.
“Yokan” by Tota: The Sound of a New Beginning
The new trailer offers a glimpse of the anime and features a snippet of the opening theme, “Yokan,” performed by Tota. This song sets the tone for the series, capturing the heartwarming essence of Anne’s story.
A Fresh Adaptation of a Beloved Classic
The Anne Shirley anime is the third anime adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novel series. The first adaptation was directed by Isao Takahata in 1979, and the second was directed by Katsuyoshi Watabe in 2009. Both previous adaptations were animated by Nippon Animation as part of its World Masterpiece Theater series. This new adaptation is animated by The Answer Studio, known for its involvement in films such as Your Name. and Suzume. The series will run for 24 episodes and air on NHK Educational TV.
The Story of Anne Shirley
Anne of Green Gables tells the story of Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan who is mistakenly sent to Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, siblings who intended to adopt a boy to help with their farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Despite the initial mix-up, Anne’s vibrant personality and imaginative spirit gradually win the Cuthberts over as she finds her place in their home and the close-knit community.
The Cast and Crew
The Anne Shirley anime boasts a talented cast and crew:
- Anne Shirley: Voiced by Honoka Inoue
- Marilla Cuthbert: Voiced by Aya Nakamura
- Matthew Cuthbert: Voiced by Yasunori Matsumoto
- Gilbert Blythe: Voiced by Naoya Miyase
- Diana Barry: Voiced by Yume Miyamoto
- Director: Hiroshi Kawamata
- Character Design: Kenichi Tsuchiya
- Animation Directors: Yuji Watanabe and Naoko Saito
- Art Director: Tadashi Kudo
- Color Designer: Shiho Kuriki
- Director of Photography: Shinji Saito
- Sound Director: Kisuke Koizumi
- Music: Michiru Oshima
A Legacy of Anne in Anime
The Anne of Green Gables novel has had a lasting impact in Japan, with the first Japanese translation appearing in 1952 by Hanako Muraoka. The novel’s themes of perseverance, imagination, and belonging resonate with audiences worldwide. The 1979 anime series, Akage no Anne (Red-Haired Anne), directed by Isao Takahata, is particularly well-regarded and features music by Akira Miyoshi and Krodo Mori. The opening theme, “Kikoeru Kashira,” sung by Ritsuko Ohwada, remains a beloved classic.
With a new anime adaptation on the horizon, audiences can anticipate a fresh and heartwarming take on this timeless tale.
