Shabake is officially arriving in October 2025, and the latest promotional video has set the stage for what promises to be one of the most visually rich and emotionally grounded historical anime of the year. Based on the beloved fantasy novel series by Megumi Hatanaka and illustrated by Yu Shibata, this adaptation is being brought to life by Bandai Namco Pictures with a stellar creative team and cast. The reveal not only confirmed the release window but also introduced new characters, staff roles, a haunting opening theme, and a first look at the story’s core trio.
The announcement was made on June 22 through the anime’s official website and social media channels. The newly released promotional video shows the gentle yet mysterious world of Shabake, introducing viewers to Ichitaro, the sickly young heir surrounded and protected by yokai spirits. Alongside him are his two fiercely loyal yet mischievous servants, Nikichi and Sasuke. The trailer sets a melancholic and curious tone, previewing the anime’s blend of fantasy, folklore, and suspense. Adding depth to the preview is the opening theme song titled “Inochi no Parade,” performed by Kujira, which carries a soft but ominous rhythm fitting the mood of the show.
Shabake will premiere on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block in October 2025, a programming slot known for hosting genre defying and emotionally resonant anime. While the specific date is yet to be revealed, fans can look forward to an advanced screening of the first four episodes in Tokyo on August 23. This early screening will allow select fans to step into the eerie and beautiful world of Edo era mystery before the global release.
The anime adaptation is helmed by director Takahiro Okawa, with Toko Machida handling the scriptwriting duties. Character designs are created by Akari Minagawa, who also serves as chief animation director, while the atmospheric score is composed by Rei Ishizuka. The attention to artistic detail is already apparent in the key visual that was released alongside the trailer. It features the three main characters standing against a richly textured backdrop, accompanied by a tagline that translates to “Shabake is the mind that is attached to this world,” hinting at the emotional and spiritual depth the story will explore.
Daiki Yamashita voices the main character Ichitaro, and is joined by Koji Okino as the servant Nikichi and Yashiro Taku as Sasuke. Their chemistry is expected to shape much of the anime’s emotional arc, which centers around Ichitaro’s journey from isolation to confronting dark truths with the aid of his spirit companions. This cast lineup is already generating anticipation among fans familiar with their past performances.
Shabake’s story is set during Japan’s Edo period and follows Ichitaro, a frail young man who has been protected by yokai spirits since birth. Despite his physical weakness, he is intelligent and deeply empathetic. His sheltered life is turned upside down when he sneaks out of his house and becomes a witness to a violent murder. What follows is a string of mysterious deaths, and Ichitaro finds himself pulled into a dark investigation. With the help of the yokai who have always guarded him, he embarks on a path to uncover the truth behind the killings. As the lines between the spiritual and human worlds blur, Ichitaro must grow into someone who can face horrors far beyond what he has known.
The series already has a dedicated fan base, thanks to its long running novel series with over twenty volumes and a popular manga adaptation that ran from 2017 to 2023. With Bandai Namco Pictures leading the animation and a clear artistic vision in place, Shabake’s anime debut has all the ingredients to become a standout title of the fall season.
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