“Shabake” novel series will be adapted as a TV anime in 2025

The popular novel series Shabake by Kaoru Hatakenaka will officially receive a TV anime adaptation in 2025. A teaser visual, a first promotional video, as well as details about the main staff and cast have been released.

Shabake is set in Japan's Edo period and blends historical mysticism with supernatural elements. At its center is Ichitaro, a kind-hearted but sickly young man known as "Wakadanna." Together with a group of ayakashi (spirit beings) who protect him, he solves unusual and challenging cases in his surroundings. The series has enjoyed great popularity, with over 10 million copies sold, and has been awarded prestigious prizes such as the Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award and the Japan Fantasy Novel Grand Prize. Shabake has already been adapted into live-action dramas, stage plays, and manga.

The anime begins with a thrilling incident: Ichitaro witnesses a murder at night—an event that sets the story in motion.

The teaser visual shows Ichitaro pulling aside a curtain, hinting at the mysteries to come. The promotional video ends with a heartwarming scene where Ichitaro introduces Ninjiki and Sasuke, two central spirits, with a smile and a greeting—accompanied by a spoken scene.

Cast and Production Team

- Voice of Ichitaro: Daiki Yamashita

- Animation Studio: BN Pictures (Aikatsu! series, Gintama)

- Director: Takahiro Okawa (Mononogatari, Assistant Director)

- Series Composition: Doko Machida (Show By Rock!! Stars!!)

- Character Design: Aikari Minagawa (Sasaki and Miyano, Chief Animation Director)

- Music: Rei Ishizuka