The original Japanese anime series, Turkey! Time to Strike, also known simply as Turkey! in Japan, has garnered attention following a surprising plot twist that has led to a reveal of its new title, a second main trailer, a third key visual, and additional cast members. The series, which initially appeared to be a sports anime centered around a high school bowling club, introduced a time-travel element in its first episode, sending the characters to the Sengoku era.
A Sudden Shift: Bowling to Time Travel
The anime, animated by Tatsunoko Production under their Bakken Record label and produced by Pony Canyon, is set in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture. Its initial premise revolved around the Ikkokukan High School Bowling Club, featuring characters like Mai Otonashi, a captain who prioritized fun, and Rina Godai, a junior focused on winning. However, shortly after its broadcast began on July 8, 2025, a dramatic plot twist unfolded. The five club members, Mai, Rina, Sayuri, Nozomi, and Nanase, were mysteriously enveloped in a glowing bowling ball light and transported to the Sengoku era, effectively blending bowling with time travel. This unexpected turn has redefined the series, moving beyond a simple sports narrative into a more complex, original story.
Expanded Cast and Production Details
The series has added five new cast members to its roster following the plot twist: Noriko Hidaka as Sumomo, Yuko Minaguchi as Akebi, Kikuko Inoue as Suguri, Miki Ito as Anzu, and Rei Sakuma as Natsume. These new additions join the previously announced main voice cast, which includes Hana Ishikawa as Mai Otonashi, Kana Ichinose as Rina Godai, Haruki Iwata as Sayuri Ichinose, Yuuki Tenma as Nozomi Mitaka, and Ayasa Ito as Nanase Nikaido.
Turkey! Time to Strike is directed by Susumu Kudo, with Naomi Hiruta handling the script and Airi Takekawa responsible for character designs. Yuki Hayashi is composing the music, and Pony Canyon is producing the music. The opening theme song, “Hyakunichisou,” is performed by the five main cast members under the name “Ikkokukan High School Bowling Club, Nagano Prefecture,” while the ending theme song, “Moshimo,” is performed by Taiyō to Odore, Tsukiyo ni Utae. The anime began its broadcast in Japan on July 8, 2025, and is also available for international streaming on Crunchyroll.
