On
Thursday, Kadokawa confirmed that the anime adaptation of the
fantasy novel Whoever Steals This Book (Kono Hon wo Nusumu
Mono wa), written by Nowaki Fukamidori, will hit Japanese theaters
on December 26, surprising fans by moving forward from its original
2026 date.
A
top-notch creative team
The film is
directed by Daisei Fukuoka, recognized for his work on Radiant and
Danganronpa 3. The screenplay is written by Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Kaguya-sama:
Love is War), while the character design and animation direction are in the
hands of Keiko Kurosawa (Astra Lost in Space). The soundtrack
will be composed by Michiru Ōshima, composer of titles such as
Fullmetal Alchemist and Little Witch Academia. The animation is in charge of
the Kagome Company (Kagokan) studio, with production by Yūji
Higa and distribution by Kadokawa Animation.
An
enchanting synopsis: books, curses, and fantastical worlds
Mifuyu is a high school student who
lives surrounded by the books that belonged to her great-grandfather, kept in
the old Mikura Hall library. Although her family has a great passion for
reading, Mifuyu does not share that enthusiasm. However, when some books
mysteriously disappear, an ancient curse is unleashed and the
entire town begins to transform according to the stories written in those
books. Together with a mysterious girl named Mashiro, Mifuyu must
embark on a journey through different literary worlds to catch the thief and
restore order.
From
novel to manga and beyond
The
original novel was published by Kadokawa in 2020, and its English
version was released by Yen On on February 18. In
addition, between December 2021 and March 2023, the story was adapted into a
manga by Kakeru Sora, published in Young Ace magazine.
Yen Press was responsible for editing the three compilation volumes in English.
As an addition to the narrative universe, the spin-off novel Kūsō no
Umi (Fantasy Sea) was published in May 2023, further expanding this
fascinating saga.
