The highly
anticipated Shabake anime, based on the historical fantasy
novels written by Megumi Hatakenaka, shared a new trailer focused on Nikichi (voiced
by Kōji Okino). This character is a hakutaku, a spirit
that takes on human form to protect its young master. The teaser also offers a
look at the series' opening theme, titled "Inochi no
Parade" ("Parade of Life"), performed by
singer Kujira.
Premiere
scheduled for autumn
The series
will air in Japan through Fuji TV's Noitamina block,
with a premiere scheduled for October 2025. The project is being
animated by BN Pictures, under the direction of Takahiro
Okawa. Toko Machida is in charge of the composition of the
series, Akari Minagawa of the character design, and Rei
Ishizuka of the music.
A cast
full of spirits
The main
cast includes:
- Ichitaro (known as "the young
master"), played by Daiki Yamashita.
- Nikichi, voiced by Kōji Okino.
- Sasuke, played by Taku
Yashiro.
The
promotional art shows Ichitaro sitting on a tatami mat in ceremonial fashion,
accompanied by his supernatural servants Nikichi and Sasuke, who open a sliding
paper door to welcome the viewer. Several small spirit creatures hide around
them, bringing a mysterious and endearing air.
A
mystery story in the Edo period
Set in
the Edo period, the plot follows Ichitaro, heir
to Nagasakiya, one of Nihonbashi's most influential trading houses.
Due to his fragile health, the young man cannot leave his home, but he is
accompanied by supernatural beings such as Sasuke, an inugami,
and Nikichi, the hakutaku spirit.
One night,
Ichitaro secretly escapes and witnesses a murder, which will lead him to
undertake a dangerous investigation in search of the culprit, always
accompanied by his faithful spiritual allies.
