Get ready to hit the lanes with “Turkey!,” an original Japanese anime television series about bowling! Animated by Bakken Record and produced by Pony Canyon, this exciting new show is set to premiere on July 8, 2025, on Nippon TV and other channels. With a blend of sports, slice-of-life elements, and a unique storyline, “Turkey!” promises to be a captivating addition to the anime world. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming series.
What is “Turkey!” About?
“Turkey!” is set in the city of Chikuma, Nagano Prefecture, and follows the story of the Ikkokukan High School bowling club. The series revolves around Mai Otonashi, a second-year high school student and the captain of the bowling club, who is incredibly talented but struggles to win matches. Despite her skill, she often faces an unfortunate split known as “Snake Eyes” whenever she achieves a “Turkey” (three consecutive strikes).
The club dynamics shift with the arrival of Rina Godai, a first-year student who challenges Mai’s approach to the game. Rina accuses Mai of avoiding victory and threatens to quit the club if they don’t start winning. The story follows the five members of the Ikkokukan High School bowling club—Mai, Rina, Sayuri, Nozomi, and Nanase—as they navigate their challenges, both on and off the bowling lanes, striving for success while dealing with personal conflicts and growth.
Production and Staff
The “Turkey!” anime project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Pony Canyon and Tatsunoko Production’s label, Bakken Record. The series boasts a talented team:
- Director: Susumu Kudo (known for “Momentary Lily”)
- Writer: Naomi Hiruta (a writer experienced in live-action dramas)
- Character Designer: Airi Takekawa (“Ippon” Again!)
- Music Composer: Yuki Hayashi
- Animation Studio: Bakken Record
- Production: Pony Canyon
Cast of Characters
The anime features a vibrant cast of characters, each voiced by talented voice actors:
- Mai Otonashi: Voiced by Hana Hishikawa
- Rina Godai: Voiced by Kana Ichinose
- Sayuri Ichinose: Voiced by Haruki Iwata
- Nozomi Mitaka: Voiced by Yuki Tenma
- Nanase Nikaido: Voiced by Ayasa Ito
Story and Themes
“Turkey!” explores themes of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by young athletes as they strive to improve their skills and achieve their goals. The series also highlights the importance of friendship and overcoming internal conflicts to achieve collective success.
Release and Broadcast
“Turkey!” is scheduled to premiere on July 8, 2025, and will be broadcast on Nippon TV, BS NTV, and TV Shinshu in Japan.
Additional Information
The anime project was initially announced in December 2022, and since then, it has garnered attention for its unique premise and charming character designs. In March 2025, a themed bus was launched in Chikuma, Nagano Prefecture, to promote the series, further engaging the local community and anime enthusiasts.
Where to Watch
As the premiere date approaches, fans worldwide are eager to know where they can watch “Turkey!”. Once the official broadcast begins in Japan on July 8, 2025, keep an eye on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Funimation, which often acquire the rights to simulcast popular anime series. These platforms provide subtitles in multiple languages, allowing a global audience to enjoy the show. Additionally, check your local anime news sources and social media channels for updates on official streaming options in your region.
What to Expect
“Turkey!” promises to be more than just a sports anime. With its engaging characters, relatable themes, and the picturesque setting of Chikuma, it has the potential to resonate with a wide audience. Whether you’re a fan of bowling, slice-of-life stories, or simply looking for a heartwarming series about friendship and perseverance, “Turkey!” is one to watch out for this July.
