The film Kusunoki no Ban’nin, based on the popular novel by author Higashino Keigo that has sold over 1 million copies, marks the very first anime film adaptation of his work. Exciting new details have just been revealed, including a captivating teaser visual, a special promotional video offering the first glimpse of the main story, announcements for the main cast and staff, and the official release date.
Known for his intricate plots and profound human portrayals, Higashino Keigo is one of Japan’s foremost novelists, captivating readers across a wide range of genres from mystery to human drama. He has penned numerous masterpieces, with his cumulative book sales exceeding 100 million copies. His works, when adapted into films or series, have consistently garnered high praise.
Kusunoki no Ban’nin, set to premiere in theaters in 2026, is the first anime film adaptation of Higashino Keigo’s original work. The novel, first published in 2020, recently surpassed 1 million copies in circulation. It tells the mysterious story of a sacred camphor tree (kusunoki) said to grant wishes, and the young man who becomes its “Guardian.”
The newly released special promotional video showcases the overpowering presence of the kusunoki, which is said to grant wishes, and Naoi Reito, seen deep in thought. What exactly is the purpose of the “Guardian of the Kusunoki” role, assigned to Reito by his aunt Yanagisawa Chifune, who holds a key to the story? And what is the true power that the kusunoki possesses? The trailer is packed with glimpses of the mysterious kusunoki and fantastical scenery, all brought to life with exceptional visual beauty by the stellar creative team, further heightening anticipation for the film.
Along with the video, a teaser visual has also been unveiled, depicting Reito, who has been tasked with guarding the kusunoki, at the base of the massive tree enshrined behind him. The background of the kusunoki is meticulously drawn with delicate lines, showing every detail of its grain and rocky texture. This visual also speaks volumes about the passion of the creative team and the high quality of the film.
Cast Spotlight
Taking on the role of Naoi Reito, the protagonist who becomes the Guardian of the Kusunoki, is the actor Takahashi Fumiya, who has been making remarkable strides in numerous films and dramas. His extensive career includes appearances in the highly anticipated NHK serial TV drama Anpan (2025), serving as a personality for the radio program All Night Nippon X, and being a regular on the variety show Gochi ni Narimasu! 25.
When he first took on voice acting in the anime film Black Clover Mahou Tei no Ken (2023), he earned immense praise for his passionate and realistic performance, even straining his voice for the role. This film marks his first leading role in a feature-length animated movie.
Takahashi Fumiya expressed his excitement and the pressure he felt: “I feel immense joy and responsibility in taking on the lead role in this commemorative film, the first theatrical anime adaptation of Higashino Keigo-sensei’s work. While there was pressure, speaking with the director and experiencing his deep passion for the project naturally helped me move forward.” He further added, “As an actor, I’ve tried to infuse as much of my heartfelt emotions as possible into Kusunoki no Ban’nin. I hope that encountering this story will become some kind of ‘catalyst’ for everyone.”
Joining the cast as Yanagisawa Chifune, the aunt who holds a pivotal role in the story and commands Reito to become the Guardian of the Kusunoki, is actress Amami Yuuki. Continuously active on the front lines of film, drama, and stage, Amami Yuuki has also lent her voice to numerous animated works, including Gake no Ue no Ponyo (2008), Minions (2015), Meitantei Konan Junkoku no Akumu (2016), and Mary to Majo no Hana (2017). This film marks her return to voice acting after eight years. Amami Yuuki revealed the reason she decided to participate: “The trigger for my decision was an email I received from the director. His words, filled with passion and sincerity, deeply moved me, and I strongly felt, ‘If there’s anything I can do, I would absolutely love to help.'” Regarding the film’s appeal, she shared, “We, living in the modern world, sometimes lose our way and feel anxious. At such times, I hope that by experiencing the perspectives of Chifune, Reito, and the other characters in this film, you can find the courage to slightly shift your viewpoint and spend time gently reflecting on your relationships with loved ones.”
A making-of promotional video, showcasing the intense acting of the two in the voice recording studio, has also been released. Pay close attention to the characters of Reito and Chifune, brought to life by Takahashi Fumiya and Amami Yuuki, as well as their evolving relationship.
Creative Team
Furthermore, the talented production team has also been announced. The screenplay is handled by Kishimoto Taku, known for masterfully adapting original works in series like Haikyuu!! and Blue Lock, as well as Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (2016). For character design, Yamaguchi Tsubasa, the original creator of Blue Period, and Itagaki Akiko, who served as character design assistant for Kagami no Kojou (2022), have teamed up to create the characters together. The art director is Takiguchi Hiroshi, renowned for his work on Tenki no Ko (2019) and the acclaimed film Chao (2025), which won the Jury Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. This gathering of top-tier creators further elevates expectations for the film.
With a powerful cast boasting both skill and popularity, alongside a first-class creative team, expectations are soaring for the magnificent story of the mysterious kusunoki in the film Kusunoki no Ban’nin.
Comments from the Cast
Takahashi Fumiya’s Comment
It’s the first theatrical anime adaptation of Higashino Keigo-sensei’s work. I feel immense joy and responsibility in taking on the lead role in such a commemorative film. While there was pressure, speaking with the director and experiencing his deep passion for the project naturally helped me move forward.
I naturally found myself relating to Reito’s journey as he hesitates yet strives to move forward, perhaps due to our similar ages. It was an irreplaceable experience for me to face the dialogue exchanges with Amami Yuuki-san, who plays Chifune, while being supported by the atmosphere created on set.
This film incorporates many opportunities to “look back on life” and “face oneself,” things we often overlook in our daily lives. I believe that somewhere in this story, there will be a moment that resonates with each viewer’s own life. As an actor, I’ve tried to infuse as much of my heartfelt emotions as possible into the film Kusunoki no Ban’nin. I hope that encountering this story will become some kind of “catalyst” for everyone.
Amami Yuuki’s Comment
The trigger for my decision to participate was an email I received from the director. His words, filled with passion and sincerity, deeply moved me, and I strongly felt, “If there’s anything I can do, I would absolutely love to help.”
Voice acting is always a new challenge, but being able to explore the possibilities of expression unique to animation is a valuable learning experience for me. This time, too, as I imagined the life and journey of the woman Yanagisawa Chifune, I poured my heart into each word, aiming for a natural sense of depth.
We, living in the modern world, sometimes lose our way and feel anxious. At such times, I hope that by experiencing the perspectives of Chifune, Reito, and the other characters in this film, you can find the courage to slightly shift your viewpoint and spend time gently reflecting on your relationships with loved ones.
May the time spent in the cinema deliver a small warmth to everyone’s daily lives.
Work Overview
*Kusunoki no Ban’nin*
Opening on Friday, January 30, 2026
CAST
| Role | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Naoi Reito | Takahashi Fumiya |
| Yanagisawa Chifune | Amami Yuuki |
STAFF
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Higashino Keigo “Kusunoki no Ban’nin” (Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha Bunko) |
| Director | Itou Tomohiko |
| Screenplay | Kishimoto Taku |
| Character Design | Yamaguchi Tsubasa, Itagaki Akiko |
| Art Director | Takiguchi Hiroshi |
| Animation Production | A-1 Pictures / Psyde Kick Studio |
| Distribution | Aniplex |
© Higashino Keigo / Anime “Kusunoki no Ban’nin” Production Committee
By Yoneda Kaori
