The special stage event for Ao no Hako (Blue Box) at the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair revealed three new supporting cast members for the upcoming television anime series. Based on Kouji Miura’s sports romance manga, the anime is set to premiere on October 3 at 11:56 p.m. on TBS’ 28 affiliated channels. Japanese audiences can also catch the first two episodes on Netflix starting October 4.
The newly announced cast includes Shougo Sakata as Ryousuke Nishida (known for Chiyu Mahou no Machigatta Tsukaikata), Anna Nagase as Nagisa Funami (from Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season), and Asaki Yuikawa as Niina Shimazaki (known for Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi). The anime is directed by Yuuichirou Yano (from Lupin III: Part IV) at Telecom Animation Film, with series composition by Yuuko Kakihara (known for Chihayafuru 2) and character designs by Miho Tanino (from Kami no Tou). Planning and production are handled by Unlimited Produce by TMS.
The manga originally started as a one-shot in Weekly Shounen Jump in August 2020, before being serialized in April of the following year. Shueisha has released the 15th volume on August 2, with the 16th volume scheduled to come out on October 4. In English, VIZ Media has licensed the manga and released the 11th volume on July 2, with the 12th volume slated for release on October 1. Additionally, Shueisha publishes the manga in English on its Manga Plus platform.
Fans of the manga and anime adaptation can look forward to the new cast members bringing their talents to the screen. With the premiere date approaching, excitement is building among viewers eager to see how the beloved story will come to life in animated form. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the release date draws nearer.