The TV anime Matsurika Kanriden will begin airing in January 2027 on TOKYO MX and other channels. Along with the announcement, the first main PV featuring newly released anime footage has been unveiled. Additional cast members including Takeo Otsuka have also been announced, while KANA-BOON will perform the opening theme, “Hanabanashi.”
Ko Matsurika from the first main PV for the TV anime Matsurika Kanriden © Rinne Ishida, Izumi/KADOKAWA/Matsurika Kanriden Production Committee
First Main PV Reveals Anime Footage and KANA-BOON Opening Theme
The first main PV, which offers the first look at footage from the anime, also revealed that KANA-BOON will perform the opening theme.
The song is titled “Hanabanashi.” Its fast paced sound accompanies Matsurika as her talents begin to blossom.
New characters whom Matsurika encounters as she pursues a path toward becoming a government official have also been revealed along with their cast members.
Takeo Otsuka voices Rei Tenga, a close aide to Hakuyo, while Kotaro Nishiyama plays Ho Shisei. Sho Komura voices Sho Shunsetsu, who looks after Matsurika at the Imperial Academy. The characters’ voices can also be heard in the PV.
Hakuyo from the first main PV for the TV anime Matsurika Kanriden © Rinne Ishida, Izumi/KADOKAWA/Matsurika Kanriden Production Committee
The first volume of the original Matsurika Kanriden novel was published by KADOKAWA under its B’s Log Bunko label in 2017, and a manga adaptation has been serialized in Akita Shoten’s Monthly Princess since 2018.
The hugely popular story of advancement and success set in a world inspired by China has surpassed 2.68 million copies in circulation across the series, including digital editions.
Additional Cast Comments
Rei Tenga and Ho Shisei © Rinne Ishida, Izumi/KADOKAWA/Matsurika Kanriden Production Committee
■Takeo Otsuka as Rei Tenga
“While reading the original work and taking part in the recording sessions, I felt that this is a story where Matsurika’s efforts and growth, as well as the thoughts and decisions of the characters who become involved with her, can resonate with viewers and give them courage. I will do my very best to stay close to the feelings of Tenga, who is sincere and kindhearted, as I portray him. Thank you for your support.”
■Kotaro Nishiyama as Ho Shisei
“Congratulations on the anime adaptation! Ever since I received the audition opportunity, I had really hoped to be part of the series, so I was incredibly happy when I heard that I had been chosen to play Shisei!
I absolutely love the relationship between Matsurika and Shisei and the way they respect each other, and I am enjoying every recording session. There are many other fascinating characters as well, and I am already excited to see the many different expressions they will show now that the story is becoming an anime! Please look forward to the broadcast!”
Sho Shunsetsu © Rinne Ishida, Izumi/KADOKAWA/Matsurika Kanriden Production Committee
■Sho Komura as Sho Shunsetsu
“My first impression of Shunsetsu was, ‘What an incredibly beautiful boy!’ I was immediately drawn to his visual appeal.
Shunsetsu first appears as the person assigned to look after Matsurika, but after reading the original work and learning more about his personality, I found his inner character just as appealing and came to like him even more.
I hope viewers will watch over Shunsetsu as meeting Matsurika and the others changes him and helps him grow.”
KANA-BOON Artist Comment
“As I read the story, I found myself identifying in some ways with Matsurika, the protagonist who uses her one unique talent to carve out her own destiny. I kept thinking things like, ‘I know this feeling!’ and ‘I know that look in her eyes!’
Watching someone make up their mind and proceed down a difficult path is deeply moving, and I think everyone who experiences this story will also find courage in thinking, ‘Matsurika is so cool!’
When we created our new song ‘Hanabanashi,’ we wanted to strike a good balance between the passionate emotions of the characters and the cool atmosphere that surrounds the work as a whole. We cannot wait for the anime to begin!”
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