Japanese publisher Ichijinsha officially announced that Tomo Nagawa’s heartfelt fantasy manga Would You Like to Be a Tanuki? (Omae, Tanuki ni Narane--ka?) is receiving a television anime adaptation.
Alongside the announcement, the production team revealed a teaser visual and an early promotional video for the upcoming anime project.
The original creator Tomo Nagawa also shared a special commemorative illustration celebrating the adaptation announcement.
Nippon Animation Producing the Anime
The anime will be produced by Nippon Animation, with several experienced staff members attached to the project.
The currently announced staff includes:
- Director: Jun Kamiya (Kingdom season 1, Hikaru no Go, Let's Make a Mug Too)
- Series Composition and Scripts: Masaki Wachi (Kingdom seasons 1 and 2)
- Character Design: Cocoro Takemoto (Genbanojō, Hakushon Daimaō 2020)
- Music: Minako Seki (Kingdom seasons 1 and 2)
The project already stands out thanks to its warm atmosphere and emotionally driven premise.
A Story About Finding Meaning Through Tanuki Life
Would You Like to Be a Tanuki? centers around a mysterious mythical tanuki named Koganemaru.
Whenever he encounters humans struggling with life, loneliness, or emotional pain, he offers them an unusual question:
“Would you like to become a tanuki?”
Through these encounters, the series explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and rediscovering what truly matters in life.
The emotional and reflective tone of the manga has helped it develop a dedicated fanbase since its debut.
Manga Began in 2021
Tomo Nagawa originally launched the manga in Ichijinsha’s Comic Pool digital manga magazine in April 2021.
The series has continued steadily since then, with the publisher releasing the ninth compiled volume in October 2025.
The 10th volume is scheduled to release in Japan on May 25.
While the anime’s release date has not yet been confirmed, the first teaser already suggests a relaxing and emotional adaptation that could appeal to fans of slower fantasy dramas and slice-of-life storytelling.
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| Nagawa also drew the below illustration to celebrate the anime's announcement |
Saw the sample pages. Two chapters in, there are already two suicide attempts. Looks like this show is going to be heavy.