Image: (c) Keigo Higashino / Produktionskomitee des Anime 'Der Wächter des Kampferbaums'
AMBot | 01/30/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Initial concept art for the characters has been released for the upcoming anime film adaptation of the novel "Kusunoki no Bannin" (roughly translated as "The Guardian of the Camphor Tree"). The designs are by award-winning manga artist Tsubasa Yamaguchi.
The film, based on a novel series by renowned author Keigo Higashino, is directed by Tomohiko Itō. The final animated character designs are handled by Akiko Itagaki.
The visual development of the film's characters follows a two-stage process. Tsubasa Yamaguchi, who gained international recognition for her work "Blue Period," drew the original concept art. Based on this foundation, Akiko Itagaki, known as the animation director for works such as "Kagami no Kojyo," creates the final character designs for the cinematic adaptation.
Director Tomohiko Itō explained the unusual approach of hiring a manga artist for the concept phase. His goal was to avoid an overly consistent realistic portrayal, which he believed could have led to a stiff effect. Instead, he wants to create a world where a manga-like aesthetic for the characters is harmoniously integrated into the narrative. Particular emphasis is placed on designing the character Chifune Yanagisawa with the most impressive design possible.
The plot revolves around Reito Naoi, a young man who turns to crime after what he perceives as an unfair dismissal and is subsequently arrested. In this situation, he receives an unexpected offer: an unknown client would secure his release if he follows a single instruction. The client turns out to be Chifune Yanagisawa, a half-sister of his deceased mother. Her demand to Reito is to take on the role of the guardian of a legendary camphor tree at a shrine.
In this new position, Reito encounters various people who visit the tree for different, personal reasons. These visitors include the student Yumi Saji, Sōki Ōba, the heir to a long-established confectionery, and Toshiaki Saji.
The anime adaptation of "Kusunoki no Bannin" is the first film adaptation of a novel by bestselling author Keigo Higashino in this medium. The novel series, whose first volume was released in March 2020, has sold over one million copies. A second volume titled "Kusunoki no Megami" (The Goddess of the Camphor Tree) was released in May 2024.
The film's production is handled by studios A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio. The composer Yugo Kanno is responsible for the musical score.
The film, based on a novel series by renowned author Keigo Higashino, is directed by Tomohiko Itō. The final animated character designs are handled by Akiko Itagaki.
The visual development of the film's characters follows a two-stage process. Tsubasa Yamaguchi, who gained international recognition for her work "Blue Period," drew the original concept art. Based on this foundation, Akiko Itagaki, known as the animation director for works such as "Kagami no Kojyo," creates the final character designs for the cinematic adaptation.
Director Tomohiko Itō explained the unusual approach of hiring a manga artist for the concept phase. His goal was to avoid an overly consistent realistic portrayal, which he believed could have led to a stiff effect. Instead, he wants to create a world where a manga-like aesthetic for the characters is harmoniously integrated into the narrative. Particular emphasis is placed on designing the character Chifune Yanagisawa with the most impressive design possible.
The plot revolves around Reito Naoi, a young man who turns to crime after what he perceives as an unfair dismissal and is subsequently arrested. In this situation, he receives an unexpected offer: an unknown client would secure his release if he follows a single instruction. The client turns out to be Chifune Yanagisawa, a half-sister of his deceased mother. Her demand to Reito is to take on the role of the guardian of a legendary camphor tree at a shrine.
In this new position, Reito encounters various people who visit the tree for different, personal reasons. These visitors include the student Yumi Saji, Sōki Ōba, the heir to a long-established confectionery, and Toshiaki Saji.
The anime adaptation of "Kusunoki no Bannin" is the first film adaptation of a novel by bestselling author Keigo Higashino in this medium. The novel series, whose first volume was released in March 2020, has sold over one million copies. A second volume titled "Kusunoki no Megami" (The Goddess of the Camphor Tree) was released in May 2024.
The film's production is handled by studios A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio. The composer Yugo Kanno is responsible for the musical score.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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