Keigo Higashino’s captivating novel, “Kusunoki no Bannin” (The Keeper of the Camphor Tree), is set to enchant audiences in a new form: an anime film slated for release in 2026. This marks the first time one of Higashino’s works has been adapted into a full-fledged anime feature, promising a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
A-1 Pictures to Animate the Novel
Tomohiko Ito, renowned for directing the popular “Sword Art Online,” will helm the project at A-1 Pictures, with Aniplex handling distribution. This collaboration of talent suggests a high-quality production that will capture the essence of Higashino’s novel.
What is “Kusunoki no Bannin” About?
“Kusunoki no Bannin,” published in Japan in 2020, tells the story of Reito Naoi, a young man who faces a series of unfortunate events. After being unjustly fired from his job, Reito attempts to take revenge, leading to his arrest. While awaiting indictment, a lawyer offers him a deal: freedom in exchange for fulfilling a request from a client. This client turns out to be Senshu Yanagisawa, his late mother’s half-sister, who instructs him to become the caretaker of a camphor tree at Tsukigō Shrine.
As Reito embraces his role as the “keeper of the camphor tree,” he encounters various individuals who visit the shrine for their own reasons. The narrative explores themes of life, death, and human connection, all interwoven with the mystery surrounding the ancient tree. The English-language version of the novel is scheduled for release in November 2025 by Little, Brown Book Group.
Higashino’s Thoughts on the Adaptation
Higashino expressed his creative process, stating that he typically begins with a visual image in his mind before translating it into words. He noted that “The Keeper of the Camphor Tree” demanded more imagination than usual. He also emphasizes the importance of specific settings and character models in his writing.
The Creative Minds Behind the Anime
- Original Work: Keigo Higashino (“Miracles of the Namiya General Store,” “The Devotion of Suspect X”)
- Director: Tomohiko Ito (“Sword Art Online,” “ERASED”)
- Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures (“Sword Art Online,” “Solo Leveling”)
- Distribution: Aniplex
Keigo Higashino: Master of Mystery
Born on February 4, 1958, in Osaka, Japan, Keigo Higashino is one of Japan’s most celebrated authors, primarily known for his intricate and suspenseful mystery novels. His works have garnered numerous awards and widespread recognition, with many adapted into successful films and TV series.
Early Career
Higashino initially worked as an engineer while pursuing his passion for writing. In 1985, he won the Edogawa Rampo Prize for “After School,” marking his debut as a novelist. He later resigned from his engineering job to dedicate himself to writing full-time.
Notable Works and Awards
Higashino’s breakthrough came with “Himitsu” (Secret), which won the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 1999 and was adapted into a film. He achieved further acclaim with “The Devotion of Suspect X,” which earned him the prestigious Naoki Prize in 2006, along with the Honkaku Mystery Award.
Other notable works include “Miracles of the Namiya General Store,” “Journey Under the Midnight Sun,” and the Detective Galileo series. Higashino’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Adaptations of Higashino’s Works
Many of Keigo Higashino’s novels have been adapted into films, TV dramas, and stage plays. These adaptations showcase the broad appeal and enduring popularity of his storytelling. Some notable adaptations include:
- Films: “Naoko” (based on “Himitsu”), “Suspect X,” “Miracles of the Namiya General Store,” “Platinum Data,” “The Hovering Blade”
- TV Dramas: “Galileo,” “Shinzanmono,” “Byakuyako,” “The Dangerous Venus”
Writing Style and Themes
Higashino’s writing style is characterized by intricate plots, compelling characters, and exploration of complex social issues. He often delves into the darker aspects of human nature, examining the motivations behind criminal behavior and the moral dilemmas faced by his characters.
His works also showcase a blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, making them accessible to a wide range of readers. While he’s renowned for his mystery novels, Higashino has also ventured into other genres, including science fiction and historical fiction, demonstrating his versatility as a writer.
The Camphor Tree Series
“Kusunoki no Bannin” is part of a series featuring the mysterious camphor tree. The second work in the series, “The Camphor Tree’s Goddess,” tells the story of a camphor tree with mysterious powers and the people who visit its guardian. The story revolves around Yukina, a high school girl with a secret, and Motoya, a boy with memory impairment.
A-1 Pictures: A Powerhouse in Anime Production
A-1 Pictures is a Japanese animation studio established in 2005. It has produced numerous popular and critically acclaimed anime series, including “Sword Art Online,” “Fairy Tail,” “Your Lie in April,” “ERASED,” “Granblue Fantasy,” “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War,” and “86 -Eighty Six-“. The studio is known for its high-quality animation, compelling storytelling, and diverse range of genres.
Tomohiko Ito: The Director’s Vision
Tomohiko Ito is a highly acclaimed anime director known for his work on popular series such as “Sword Art Online” and “ERASED”. His experience in directing visually stunning and emotionally resonant anime makes him a perfect fit for adapting Higashino’s novel.
What to Expect From the Anime Film
With the combined talent of Keigo Higashino, Tomohiko Ito, and A-1 Pictures, the anime film adaptation of “Kusunoki no Bannin” promises to be a captivating and memorable experience. The film will likely feature:
- Intricate Plot: Faithful adaptation of Higashino’s complex and suspenseful storyline.
- Compelling Characters: Bringing to life the memorable characters from the novel, including Reito Naoi and Senshu Yanagisawa.
- Visual Spectacle: Stunning animation and art direction that capture the beauty and mystery of the camphor tree and its surroundings.
- Emotional Depth: Exploration of the novel’s themes of life, death, and human connection, resonating with audiences on an emotional level.
Other Adaptations of Keigo Higashino’s Works
Keigo Higashino’s works have been adapted into numerous films and television series, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of his storytelling. Some of the notable adaptations include:
- The Devotion of Suspect X (2008): A gripping mystery film that explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and deception.
- Miracles of the Namiya General Store (2017): A heartwarming and magical story about a group of young delinquents who find refuge in an abandoned general store.
- Journey Under the Midnight Sun (TV Drama): A compelling TV drama that follows the intertwined lives of two individuals bound by a tragic event.
- Galileo (TV Drama): A popular TV series that features a brilliant physicist who solves complex cases with his scientific expertise.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming anime film adaptation of “Kusunoki no Bannin” is an exciting development for fans of Keigo Higashino and anime enthusiasts alike. With a talented team at the helm and a captivating story to tell, the film is poised to be a major success in 2026. As fans eagerly await its release, they can look forward to a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience that captures the essence of Higashino’s beloved novel.
