The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Keiichi Arawi’s “CITY” manga has announced two new additions to its cast, promising to bring even more life to the series’ already vibrant characters. Yūko Gotō will be lending her voice to Sumire Sakurakomi Tanabe, the eldest daughter of the Tanabe family, while Jin Domon will be playing Hotaka, the family’s ever-reliable butler.
Arawi’s World Comes to Life
“CITY THE ANIMATION” is based on the manga series of the same name by Keiichi Arawi, the creator of the beloved “Nichijou.” The series, which ran in Kodansha’s “Morning” magazine from 2016 to 2021, offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of slightly eccentric individuals residing in an otherwise ordinary city. Among them are Midori Nagumo, a penniless college student, along with her friends Niikura and Wako Izumi.
New Cast Members Announced
The announcement of Yūko Gotō and Jin Domon joining the cast was made via the anime’s official social media accounts, continuing a weekly tradition of revealing new cast members every Monday.
Yūko Gotō as Sumire Sakurakomi Tanabe
Yūko Gotō, a seasoned voice actress with a diverse range of roles under her belt, will be voicing Sumire Sakurakomi Tanabe. Gotō is well-known for her roles as Mikuru Asahina in “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,” Hiro in “Hidamari Sketch,” and Junko Kaname in “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.” Her ability to bring warmth and energy to her characters makes her a perfect fit for the role of Sumire.
Gotō shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Even at first you might think it’s an incredible place, before you know it you start to feel fond of it, and eventually you’ll even want to live there – this town where everyone is energetic, quirky and kind, of all ages and genders, is intensely addictive. The recording site was stimulating, with each cast member coming up with something to match the unique personalities of the residents and the amazing animation, and we were laughing all the time – it was the ultimate ‘CITY’! So please rest assured and wait for the broadcast! This was Goto Yumiko as Tanabe Sumire Sakurakomi, the innocent and innocent person of power.”
Jin Domon as Hotaka
Jin Domon, another accomplished voice actor, will be taking on the role of Hotaka, the Tanabe family’s butler. Domon’s previous roles include Takao Hiyama/Third in “Idaten Jump” and Lucky Roux in “One Piece.” His experience in portraying a wide array of characters makes him well-suited to capture Hotaka’s composed and dependable nature.
Domon also expressed his excitement about being part of the project, saying, “I am very honored to be able to participate in another work by Arai Keiichi, following ‘Nichijou’. My name is Domon Jin, and I will be playing Hodaka this time. As was the case with ‘Nichijou’, ‘CITY THE ANIMATION’ also has a plethora of characters. We voice actors also play multiple roles. There is a huge traffic jam in front of the microphone. For everyone who is looking forward to it, make sure to do your homework so you don’t get overwhelmed by the number of characters.”
Production and Premiere
“CITY THE ANIMATION” is being directed by Taichi Ishidate, known for his work on “Beyond the Boundary” and “Violet Evergarden.” The anime is being produced by Kyoto Animation, the same studio behind “Nichijou,” marking their first new anime series (excluding sequels) in roughly six years. Tamami Tokuyama (“Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest Arc”) is serving as both the character designer and chief animation director.
The anime is scheduled to premiere on July 6, 2025, on Tokyo MX at 24:00 JST (effectively, July 7 at 12:00 AM). It will also air on ABC TV and TV Aichi at a later time, followed by BS11 on July 7 at 11:00 PM JST.
Additional Cast Members
Alongside Gotō and Domon, the cast of “CITY THE ANIMATION” includes:
- Mikako Komatsu as Midori Nagumo
- Aki Toyosaki as Niikura
- Yui Ishikawa as Wako Izumi
- Yoshihisa Kawahara as Tsurubishi Makabe
- Miyu Irino as Tatewaku Makabe
- Ayaka Nanase as Matsuri Makabe
- Azusa Tadokoro as Eri Amakazari
- Yū Wakui as Riko Izumi
- Takehito Koyasu as Dr. Adatara/Adatara’s father
- Mayumi Asano as Adatara’s mother
- KENN as Tatsuta Adatara
- Satoshi Inomata as Ryōta Adatara
- Coco Hayashi as Kamome Adatara
- Haruna Fukushima as Umi Adatara
- Yūki Tenma as Sora Adatara
- Yū Miyazaki as Kamaboko Oni
- Ryōta Suzuki as Todoroki
- Kazutomi Yamamoto as Obaba
- Kiyomitsu Mizuuchi as Ii Hito (the Good Guy)
A Highly Anticipated Series
With its talented cast, experienced director, and renowned animation studio, “CITY THE ANIMATION” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime of the summer 2025 season. Fans of Keiichi Arawi’s previous work, as well as those who enjoy slice-of-life comedies with a touch of the absurd, will undoubtedly find something to love in this quirky and heartwarming series.
