New Cast, Theme Song & Trailer Revealed for Fantasy Film
The hype for the upcoming anime film Kusunoki no Bannin (also known as The Keeper of the Camphor Tree) just got a major boost! The official project website dropped a fresh batch of exciting news, including some stellar new cast members, the theme song details, and a brand new trailer to feast your eyes on. Mark your calendars, because this cinematic adaptation is set to hit Japanese theaters on January 30, 2026.
Meet the New Cast Members
The film is rounding out its voice cast with some incredibly talented veterans, each bringing new characters from Keigo Higashino’s novel to life. Here’s who’s joining the journey:
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| Yanagisawa Masakazu | Koyasu Takehito | JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (TV) |
| Yanagisawa Katsushige | Tanaka Miou | Nomad: Megalo Box 2 |
| Ooba Touichirou | Kamiya Akira | City Hunter |
The Soulful Theme Song
Adding to the film’s atmospheric fantasy vibe will be the theme song “Katawara nite Tsukiyo.” The track is performed by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Uru (known for Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), with the popular rock band back number handling the songwriting and production. You can get a first listen of this promising collaboration in the newly released trailer!
Production Powerhouse
This adaptation is in very capable hands. The project brings together a dream team of anime creators to translate Higashino’s world to the screen.
| Role | Staff Member | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Itou Tomohiko | Hello World |
| Script Writer | Kishimoto Taku | Boku dake ga Inai Machi |
| Character Design | Yamaguchi Tsubasa & Itagaki Ayako | Blue Period, Kagami no Kojou (Animation Director) |
| Music Composer | Kanno Yuugo | Pluto |
The animation production is a joint effort by the renowned studios A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio.
About the Source Material
The film is based on the fantasy novel by bestselling author Higashino Keigo. The story was first published in hardcover by Jitsugyou no Nihonsha in March 2020, with a paperback edition following in April 2023, building a strong readership ahead of its animated debut.
Check Out the New Trailer
The second promotional video is now live, giving us a deeper, more immersive look at the film’s beautiful animation and haunting mood. It’s the perfect preview to see the new cast in action and hear a snippet of Uru’s theme song. Be sure to look for it on the official channels!
Source: Comic Natalie
