The anime adaptation of Jun Mayuzuki’s Kowloon Generic Romance has been captivating audiences with its unique blend of romance, science fiction, and slice-of-life elements, set against the backdrop of the nostalgic and mysterious Kowloon Walled City. As the series progresses, new characters and plotlines emerge, adding layers of complexity to the already intriguing narrative. The latest exciting news for fans is the addition of Sōma Saitō to the cast, lending his voice to the enigmatic character of Xiaohei.
A New Voice Joins the Enthralling World of Kowloon
Sōma Saitō, a well-known and highly acclaimed voice actor, has officially joined the cast of Kowloon Generic Romance. He will be voicing the role of Xiaohei, specifically a young man version of the character. Xiaohei is described as a mysterious figure who is also investigating the area of Kowloon, adding another layer of intrigue to the series.
Who is Sōma Saitō?
Sōma Saitō is a prominent Japanese voice actor and singer. He has voiced numerous popular characters in anime, video games, and other media. Some of his notable roles include:
- Tadashi Yamaguchi in Haikyu!!
- Twelve in Terror in Resonance
- Adlet Mayer in Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers
- William James Moriarty in Moriarty the Patriot
- Seiryu Sakaki in Wind Breaker
Saitō’s versatility and ability to bring depth to his characters have earned him a large fan base and critical acclaim in the voice acting industry. His addition to Kowloon Generic Romance is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how he will portray the mysterious Xiaohei.
Who is Xiaohei?
Xiaohei is not a completely new character to the anime, as there is already a female version of Xiaohei in the series, voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro. The young woman Xiaohei is known for working part-time at various establishments in Kowloon, including shoe stores and cinemas. She is petite, typically wears her hair in a bun, and dresses in charming Chinese-style outfits. She is acquainted with both Reiko and Hajime.
Sōma Saitō will be voicing a male version of Xiaohei, adding a new dimension to the character. This young man is described as a mysterious being who is also investigating Kowloon.
Mid-Season Trailer and Xiaohei’s Debut
The announcement of Sōma Saitō joining the cast coincided with the release of a mid-season promotional video for the anime. This trailer offers a glimpse of what’s to come in the second half of the series and marks the first appearance of the male Xiaohei.
The trailer highlights key elements of the story so far, including:
- Reiko’s struggle with her lost memories
- The existence of Kujirai-B, who looks exactly like Reiko
- The secrets hidden within Kowloon Walled City
What to Expect from Xiaohei
Given the limited information available about Xiaohei, fans are left to speculate about his role in the series. Some theories and questions include:
- What is Xiaohei’s connection to the female Xiaohei? Are they alternate versions of the same person, or do they have a different relationship?
- What is Xiaohei investigating in Kowloon? Does it relate to Reiko’s past or the secrets of the city?
- Is Xiaohei an ally or an enemy? His mysterious nature leaves his true intentions ambiguous.
The Allure of Kowloon Generic Romance
Kowloon Generic Romance has garnered attention for several reasons:
Unique Setting
The anime is set in a dystopian version of Kowloon Walled City, a real-life urban enclave in Hong Kong that was known for its dense population, unregulated construction, and complex social dynamics. The anime captures the city’s unique atmosphere, blending nostalgia with futuristic elements.
Intriguing Story
The story revolves around Reiko Kujirai and Hajime Kudou, two real estate agents working in Kowloon. Reiko is experiencing a confusing yet familiar romance, while Hajime harbors secrets about their shared past. The plot explores themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between past, present, and future.
Compelling Characters
Reiko and Hajime are complex and relatable characters, each with their own struggles and desires. The supporting cast, including Yaomay, Miyuki Hebinuma, and Kujirai-B, add depth and intrigue to the story.
Strong Production Values
The anime is produced by Arvo Animation, with Yoshiaki Iwasaki as the director, Jin Tanaka handling series composition, Yuka Shibata designing the characters, and Yūji Kaneko overseeing art direction. The opening theme, “Summertime Ghost” by Wednesday Campanella, and the ending theme, “Koi no Retronym” by mekakushe, contribute to the anime’s immersive experience.
Anime and Live-Action Adaptations
The Kowloon Generic Romance manga has been adapted into both an anime television series and a live-action film. The anime premiered in April 2025 and is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The live-action film is scheduled to release in August 2025, with Riho Yoshioka playing Reiko and Koshi Mizukami playing Hajime.
Anime Staff
- Director: Yoshiaki Iwasaki
- Series Composition/Script: Jin Tanaka
- Character Design: Yuka Shibata
- Art Director: Yuji Kaneko
- Animation Production: Arvo Animation
Anime Cast
- Haruka Shiraishi as Reiko Kujirai
- Tomokazu Sugita as Hajime Kudo
- Aoi Koga as Yaomay
- Ryōtarō Okiayu as Miyuki Hebinuma
- Sayumi Suzushiro as Xiaohei (Female)
- Sōma Saitō as Xiaohei (Male)
- Taito Ban as Tao Gwen
- Yuriko Yamaguchi as Kujirai-B
- Kengo Kawanishi as Yulong
Live-Action Film Cast
- Riho Yoshioka as Reiko Kujirai
- Koshi Mizukami as Hajime Kudou
Exploring the Themes of Memory and Identity
Kowloon Generic Romance delves into the complex themes of memory and identity, challenging viewers to consider how the past shapes the present and future. Reiko’s amnesia and the existence of Kujirai-B raise questions about what it means to be an individual and whether memories are essential to one’s identity.
The anime also touches on the potential consequences of technology that can manipulate or replicate memories. The “Generic Terra” project, mentioned in the series, hints at a world where memories can be duplicated, raising ethical concerns about the nature of reality and the potential for exploitation.
Manga’s Ending
As the anime adaptation gains popularity, the original manga series is approaching its conclusion. Jun Mayuzuki, the creator of Kowloon Generic Romance, has revealed that the manga is in its final story arc. While the exact ending date is unknown, it is expected to be sometime this year.
A Nostalgic Yet Futuristic World
Kowloon Generic Romance is a captivating series that blends nostalgia with futuristic elements. The anime transports viewers to a unique and intriguing world, filled with compelling characters, mysteries, and a touch of romance. With the addition of Sōma Saitō to the cast, the series promises even more excitement and intrigue in its upcoming episodes. Whether you are a fan of romance, science fiction, or slice-of-life anime, Kowloon Generic Romance offers something for everyone.
