The upcoming comedy anime series, Araiguma Calcal-dan, a spin-off of the classic Rascal the Raccoon anime, has revealed its theme song artist and official premiere date. The anime is set to debut on April 3, 2025, in Japan, and will feature the song “Calgaru Everyday!!” performed by the four-member Japanese rock band HANABIE.
“Araiguma Calcal-dan”: A New Take on a Beloved Classic
Araiguma Calcal-dan (Raccoon Calcal Force) is a Japanese anime television series produced by Nippon Animation, serving as a spin-off to the Rascal the Raccoon series that aired in 1977. The original anime, which consisted of 52 episodes, was based on Sterling North’s children’s novel, Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era.
The new series takes a different approach, blending workplace comedy with the concept of a secret organization aiming for world domination. The story revolves around the Calcal-dan, a secret society that is also the world’s most popular company. The series focuses on the employees of the Tama, Tokyo branch, who, despite poor business results and a lack of salary increases, work diligently to fulfill their duties.
Production Staff
The anime is directed by Henry Hirakawa at Nippon Animation. Ayano Yoshioka (Let’s Make a Mug Too) is responsible for character designs, Kisuke Koizumi is the sound director, and Arisa Okehazama (Jujutsu Kaisen) is composing the music. Kozo Misawa and Hitomi Hiratsuka are chief producers, with Kasumi Dekune and Hiroya Tanaka as producers.
Cast
The main cast includes:
- Junya Enoki as Acacal, a cheerful red raccoon and new recruit to the Calcal-dan.
- Kensho Ono as Subcal, a detached employee.
- Taku Yashiro as Logical, a low-level executive focused on business.
- Yohei Azakami as Comical, a brusque but kind employee.
- Kenjiro Tsuda as Middle, the mysterious branch head.
Story and Setting
The series is set in the Tama, Tokyo branch of Calcal-dan. Despite being the most popular company globally, Calcal-dan is secretly a society aiming for world domination. The anime follows five employees as they navigate their work lives within this unique setting. The characters include a new recruit, a polite superior, a modern, detached employee, a kind senior employee, and a handsome leader.
Music
The opening theme song, “Calgaru Everyday!!,” is performed by the Japanese rock band HANABIE. The official website released a trailer featuring the song.
Original Rascal the Raccoon Music
The original 1977 series featured the opening theme “Rock River e” and the ending theme “Oide Rascal,” both written by Eriko Kishida and sung by Kumiko Oosugi. Takeo Watanabe composed the show’s music.
Legacy of Rascal the Raccoon
The original Rascal the Raccoon anime series aired from January 1977 to December 1977. The anime’s popularity led to a surge in raccoon imports to Japan. However, the species became invasive, leading to import restrictions. Masako Nozawa, the original voice of Rascal, narrates a teaser trailer for Araiguma Calcal-dan.
