TOKYO – The world of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved Anne of Green Gables series is expanding as the anime adaptation, Anne Shirley, prepares to enter a new narrative arc. On July 18, 2025, a special talk show was held at the Canadian Embassy, where the highly anticipated second key visual for the series was unveiled. The event featured director Hiroshi Kawamata, voice actor Hikari Ota (J.A. Harrison), and producer Yoshiko Nakayama, who shared production secrets and their excitement for the upcoming chapter.
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Comedian Hikari Ota on Montgomery’s “Sense of Humor”
The event began with a special compilation video recapping the first half of the story, the “Avonlea Arc.” Following the screening, director Hiroshi Kawamata, Hikari Ota, and producer Yoshiko Nakayama took the stage.
When Ota asked director Kawamata about the pressure of adapting such a nationally beloved classic, the director confidently replied, “The original work is such a monumental mountain that I didn’t feel any pressure.” The director then turned the tables, asking Ota for his thoughts on author L.M. Montgomery’s sense of humor.
“Actually, the part I related to the most was Montgomery’s sense of humor,” Ota revealed. He passionately elaborated on his unique perspective of the classic, stating, “I believe that throughout the story, she depicts a kind of good-natured irreverence, especially considering the somewhat restrictive era in which it was written.”
Surprise Question from Star Honoka Inoue Has Ota Yearning to “Act That Scene”
Honoka Inoue, the voice of Anne Shirley, was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts but sent a video message with questions for the panelists.
Asked about Inoue’s performance as Anne, director Kawamata was full of praise. “She was wonderful. I’ve known her since her debut, and I was moved to see how much she has grown as an artist. We were looking for someone who could make you fall in love with every part of Anne, and when we found Ms. Inoue, I knew she was the one.”
A question was then posed to Ota, who has previously declared his desire to play Anne. “If you could play Anne, which scene would you want to perform?” Ota drew laughter from the crowd with his response: “I think I would have loved to do the scene where she talks back to Mrs. Lynde.”
Furthermore, when an audience member asked about the similarities between Ota and his character, Harrison, Ota delighted the venue by confessing a surprising commonality: “I actually own a parrot.”
Into the New “Redmond College Arc”! The Meaning Behind the Second Key Visual
The main event of the day was the unveiling of the second key visual, heralding the start of the new “Redmond College Arc.”
Producer Nakayama explained the creative intent behind the visual, contrasting it with the first one. “In the first visual, we depicted an innocent Anne amidst the beautiful nature of Avonlea,” she said. “With the second, we hope audiences will sense her strength as she moves forward as a young woman, and the life she chooses to build for herself.”
Regarding Anne’s depiction holding an umbrella, Nakayama hinted at its significance. “The rain is symbolic of a scene that will change Anne’s life from here on out,” suggesting it is a key element in the story to come.
The talk show concluded with heightened anticipation for the “Redmond College Arc,” which is set to begin broadcasting on July 19.
Anime ‘Anne Shirley’ Series Information
This 24-episode series adapts three volumes of the timeless Anne of Green Gables saga, creating a new story of youth. Viewers will be captivated by Anne’s journey from girlhood to adulthood, filled with joys, struggles, and the course of her love life.
Broadcast Information
- First Run: NHK E-television, Saturdays at 18:25
- Re-run: NHK E-television, Thursdays at 19:20 *Broadcast schedules are subject to change.
Staff
- Director: Hiroshi Kawamata
- Series Composition: Natsuko Takahashi
- Character Design: Kenichi Tsuchiya
- Music: Michiru Oshima
Cast
- Anne Shirley: Honoka Inoue
- Marilla Cuthbert: Aya Nakamura
- Gilbert Blythe: Naoya Miyase
- Diana Barry: Yume Miyamoto
- Philippa Gordon: Chika Anzai
- Royal Gardner: Tokuyoshi Kawashima
- J.A. Harrison: Hikari Ota
Theme Songs
- Opening Theme: “Yokan” by Tota
- Ending Theme: “heart” by Laura day romance
Official Website & Social Media
- Official Website: https://anime-ann-e.jp
- Official X (Twitter): @anime_ann_e