"Matsurika Kanriden": KANA-BOON song, three new voice actors and first main trailer

The TV anime adaptation of Rinne Ishida's light novel series "Matsurika Kanriden" has revealed further details about its cast and music. As the production announced on August 21, Takeo Otsuka, Kotaro Nishiyama, and Sho Komura are joining the cast. Additionally, the opening theme "Hanabanashi" by KANA-BOON has been confirmed, and to celebrate the occasion, the first main trailer was released, showing actual animation footage for the first time. The series will start in January 2027 on TOKYO MX, MBS, TV Aichi, and BS11.

The protagonist Matsurika encounters the three new characters on her path to a career as a civil servant. Otsuka voices Rei Tenga, a serious and battle-hardened military officer from a family known for their bravery, who serves as a close confidant of Emperor Hakuyō and enjoys great respect regardless of class differences. Nishiyama takes on the role of Hō Shisei, a genius who passed the imperial civil service exam as the top of his year; as a former tutor to the emperor, he still dares to openly speak his mind to him. Sho Komura can be heard as Shō Shunsetsu, who supports Matsurika at the imperial academy as a mentor and advisor – helpful, yet apparently with a hidden side.

The main trailer shows Matsurika in her role as a court lady, as well as Emperor Hakuyō, who is visibly astonished at the first hints of her unusual talent. Furthermore, it contains excerpts from "Hanabanashi" as well as the voices of the three new characters. The song was written by Wataru Taniguchi, arranged by KANA-BOON themselves, and will be released under Ki/oon Music.

KANA-BOON is one of Japan's most prominent bands for anime theme music. After their major label debut in 2013, the musicians from Sakai near Osaka contributed, among others, "Silhouette" for "Naruto Shippuden," "Star Marker" for "My Hero Academia," "Song of the Dead" for "Zom 100," and most recently "SUPERNOVA" for "Dr.STONE Science Future." Regarding the new single, the band stated that the protagonist's determination to embark on a thorny path deeply impressed them; "Hanabanashi" is intended to combine the characters' emotions with the series' cool underlying atmosphere.

The new voice actors also commented on their roles. Otsuka described the series as a story whose portrayal of Matsurika's struggles and growth gave him courage; he wants to fully immerse himself in the emotional world of the serious and kind-hearted Tenga. Nishiyama expressed his delight at the role of Shisei and emphasized the mutual respect between him and Matsurika. Komura, who was initially thrilled by his character's striking design, hopes that the audience can follow the growth of the mysterious Shunsetsu.

The source material by Rinne Ishida with illustrations by Izumi has been published under KADOKAWA's B's-LOG Bunko label since July 2017; 18 volumes are currently available, with volume 19 announced for October 15, 2026. Since August 2018, a manga adaptation by Waka Takase has also been running in Akita Shoten's magazine "Monthly Princess," which has grown to twelve collected volumes. The series, which has reached a circulation of more than 2.68 million copies, tells the story of court lady Matsurika, whose phenomenal memory draws Emperor Hakuyō's attention: he suggests she take the civil service exam. It is the beginning of a career that turns a young woman who actually wanted to live an inconspicuous life into the hope of the entire nation.

The anime adaptation was announced in October 2025; in March 2026, the main cast and key staff members followed. Yūichi Nakazawa is in charge of direction, Takeshi Mori serves as chief director, Tōko Machida handles series composition, and Manami Inose is responsible for character design. The animation is produced at MAHO FILM. In the lead roles, Rie Takahashi can be heard as Matsurika and Nobunaga Shimazaki as Emperor Hakuyō; the music is composed by Takurō Iga.