Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto Anime Adaptation Announced, Original Work by Hiroshi Shiibashi of Nura Rise of the Yokai Clan

The anime adaptation of Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto(JP: 岩元先輩ノ推薦, Iwamoto Senpai no Suisen) has been officially announced. The series is based on the popular manga by Hiroshi Shiibashi, currently serialized in Ultra Jump. Along with the announcement, a teaser visual, the first promotional video, cast and staff details were revealed, as well as a celebratory illustration and comment from the original creator.

A Romantic Supernatural Tale Set in 1910s Japan

Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto first appeared as a one shot on Shonen Jump Plus on March 30, 2020, before beginning full serialization in Ultra Jump in March 2021. The story is set in Japan during the 1910s and follows Kodo Iwamoto, a student at Seihou Middle School, an institution directly under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Japanese Army.

By military order, Kodo is tasked with investigating supernatural phenomena occurring across the country and recommending individuals with extraordinary abilities who may be of use to the military. As he travels from place to place, he encounters numerous mysterious incidents and ability users, each carrying their own past and burdens. The series depicts the human drama between Kodo and those he seeks to save, weaving a romantic and fantastical narrative.

Teaser Visual and First PV Revealed

The newly released teaser visual depicts Kodo Iwamoto standing alone amid burning red spider lilies. His unwavering and powerful gaze contrasts with his fleeting yet elegant appearance, leaving a strong impression on the viewer.

The first promotional video and scene stills were also unveiled. In the PV, Kodo Iwamoto walks through snowy mountains as narration plays. Acting under military orders, he travels across Japan in search of comrades. Declaring, “I will become your senior,” Kodo faces numerous supernatural phenomena and ability users. The romantic supernatural tale that unravels the fate of their era now begins.

Main Cast Comments

■Kodo Iwamoto Role: Taito Ban

The character I portray, Kodo Iwamoto, is a third year student at the Imperial Army Seihou Middle School, an institution where individuals with special abilities gather.
His mission, which also forms the core of the story, is to seek out ability users across Japan for the purpose of protecting them, and to hand them recommendation letters to enroll at Seihou Middle School under the Army.

Although Iwamoto is calm, compassionate, and admired by many of his juniors, he is still a middle school student himself. He worries, suffers, struggles, and grows significantly throughout the story. I hope viewers will pay close attention to this very human side of him.

This is a story woven by many fascinating characters, brilliant yet somehow fleeting in its beauty. Please look forward to it.

■Kai Haramachi Role: Yuki Sakakihara
Hello everyone. I am Yuki Sakakihara, and I will be voicing Kai Haramachi.

When I first read the original work, I was deeply drawn to its unique worldview, which evokes the atmosphere of the era while combining beautiful artwork with a narrative style reminiscent of reading personal journals or reports.

I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to help express such a one of a kind world.

It is a truly wonderful work, so I sincerely hope you enjoy it.

■Soichiro Amaba Role: Kento Ito

This work delivers an extraordinary sense of texture through its artwork and careful choice of words, offering an exceptionally refined manga reading experience.

Although the story is set in the past, its themes strongly resonate with those of us living in the present, and each character is incredibly compelling. I often find myself absorbed in every single panel, down to the smallest details.

Many of you may be wondering how the manifestation of the ability users’ powers, as well as the visual presentation of flowers and flames, will be depicted in the anime. I am personally very excited to see it as well.

With the combined efforts of the many talented staff members, I am certain this will become a remarkable animated work.

Staff Comments

■Director Toshifumi Kawase
The greatest challenge in adapting Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto into an anime was finding ways to visually express each character’s unique abilities. The destinies they bear because of these powers are fleeting and tragic, which made me want to portray them beautifully and delicately.

The most difficult of all was depicting the protagonist Kodo Iwamoto’s ability, Funeral Pyre Higanbana. How will he save those who have been burdened with unwanted fates through his power. I hope viewers will enjoy watching the series.

■Series Composition Keiichiro Ochi
Congratulations on the anime adaptation of Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto.

This work features an abundance of compelling male characters, and in particular, I focused on portraying Iwamoto senpai as the kind of man that other men admire.

Professor Shiibashi weaves stories that are beautiful, humorous, and at times cruel, yet never devoid of hope. I truly hope audiences will enjoy this story.

■Character Designer Atsuko Nakajima
Every character in Recommendation from Mr. Iwamoto has strong quirks, unique abilities, and they are all handsome.

Among them, Iwamoto senpai is especially kind to ability users. The actions of the juniors who look up to him are also a major highlight.

There are battles featuring wounded yet beautiful characters, as well as heartbreaking stories. I believe this will be a work that audiences can truly enjoy. Thank you very much.

Message from the Original Creator

To commemorate the anime adaptation, a special illustration and comment were shared by original creator Hiroshi Shiibashi.

■Original Author Hiroshi Shiibashi
First of all, I would like to thank all Ultra Jump readers.
Thank you sincerely for supporting the series for five years.
Please watch the anime as well if you have the chance.
And to everyone who has supported me all this time.
Those who attended events and followed my past works.
Each and every one of those moments led to this anime adaptation.
I would be happy if this anime becomes a source of joy for you all.