Key Facts
During its Anime Studio Focus panel at the Annecy International Festival on Wednesday, Sunrise and Shaft announced that Kasumi Yasuda's manga Fool Night is receiving a television anime adaptation. The series will premiere globally on Netflix in 2026. This marks the first-ever collaboration between the two renowned studios.
A teaser trailer, visual, cast, and staff details were unveiled at the event. Original creator Yasuda also shared a commemorative illustration.
Cast and Staff
The anime stars:
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Toshiro Kamiya
- Kana Ichinose as Yomi
- Mitsuki Saiga as Aoba
Tomoyuki Kurokawa (unit director) is directing the anime at Sunrise and Shaft. Yūichirō Oguro (Kuroko's Basketball) is writing the script. Robert Sato is designing the characters. Yuki Kajiura (Demon Slayer) is composing the music.
Other staff members include:
- Art Director: Hisayo Usui
- Color Design: Naomi Nakano
- Director of Photography: Kōji Tanaka
- Sound Director: Ryōsuke Naya
Manga Background
Yasuda launched the manga in Shogakukan's Big Comic Superior magazine in November 2020. Shogakukan released the manga's 12th compiled book volume on January 30, 2025. The manga ranked #12 in the male reader list of the 2023 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga Is Amazing!) guidebook.
Studio Profiles
Sunrise is best known for the Gundam series and other mecha anime such as Code Geass and Cowboy Bebop. The company recently launched its "Sunrise 50th Anniversary" project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Yamato, the first work under the Sunrise brand, in 2027.
Shaft was established in 1975. The studio is notably associated with director Akiyuki Shinbo's work. Shinbo, alongside Gen Urobuchi and Kenichi Ishikura, was critical to establishing the studio's house style. The studio is particularly known for such anime as Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Monogatari series, and Bakemonogatari. The studio also worked on March Comes In Like a Lion, Nisekoi, and Fireworks. Shaft is currently animating the upcoming television adaptation of Nisio Isin's Katanagatari manga.
What Readers Should Know
Fool Night is a sci-fi drama set in a world where a process called "reflowering" allows humans to transform into plants to combat pollution. The story follows Toshiro Kamiya, a young man who volunteers for the procedure. The anime promises stunning visuals and a thought-provoking narrative.
FAQ
When will the Fool Night anime be released?
The Fool Night TV anime is scheduled to debut worldwide on Netflix in 2026.
Which studios are animating Fool Night?
The anime is a collaboration between Sunrise and Shaft, marking their first joint project.
Who is the original creator of Fool Night?
The manga is written and illustrated by Kasumi Yasuda.
How many volumes of the manga are available?
As of January 2025, 12 compiled volumes have been released in Japan.