Kadokawa has released the first promotional video for the upcoming anime adaptation of Takako Shimura’s Awajima Hyakkei (Scenes from Awajima) manga, confirming two main cast members and an April 2026 debut for the television series. The announcement, made on Friday, provides fans with an initial look at the highly anticipated school drama.
The new promotional video revealed that Niina Nakabayashi will voice the character Wakana Tabata, while Yō Taichi is cast as Kinue Takehara. Character visual for Wakana Tabata was also unveiled alongside the trailer.
Diving Into the World of Awajima Hyakkei
Awajima Hyakkei, often translated as “One Hundred Views of Awajima,” is based on Takako Shimura’s acclaimed manga. The series is described as an omnibus adolescent drama, focusing on a group of young girls attending a music academy. Shimura’s original manga, known for its heartfelt storytelling, began serialization on the PocoPoco website in June 2011. It later moved to the Ohta Web Comic site in 2016, where it concluded its run in March 2024. The manga was compiled into five tankōbon volumes, with the final volume published in May 2024.
The Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
The anime production is being handled by the renowned studio Madhouse, known for its work on various critically acclaimed series. Guiding the project as director is Morio Asaka, an industry veteran with a strong portfolio that includes Chihayafuru and Cardcaptor Sakura.
Further strengthening the creative team are:
- Series Composition: Yasuhiro Nakanishi, recognized for his work on titles such as Kaguya-sama: Love is War.
- Character Designs: Kunihiko Hamada, who also contributed to Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card and Loving Yamada at Lv999!.
- Music: Takahiro Obata, known for composing music for The Promised Neverland and SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary.
The pedigree of the staff suggests a faithful and high-quality adaptation of Shimura’s distinctive narrative style.
Anticipation for the April 2026 Premiere
The announcement of an April 2026 premiere sets the stage for what is expected to be a compelling addition to the anime landscape. Fans of Takako Shimura’s work and newcomers alike will be eager to see how the nuanced relationships and dramatic undertones of Awajima Hyakkei are brought to life by Madhouse. The initial promotional video offers a glimpse into the anime’s visual style and atmosphere, building excitement for its forthcoming debut.