The hit novel Whoever Steals This Book, which was nominated for the 2021 Japan Booksellers’ Award (本屋大賞), is being adapted into a theatrical anime film slated for release in 2026. This highly anticipated adaptation brings together a team of seasoned talent from across the anime industry.

Talented Creative Staff Behind the Project

The anime film will be directed by Daiki Fukuoka, with Keiko Kurosawa handling both character design and animation direction. The screenplay will be written by Yasuhiro Nakanishi, best known for Kaguya-sama: Love is War. The score will be composed by Michiru Oshima, winner of the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Music. Animation production will be handled by Kagokan, a studio founded by Yūji Higa, the animation producer behind Assassination Classroom and Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun.

A Fantasy Mystery Unfolding in the World of Books

Set in Yomunaga Town, a district lined with bookstores, the story follows Mifuyu Mikura, a girl who dislikes books despite being the great-granddaughter of the founder of the town’s massive library, the Mikura Hall. One day, a book is stolen from the library, unleashing a mysterious curse known as the Book Curse (“Book Curse” or ブックカース), which causes enormous plants to engulf the town and transform it into a world of stories.

Mifuyu teams up with a mysterious, dog-eared girl named Mashiro to chase down the book thief and lift the curse, embarking on a thrilling adventure through the realms of fiction.

Creator and Director Comment on the Adaptation

Author Nowaki Fukamidori described protagonist Mifuyu as “a girl burdened by pressure and unable to live freely,” and shared:
“I’m happy that this difficult protagonist will be seen by more people through the anime. I hope viewers will cheer her on as she struggles and grows through this journey.”

Director Daiki Fukuoka added:
“It’s been a while since I struggled so much that my brain felt like it was burning. But I managed to bring to life Fukamidori-sensei’s literary world and set Mifuyu and Mashiro free within it. I hope you’ll follow their chase after the book thief.”

A teaser trailer for the film has also been released on the official ORICON NEWS YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whoever Steals This Book Anime Film

When will Whoever Steals This Book be released?
The theatrical anime adaptation of Whoever Steals This Book is scheduled for release in 2026. An exact release date has yet to be announced.

Who is directing the Whoever Steals This Book anime?
The film is directed by Daiki Fukuoka, known for his work in anime direction and visual storytelling.

Which studio is producing the anime adaptation?
The anime is being produced by Kagokan, an animation studio established by Yuji Higa, who previously worked on Assassination Classroom and Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun.

What is the plot of Whoever Steals This Book?
The story follows Mifuyu Mikura, a girl who dislikes books, and Mashiro, a mysterious girl with dog-like ears. When a book theft triggers a powerful curse, the duo embarks on a magical journey to unravel the mystery and restore their town.

Whoever Steals This Book Teaser

Source : ORICON NEWS