Higashino Keigo’s “Kusunoki no Bannin” Animated Film Reveals Heartwarming Special Collaboration Video and New Scene Photos

A special collaboration has come to life, celebrating the upcoming animated film adaptation of Higashino Keigo’s novel, *Kusunoki no Bannin*. This exciting project features Higashino Keigo, the acclaimed author of the original work, and Amami Yuuki, who voices the pivotal character Yanagisawa Chifune. A heartwarming special video has been released to commemorate this occasion.

About the Original Work and Film Release

Higashino Keigo is widely recognized as one of Japan’s most celebrated novelists, captivating readers across a vast range of genres, from intricate mysteries to profound human dramas, all thanks to his masterful plotting and deep characterizations. He has penned numerous masterpieces, with his collected works boasting over 100 million copies in print. His adaptations for the screen have consistently garnered high praise.
Now, his novel *Kusunoki no Bannin* (published by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha Bunko), which has sold over one million copies, is being adapted into an animated film. This marks Higashino Keigo’s first-ever animated film adaptation of his work, and it is set to premiere on January 30, 2026.

Star-Studded Cast and Elite Staff Lineup

The film has generated significant buzz with Takahashi Fumiya taking on his first lead role in a feature-length animated film as the protagonist, Naoi Reito. Lending her voice to Yanagisawa Chifune, Reito’s aunt and a key figure in the story, is the esteemed Amami Yuuki.
Further expanding the talented cast, Saitou Asuka joins as Saji Yuumi, a college student trying to uncover her father’s secrets. Miyase Ryubi portrays Ooba Souki, the heir to a long-established Japanese confectionery maker, while Oosawa Takao steps into the role of Saji Toshiaki, a man who secretly visits the *Kusunoki* (Camphor Tree) to make wishes. This assembly of accomplished actors has generated immense excitement among fans.
Moreover, the team behind the scenes is equally impressive, with a collection of elite staff members dedicated to bringing this film to life. Anticipation for its release continues to grow.

The Story of *Kusunoki no Bannin*

Naoi Reito, a young man who loses his job due to an unreasonable dismissal, finds himself arrested after making a mistake born of desperation. He had merely drifted through life, without a clear vision for his future or the will to make his own choices. But then, a life-changing encounter awaits him.
“You will be released if you follow the client’s instructions,” a lawyer suddenly announces. Reito accepts the condition, and before him appears Yanagisawa Chifune, a woman who has significantly contributed to the development of the large Yanagisawa Group, and who reveals herself to be his late mother’s half-sister. “I have something I want to instruct you to do,” she states. Her request: to become the *Kusunoki no Bannin* (Guardian of the Camphor Tree) at Tsukioka Shrine.

Though initially bewildered, Reito embraces his new role as guardian and begins to meet various individuals who visit the shrine for their own reasons. Among them are Saji Toshiaki, a man who regularly comes to the *Kusunoki*, and his daughter, Saji Yuumi, a college student suspicious of her father’s actions. There’s also Ooba Souki, a young man grappling with the succession of his family business. As Reito interacts with them and Chifune, his world slowly begins to gain color.
However, Reito is still unaware of the *Kusunoki*’s true power. Eventually, the mystery surrounding the tree will entangle Reito’s own life, leading him to an unexpected truth.

Amami Yuuki Shares Her Insights on the Role

Amami Yuuki, who portrays Yanagisawa Chifune—the protagonist’s aunt and a pivotal character in the story—reflects on the film’s enduring charm. “This story isn’t about a dramatic incident, nor does it feature those who corner or are cornered. Yet, there is one grand pillar, and the way people are drawn towards it, the ‘swell’ of this great narrative, is truly wonderful,” she commented, expressing her admiration for Higashino-sensei’s storytelling prowess. She added, “Everyone approaches the *Kusunoki*, this powerful symbol, with the desire to fulfill their wishes. It’s not just about the *Kusunoki* itself, but about passing on the feelings of those who have protected it, like a relay baton. I felt that this was incredibly important.”

“Shounen to Kusunoki” Picture Book Reading by Amami Yuuki

Prior to the film’s release, a special video featuring Amami Yuuki reading the picture book *Shounen to Kusunoki* has been unveiled. Higashino Keigo, who visited the recording studio for the film, was thoroughly impressed, remarking, “Amami-san’s voice is a perfect match for Chifune’s image,” which led to this special reading.

The picture book *Shounen to Kusunoki* (published by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha) appears within *Kusunoki no Megami*, the sequel to the novel *Kusunoki no Bannin*. For the first time, Higashino Keigo personally penned this “book within a book” as a children’s picture book, with illustrations by Yoshida Rumi.
The story follows a boy who has endured a series of misfortunes, losing loved ones. He makes a wish to the *Kusunoki*, saying, “I want to see my future.” What kind of future will the Goddess of the *Kusunoki*, who receives his wish, reveal to him?

This was Amami-san’s first experience narrating a picture book. Reflecting on reading *Shounen to Kusunoki*, she shared, “Higashino-sensei’s words are so beautiful, aren’t they? I wanted to convey them properly. Also, I hoped that the gentle, warm feeling I initially felt would reach everyone through my reading.” The story, read in “Chifune’s voice,” gently embraces and offers solace for everyone’s anxieties and uncertainties about the future, building further anticipation for Amami-san’s portrayal of Chifune in the *Kusunoki no Bannin* film.

New Scene Photos Unveiled

Further enhancing the excitement, new scene photos have arrived, offering a glimpse into the grand narrative surrounding the *Kusunoki*. These captivating images depict moments from Reito’s daily life with Chifune, who tasked him with becoming the *Kusunoki no Bannin*. We also see Toshiaki secretly visiting the *Kusunoki* for his wishes, and Yuumi and Reito attempting to uncover his secret. Additionally, images show Souki reluctantly making his way to pray at the *Kusunoki*, as well as wide shots of the iconic *Kusunoki* itself, conveying the film’s magnificent scope.

Film Details

Kusunoki no Bannin

Releasing January 30, 2026

CAST

STAFF

(C) Higashino Keigo / Anime “Kusunoki no Bannin” Production Committee

Official Website: kusunoki-movie.com