Kusunoki no Bannin: First Anime Adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s Work Showcases Visual Beauty Where “Realism and Art Resonate” – New Scene Cuts Revealed

A New Anime Milestone for a Bestselling Author

The wait is over! Kusunoki no Bannin (which can be translated as “Guardian of the Kusunoki Tree”), the very first anime film adaptation of a work by legendary novelist Higashino Keigo, is now captivating audiences in theaters. To celebrate, a stunning set of new visuals has been released, giving us a taste of the film’s breathtaking beauty where “realism and art resonate” in every meticulously crafted detail—from the enigmatic Kusunoki tree itself to a gorgeous golden sunset scene where the protagonist, Naori Reito, and Yanagisawa Chishio stand in quiet contemplation.

The Literary Powerhouse Behind the Story

When it comes to masterful storytelling, few names shine brighter than Higashino Keigo. Renowned for his clever plots and profound human insights, this top-tier Japanese author has captured hearts across genres from mystery to heartfelt drama. With a career spanning countless masterpieces and total book sales soaring over 100 million copies, his works have consistently received high praise in their live-action adaptations. Now, the anime world welcomes his genius.

This pioneering adaptation brings to life his novel Kusunoki no Bannin, a title that has already sold over a million copies and stirred deep reader emotions. The story weaves a poignant human drama around a single, sacred Kusunoki tree, legendary for granting wishes to those who pray, and the young man who becomes its guardian, watching over the countless hopes entrusted to it.

A Dream Team Brings the Vision to Life

Helming this ambitious project is director Itou Tomohiko, a fan-favorite known for guiding beloved series like Sword Art Online, Boku dake ga Inai Machi (also known as Erased), and HELLO WORLD. The animation is in the more than capable hands of A-1 Pictures, the studio behind numerous classics, which uses its refined visual prowess to build the film’s mysterious and inviting world.

Since the film’s release, social media has been alight with praise. Viewers are calling it a “heart-shaking work,” with many admitting the final scene led to “tear-duct failure” and that it “warmed their hearts far beyond imagination.” The narrative follows Naori Reito, a young man who had all but given up on life, as he finds new purpose becoming the tree’s guardian. His growth through encounters with various visitors and the touching tales of family love depicted in the film are spreading a genuine, “warm circle of emotion” among audiences.

Overwhelming Visual Beauty Takes Center Stage

A major point of discussion is the film’s absolutely stunning visual artistry. Comments like “The Kusunoki tree was majestic and truly beautiful” and “The wonderful imagery and music” highlight the breathtaking scenes that fill the screen, a result of the powerful collaboration between director Itou Tomohiko, A-1 Pictures / Psyde Kick Studio, and art director Takiguchi Hiroshi (known for Weathering With You).

Director Itou, who sees the pillars of animation production as “Character,” “Worldview,” and “Drama,” was determined from the start that “because it’s a quiet story, we must create an artistic picture.” To achieve this, he spent an impressive year and a half to two years drawing the storyboards for the entire film before the main animation work even began.

The belief that a quiet narrative demands visual challenge became the guiding principle. Itou and Takiguchi conducted location scouting and personal observations to finalize shots, and even enlisted individual artists to render special scenes. This painstaking process birthed a visual beauty where realism and artistry coexist perfectly, with an obsessive attention to detail.

The story begins when Naori Reito, a young man on the brink of giving up after an unfair dismissal, becomes the “Guardian of the Kusunoki Tree” at Tsukisato Shrine. It quickly transcends being just a human drama, unfolding alongside visuals that engage all the senses.

A key element is watching Reito, who has lived in resignation, gradually regain his “color” through his relationship with his aunt, Yanagisawa Chishio, and the people who come to pray. This transformation is symbolized by the fantastical and grand depictions of the Kusunoki tree that fill the screen. The assured visual beauty crafted by this top-tier creative team creates an illusion so vivid, it feels real.

The Director’s Vision: A Luxurious Cinematic Experience

Director Itou shared a compelling thought: “In an era where many consume information through short videos on social media, the experience of concentrating on a single piece of visual storytelling for two hours has perhaps become a luxury. Being in a darkened room, shut off from the outside world, with your awareness focused solely on the screen… in a way, I think it’s a special time that can even be called religious.” It’s an invitation to fully immerse yourself in the film’s fantastic worldview, centered around the Kusunoki tree.

Kusunoki no Bannin, the first anime film adaptation of a work by novelist Higashino Keigo, is now showing in theaters.

Cast & Staff

Cast

Staff

Theme Song Information

Theme Song: Uru “Sobara nite Tsukiyo”
Lyrics: Shimizu Iyori
Composition: Shimizu Iyori
Arrangement: back number

Release Info: Digitally released on January 19, 2026; CD released on January 28, 2026.

Written by Nakase Koutarou

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