Fans of historical fantasy! The beloved novel series “Shabake” by Megumi Hatakenaka is set to receive an anime adaptation, scheduled to air in 2025. This highly anticipated announcement has stirred excitement among anime enthusiasts and fans of the original work.
Anime Details
©畠中恵・新潮社/アニメ「しゃばけ」製作委員会
Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures, known for their work on popular series such as “Gintama” and “Welcome to Demon School!”, will be handling the animation production.
Genre: The anime will fall under the Fantasy and Historical genres, staying true to the novel series’ roots.
Staff:
- Director: Takahiro Ōkawa (known for his work on “Hula Fulla Dance” and “Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari“).
- Series Composition: Touko Machida (“Lucky Star“, “Smile Down the Runway“).
- Character Design: Akari Minagawa (“The Perfect Prince Loves Me, the Side Character?!“).
- Music Composition: Rei Ishizuka (“Ayakashi Triangle“, “The Orbital Children“).
Cast: Daiki Yamashita will star as the main character, Ichitarō.
Setting and Protagonist
The anime takes place in Nihonbashi, a bustling commercial district of Edo (present-day Tokyo). At the center of the story is Ichitarō, the young master of Nagasakiya, one of the largest stores in the area. Despite his family’s prominence, Ichitarō faces a significant challenge:
- He suffers from poor health since birth, which severely limits his ability to venture outside.
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Supernatural Elements
What makes “Shabake” unique is its incorporation of supernatural elements into the historical setting:
- Ichitarō is protected by demons, including entities named Shirasawa and Inugami.
- These supernatural beings serve the young master, creating an intriguing dynamic between the human and spirit worlds.
Plot Catalyst
The story takes an exciting turn when Ichitarō decides to secretly leave his confined world:
- During a clandestine outing, he witnesses a murder.
- This event triggers a series of bizarre killings throughout Edo.
Mystery and Adventure
With this setup, “Shabake” evolves into a supernatural mystery:
- Ichitarō, despite his frail health, becomes involved in investigating the strange occurrences.
- He must rely on his wit and the aid of his demon protectors to unravel the mystery.
The anime promises to weave together elements of historical drama, supernatural fantasy, and detective storytelling, offering viewers a unique perspective on Edo-period Japan through the eyes of its unlikely hero, Ichitarō.
Themes of friendship, courage, and the power of determination in the face of adversity, all set against the rich backdrop of Japanese folklore and history. As Ichitarō delves deeper into the mystery, viewers can expect to encounter a colorful cast of characters, both human and supernatural, each playing a role in the unfolding drama that threatens to engulf Edo.
