‘Hirayasumi’ Anime Reveals Teaser Footage and Voice Cast Ahead of 2027 NHK Premiere

Officials behind the anime adaptation of Shinzo Keigo’s manga “Hirayasumi” have unveiled new footage, a key visual, and the principal voice cast. The series is scheduled to premiere in January 2027 on Japan’s NHK General TV.

The promotional material was released by Viz Media and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions (ShoPro). Details regarding international streaming distribution have not yet been announced. The animation production is being handled by Production +h., known for its work on titles such as “The Orbital Children” and “Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction.”

The teaser trailers provide a glimpse into the daily life of Hiroto, a laid-back 29-year-old part-time worker living in Tokyo’s Asagaya neighborhood. The narrative highlights his close relationship with his elderly neighbor, whom he affectionately calls Granny, as well as the arrival of his cousin Natsumi, who has moved to the capital to attend art school.

The key visual features Hiroto and Natsumi standing before the single-story Asagaya home he inherited from Granny. Also depicted are Hideki, Hiroto’s best friend; Akari, Natsumi’s university classmate; and Yomogi, a local real estate agent.

Uchida Yuma lends his voice to the protagonist, Hiroto. Uchida is well-known for portraying Fushiguro Megumi in “Jujutsu Kaisen,” Ash Lynx in “Banana Fish,” and Mikage Reo in “Blue Lock.” Commenting on the role, Uchida described the series as a wonderful work where human drama unfolds within ordinary daily moments. He added that he hopes to enjoy portraying Hiroto while remaining faithful to the character’s unpretentious and easygoing nature.

Takahashi Mayu voices Kobayashi Natsumi, an 18-year-old reserved newcomer from Yamagata who secretly aspires to become a manga artist. Takahashi, who finished second in the Kimi Koe Project talent search, previously appeared in “The Legendary Hero Is Dead!” She expressed deep connection to the source material, stating she had rarely identified so strongly with a character and expressed delight at being part of the project.

Veteran voice actress Aikawa Rikako plays Wada Hanae, the 83-year-old Granny. A pensioner who previously worked serving school lunches, Hanae begins having dinner with Hiroto twice a week after a chance encounter. Aikawa, recognized for roles such as Squirtle in “Pokémon” and Oxnard in “Hamtaro,” noted that while the characters are kind, they carry hidden pains. She described the series as evoking not a sudden flutter, but a catch in the chest followed by a slow, tender swell of emotion.

The production team includes Suezawa Kei, who serves as director and handles series composition and scripts. Asano Naoyuki is the character designer, Nishimura Mika is the art director, and Sawada Kaori composed the music.

Shinzo’s manga launched in Shogakukan’s “Weekly Big Comic Spirits” in 2021 and has collected into 10 volumes, with over 1.7 million copies in circulation worldwide. The series received the best serial comic award at Lucca Comics & Games 2024 and won the 71st Shogakukan Manga Award. Shinzo, who debuted in 2008 with “Nankin,” previously saw “Moriyamachu Driving School” adapted into a feature film and “Tokyo Alien Bros.” receive a live-action treatment in 2018. The creator has also stated that an autobiographical one-shot about his recovery from lymphoma during the pandemic inspired “Hirayasumi.”