Following the introduction of numerous acclaimed works such as Yuri!!! on Ice, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, the 2024 adaptation of Ranma ½, and Chainsaw Man, the renowned Japanese animation studio MAPPA is poised to unveil its latest original television anime this week. In contrast to the extensive array of anime derived from light novels or manga, ZENSHU stands out as it does not draw upon any pre-existing narratives. The project is the brainchild of creators Mitsue Yamasaki and Kimiko Ueno, who serve as director and screenwriter, respectively.

In celebration of the New Year for anime enthusiasts, this highly anticipated project will present a meta-narrative, inviting fans to engage with a story centred on the creation of anime in the forthcoming ZENSHU Episode 1.

Following the announcement of this new title in March, MAPPA established an official website and a dedicated X/Twitter account for ZENSHU. The esteemed studio outlines the plot as follows: “After completing her high school education, Natsuko Hirose embarks on her journey as an animator. Her skills rapidly develop, leading her to make her directorial debut in a short time. Her inaugural anime achieves remarkable success, creating a social phenomenon and establishing her as a promising new director. Her subsequent project is a romantic comedy film focused on first love. However, lacking personal experience in love, Natsuko finds it challenging to grasp the essence of first love, which hampers her ability to create the storyboard and halts the movie's production.”

The newly announced original anime project features a prominent cast comprised of well-known industry figures. Anna Nagase, recognized for her roles as Nagisa Funami in Blue Box and Harley Quinn in this year's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, will voice the lead character, Natsuko Hirose. Additionally, Kazuki Ura, known for his portrayal of Yoichi Isagi in Blue Lock, will lend his voice to Luke Braveheart. Rie Kugimiya, famous for her role as Happy in Fairy Tail, will take on the character Unio, while Minori Suzuki, who voiced Rosina in Ascendance of a Bookworm, will portray Memmeln. Akio Suyama, recognized for his role as Ichori Ogami in Sakura Wars, will voice QJ.

The opening theme song for the anime will be “Zen” by BAND-MAID, while the closing theme will be “Just As You Are” (literal translation) performed by Sou.

Zenshu Episode 1 release date

The inaugural episode of ZENSHU is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The official X/Twitter account has confirmed that new episodes will be released weekly at 11:45 PM JST in Japan, subject to any future changes.

International viewers can refer to the following release schedule based on their respective time zones:

Pacific Time: Sunday, January 5, at 6:45 AM

Eastern Time: Sunday, January 5, at 9:45 AM

Central European Time: Sunday, January 5, at 3:45 PM

Indian Standard Time: Sunday, January 5, at 8:15 PM

Philippine Time: Sunday, January 5, at 10:45 PM

Japanese Standard Time: Sunday, January 5, at 11:45 PM

Australian Central Time: Monday, January 6, at 1:15 AM.

Where to watch Zenshu episodes

The official website of the anime indicates that TV Tokyo will serve as the main Japanese broadcasting channel for the new series produced by MAPPA. The premiere of episodes is scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025. Additional networks, including BS TV Tokyo and AT-X, will begin airing the series at subsequent dates.

In select regions, Amazon Prime Video has secured the streaming distribution rights. Consequently, platforms such as ABEMA Premium and Anime Store will also provide streaming access to the series.

Moreover, Crunchyroll, a reliable source for international anime fans, will facilitate the availability of the Japanese release to a broader audience.

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