During the recent MAPPA Stage 2023, the famed Japanese studio announced that it is working on an original television anime series titled Bucchigiri?!, which is slated for broadcast in January 2024. Hiroko Utsumi, who also works on Banana Fish and Sk8 the Infinity, is the director.
Bucchigiri?! unfolds a narrative reminiscent of One Thousand and One Nights with a twist of Yankee culture. Utsumi is credited with the original story with series script supervisor and scriptwriter Taku Kishimoto, MAPPA., and TOHO. Takahiro Kagami is serving as the character designer and one of the chief animation directors.
The series revolves around the main character, Araji Tomobishi. His life takes an unexpected turn after reuniting with his former best friend, Mataka Asamine. This reunion catapults Araji into the throes of battles against a host of formidable adversaries. Amidst these confrontations, the ominous shadow of a colossal demon begins to loom. Will Araji succumb to the mounting challenges, or will he discover the courage within to stand his ground?
Utsumi described that the anime is a time leap into the world of One Thousand and One Nights, but assured that the actual work is quite different. She humorously acknowledged that the teaser might be confusing, stating it is a distinctive characteristic of this production.
▍Bucchigiri?! Anime Staff & Production
Original Story: Hiroko Utsumi, Taku Kishimoto, Mappa, Toho
Director: Hiroko Utsumi
Series Composition/Script: Taku Kishimoto
Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Takahiro Kagami
Sub-Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Hiroyuki Saita, Kiminori Itō
Art Director: Kurumi Suzuki
Color Design: Yukiko Kakita
Director of Photography: Shinnosuke Katō
Editing: Tomoki Nagasaka
Music: Michiru Ōshima
Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
Sound Production: dugout
Producer: Takahiro Ogawa
Animation Production: MAPPA