Tokyo, Japan – Twin Engine and Straight Edge have officially announced the main staff behind the anime adaptation of Puri’s grand prize-winning novel, “[Watashi no Ofuru de Waruin dakedo] to Okaa-sama (Heroine) ni Torimaki o Oshitsukerare, Totsuida Henkyō demo Yome Atsukai Saremasen ga, Okage de Jiyū ni Ikiraremasu!” (My Mother [the Heroine] Married Me Away Like Second-Hand Goods to One of Her Followers, But I’m Not Treated Like a New Bride in the Remote Region I Moved to, and Now I Get to Live Freely!). The announcement was made during the award ceremony for the ‘Anime de Sekai e! Shōsetsu Taishō’ (Anime to the World! Novel Prize), also known as the “Aniseka Novel Award,” held on Wednesday.
Esteemed Director Junichi Satō to Helm Project
Veteran anime director Junichi Satō has been tapped as the chief director for the upcoming adaptation. Satō brings a wealth of experience to the project, known for his work on iconic series such as Sailor Moon, Aria the Animation, Aria the Natural, 2023’s Akuma Kun, and Sgt. Frog. His extensive filmography suggests a nuanced approach to storytelling, which could prove vital for adapting Puri’s unique narrative. Animation production will be handled by NAGOMI.
The Grand Prize-Winning Story: A Tale of Found Freedom
Puri’s winning novel, with its lengthy title, translates to “My Mother (the Heroine) Married Me Away Like Second-Hand Goods to One of Her Followers, But I’m Not Treated Like a New Bride in the Remote Region I Moved to, and Now I Get to Live Freely!” The story centers on a woman who is married off to one of her mother’s followers. Upon entering her new life, she finds herself unwelcome by her husband’s family. Despite this initial adversity, she begins to carve out a new existence alongside her expressionless husband, finding unexpected solace and comfort in the dolls that surround her. This premise hints at themes of self-discovery, resilience, and finding happiness in unexpected circumstances.
The ‘Anime de Sekai e!’ Literary Contest: A Platform for New Talent
The ‘Anime de Sekai e! Shōsetsu Taishō’ literary award was launched by Twin Engine and Straight Edge in 2024 with the ambitious goal of discovering outstanding literary talent and bringing their stories to the global anime stage. The contest garnered significant attention, receiving over 6,000 submissions from aspiring novelists.
Contest Objectives and Prizes
The core objective of the “Aniseka Novel Award” is to identify compelling narratives that hold strong potential for anime adaptation, fostering new creative voices in the industry. Beyond the guaranteed anime adaptation, the grand prize winner, Puri, also received 1 million yen (approximately US$7,010) in prize money. Furthermore, Twin Engine and Straight Edge have indicated they will consider additional multimedia developments for the winning work, including manga and video game adaptations. This multi-platform strategy underscores the contest’s commitment to fully developing and promoting promising intellectual properties.
Other Notable Winners
While Puri’s story took the grand prize, the contest also recognized other talents. Nanase Natsume’s “Dungeon Sumikko Gurashi ~Jitsuryoku Mujikaku-kei Haishinsha o Seken wa Hisshi de Sagashidasu. Hayaku Dungeon kara Detekite!?” (Living in a Nook of the Dungeon ~The World Desperately Looks for a Streamer Who Doesn’t Know Their Own Strength. Hurry Up and Get Out of the Dungeon?!) and Aoi Miyazaki’s “Bibō no Shōnen no Katei Kyōshi o Shiteitara Ikeoji Kōshaku ni Propose Saretan desu ga?” (I Became the Home Tutor of a Handsome Boy and Got a Marriage Proposal From a Handsome Middle-Aged Marquis?) both received special prizes.
The reveal of the main staff marks a significant step forward for Puri’s acclaimed story, promising a high-quality animation for fans eager to see the novel come to life.
