The official website for the upcoming “light anime” television adaptation of Yoroida’s fantasy comedy manga, Kanagawa ni Sunderu Elf (The Elves Living in Kanagawa), officially launched on Thursday, unveiling the main cast, key staff, a new key visual, and its inaugural teaser video. The series is slated to debut in December 2025.
The “light anime” will air as part of Television Kanagawa’s (tvk) local midday news and variety program, Neko no Hitai Hodo Wide. Yoroida, the original manga creator, personally drew the newly released key visual.
Leading the Cast of Kanagawa Elves
The main voice cast for the Kanagawa Elves light anime has been announced, featuring talents with roots in Kanagawa Prefecture itself.
- Chiaki Kobayashi will voice the protagonist, the Elf from Yokohama. Kobayashi hails from Yokohama city.
- Yuu Hayashi will take on the role of the Human from Kawasaki. Hayashi is from Zama city in Kanagawa Prefecture.
This casting choice highlights a local connection, with both lead voice actors originating from the region where the story is set.
Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
A seasoned team of animators and production staff is bringing the beloved manga to life.
Key Staff Members
- Director: Yūji Umoto is helming the project at IMAGICA Infos and Imageworks Studio. Umoto’s previous directorial credits include SHIBUYA♡HACHI.
- Sound Director: Taeko Miura.
- Music Composition: Shin Kawamoto.
- Production Supervisor: Kazuya Takahashi, known for his work as a key animator on Sword Art Online II and Tiger & Bunny the Movie: The Beginning.
- Animation Production Assistance: Usagiou.
- Production Studios: The anime is produced by AnimationID and animated by Imagica Infos and Imageworks Studio.
Story of Displaced Elves in Modern Kanagawa
The Kanagawa ni Sunderu Elf manga is a fantasy comedy that centers on a community of elves forced to adapt to modern human life after their forest home is destroyed by fire. They find themselves living ordinary lives in various cities across Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, including Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Chigasaki.
The narrative explores themes of adaptation, friendship, and the humorous cultural clashes that arise as these magical beings navigate contemporary Japanese society. The manga originally launched on Micro Magazine’s Comic Elmo in August 2020, with its fifth compiled book volume published in March 2025.
In addition to the light anime, the manga also inspired a live-action television drama adaptation, which premiered in September 2025.
