Iron Wok Jan! Anime Reveals Kikunosuke Toya as Jan Akiyama: “We’re Staying Completely True to the Original,”

Iron Wok Jan! (JP: 鉄鍋のジャン!) has officially announced its main cast, revealing that Kikunosuke Toya will voice protagonist Jan Akiyama in the upcoming TV anime adaptation. Ikumi Hasegawa, Kohei Amasaki, and Kenjiro Tsuda have also been confirmed as key cast members. A teaser visual and teaser PV were released alongside the announcement.

Toya will portray Jan’s distinctive and intense voice. Hasegawa plays the heroine Kiriko Gobanchou, who stands in stark contrast to Jan. Amasaki takes on the role of Takao Okonogi, Jan’s only true confidant. Tsuda delivers a powerful and uniquely styled narration that highlights one of his signature strengths.

The teaser visual and teaser PV depict the madness driven protagonist Jan in a dynamic and energetic style. Character settings have also been unveiled.

In order to faithfully recreate the seductive Chinese cuisine featured in the original manga, Takako Sato, an active coordinator in the Chinese culinary world, is supervising and coordinating the food elements of the anime. Noted culinary researcher Naoya Higuchi has joined as cooking science supervisor. Drawing on Sato’s experience and professional network, leading Chinese chefs from across Japan have gathered to aim for what they describe as a complete recreation.

Teaser Trailer

Main Cast Comments and Character Profiles

■Kikunosuke Toya as Jan Akiyama
“Wait wait wait wait wait wait. Many of you probably wondered whether this series could really be adapted into an anime. But it really is happening. To all original fans, please rest assured. We are doing it exactly as it was in the manga. To an almost shocking degree. Just like the dishes Jan creates, this anime is packed with surprise, technique, and dedication. Please look forward to the broadcast.”

Character Profile
A mysterious Chinese chef who suddenly appears at Gobanchou Hanten. He is the grandson of the legendary chef Kaiichiro Akiyama, known as the Supreme Ruler of Chinese Cuisine. Rigorously trained in the fundamentals of Chinese cooking by his grandfather from a young age, Jan has already reached an elite level at just 16 years old. With the motto Cooking is a battle, he will use any means necessary to defeat his opponents.

■Ikumi Hasegawa as Kiriko Gobancho
“I am Ikumi Hasegawa, and I play Kiriko Gobanchou. The cast announcement is finally here. I am so excited knowing that more information will continue to be revealed from here on. At the recording sessions, the cast could not stop reacting to what was happening. It is a lively and constantly thrilling atmosphere. I cannot wait to deliver this series to everyone as soon as possible. Please do not miss it.”

Character Profile
The heiress of Gobanchou Hanten. She works in the kitchen as an apprentice in preparation for her future, though her cooking skills are already first rate. With the motto Cooking is heart, she moves customers with beautifully presented dishes featuring her specialty decorative cutting techniques. Proud as a chef, she frequently clashes with the rough mannered Jan.

■Kohei Amasaki as Takao Okonogi
“I am Kohei Amasaki, playing Okonogi. This is a series that makes you wonder which parts of the manga they are going to adapt. But precisely because of that, there are so many compelling scenes that can only be experienced through an anime adaptation done this way. For those familiar with the original, please look forward to it. And for those discovering it through the anime, it is going to be an incredibly entertaining series. Please stay tuned.”

Character Profile
A boy working as an apprentice at Gobanchou Hanten. His cooking skills are still developing, and he spends most of his days washing dishes and handling miscellaneous tasks. Even when bullied by senior staff, he remains positive, and he quickly befriends the sharp tongued Jan. A gentle and kind hearted 16 year old, the same age as Jan and Kiriko.

Source : ORICON NEWS