New anime adaptation Kikai-jikake no Marie starts in fall

The TV animation series Kikai-jikake no Marie (engl. Marie, the Machine-Made), based on the manga by Aki Aki, will air starting this fall. The production team today revealed first glimpses via teaser images and a trailer, as well as the main cast: Nao Toyama voices the titular Marie, while Haruki Ishigaki takes on the role of Arthur.

The story follows former martial arts champion Marie, who disguises herself as an emotionless robot maid in the household of the supposedly reclusive heir Arthur. Although she must conceal her human identity, an unusual relationship develops between the two. Arthur, constantly targeted by assassins due to his inheritance disputes, shows his vulnerable side only to Marie. The series combines humorous moments with subtle character studies.

Director Junji Nishimura (Ranma ½) oversees the adaptation, supported by Mariko Kunisawa (screenplay) and Yoko Kikuchi (character design). The music is composed by Yasuharu Takanashi and Johannes Nilsson. The animation is a collaboration between studios Zero-G and Liber.

The released teaser material shows Arthur leaning trustingly against Marie, while the trailer highlights Marie's daily tension of not revealing her true identity.

Aki Aki expressed excitement about the adaptation and emphasized the liveliness the voice actors bring to the characters. Toyama and Ishigaki described their roles as a challenge, requiring both comedic and serious nuances.

The series aims to appeal to both longtime manga fans and new viewers with its mix of slapstick and heartwarming moments. Further details regarding the exact broadcast schedule will follow in the coming months.