Despite recent online discussions, acclaimed voice actor Natsuki Hanae, known for his roles in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Tokyo Ghoul, has not been announced as part of the cast for the upcoming animated film, “The Last Blossom” (Housenka). The film, set to premiere in Japanese theaters on October 10, 2025, and having already garnered international attention with its selection for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025, has revealed a distinct ensemble of prominent actors and voice talents.
Confirmed Main Cast for “The Last Blossom”
The lead roles in “The Last Blossom” are being brought to life by a notable lineup of actors, portraying characters across different timelines. Kaoru Kobayashi and Junki Tozuka are set to voice the protagonist, Akutsu, at different stages of his life. Kobayashi will portray the elderly Akutsu, while Tozuka takes on the younger version of the character, marking his first foray into voice acting.
Similarly, Hikari Mitsushima and Yoshiko Miyazaki will share the role of Nana Nagata, Akutsu’s partner, with Mitsushima voicing the younger Nana and Miyazaki the older. Pierre Taki, a member of the Japanese techno unit Denki Groove, is cast as the titular Hōsenka flower, a pivotal character that speaks to Akutsu and prompts his reflections on his past.
Additional announced cast members include Hideaki Murata as Hayashida, Hiroki Yasumoto as Tsutsumi, Sōma Saitō as Wakamatsu, and Kōta Nakayama as Konishi.
About “The Last Blossom” Film
“The Last Blossom,” or Housenka in Japanese, is an original anime feature film produced by CLAP and distributed by Pony Canyon. The project reunites the creative duo behind the critically acclaimed Odd Taxi anime series: director Baku Kinoshita and screenwriter Kazuya Konomoto. Kinoshita also serves as the character designer for the film. The film’s music is composed by the band Cero, including Shōhei Takagi, Tsubasa Hashimoto, and Yū Arauchi.
Plot and Themes
The story of “The Last Blossom” centers on Minoru Akutsu, an elderly inmate serving a life sentence, who finds himself on the brink of a lonely death in his cell in Autumn 2023. His quiet despair is interrupted by a talking Hōsenka (balsam) flower, which provocatively remarks, “What a rotten life you had”. This encounter triggers Akutsu to reflect on his past, specifically his life in Summer 1986, where he lived with Nana and her son Kensuke in an apartment with a garden full of Hōsenkas. The film is described as a tale of a dying yakuza’s one-night victorious comeback and his family’s story, told through the perspective of the flower that blooms in prison, exploring themes of mortality, memory, loss, love, and the search for redemption.
International Recognition and Release
“The Last Blossom” was initially announced by the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on May 24, 2024, and has been officially selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025’s Feature Film Competition. This selection marks its world debut. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in Japan on October 10, 2025. Anime Limited and Plaion Pictures have secured international distribution rights for the film in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Natsuki Hanae’s Prominent Career
While not involved in “The Last Blossom,” Natsuki Hanae remains one of Japan’s most celebrated and recognizable voice actors. He is widely known for his leading roles as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul, and Kōsei Arima in Your Lie in April. Hanae’s extensive filmography also includes characters such as Inaho Kaizuka in Aldnoah.Zero, Takumi Aldini in Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma, and Vanitas in The Case Study of Vanitas. His prolific career and distinctive voice have earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Rookie award at the 9th Seiyu Awards. He also maintains a popular YouTube channel where he uploads Let’s Play videos.
