Kyoto Animation is set to make a splash with its highly anticipated anime adaptation titled CITY THE ANIMATION, which will premiere on July 6. This captivating series is directed by Taichi Ishidate and draws its inspiration from the manga City, penned by the talented Keiichi Arawi, who is also known for the beloved series Nichijou: My Ordinary Life. As excitement builds, a new 30-second teaser trailer has been released, giving fans a glimpse into the unique world that awaits them.
The teaser, which was unveiled ahead of the anime’s debut, showcases the vibrant animation style and quirky characters that Kyoto Animation is renowned for. The initial trailer was shown earlier at AnimeJapan 2025 in March, where additional cast members were also announced.
Voice Cast and Characters
The voice cast for CITY THE ANIMATION features a talented lineup of actors who will bring the characters to life:
- Mikako Komatsu as Midori Nagumo
- Aki Toyosaki as Nikura
- Yui Ishikawa as Wako Izumi
- Yoshihisa Kawahara as Tsurubishi Makabe
- Miyu Irino as Tatewaku Makabe
- Ayaka Nanase as Matsuri Makabe
- Azusa Tadokoro as Eri Amakazari
- Yu Wakui as Riko Izumi
- Takehito Koyasu as Doctor/Father
- Mayumi Asano as Mother
- KENN as Tatsuta
- Satoshi Inomata as Ryota
- Coco Hayashi as Kamome
- Haruna Fukushima as Umi
- Yuki Tenma as Sora
Production Team
The production team behind CITY THE ANIMATION is packed with skilled professionals dedicated to delivering a high-quality viewing experience. The roles include:
- Director: Taichi Ishidate
- Character Designer / Chief Animation Director: Tamami Tokuyama
- Color Designer: Kana Miyata
- Art Director: Shiori Yamazaki
- Photography Director: Hiroki Ueda
- CG Director: Tatsunori Kase
- Sound Director: Yota Tsuruoka
- Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
This impressive lineup ensures that the animation will be visually stunning and engaging, maintaining the high standards that fans have come to expect from Kyoto Animation.
Manga Background
The original City manga was serialized between 2016 and 2021 in Kodansha’s Morning magazine, concluding with a total of 13 volumes. After a three-year hiatus, the manga made a comeback on December 24, 2024, much to the delight of its fans. Vertical Comics has licensed the English version of the manga, offering readers an opportunity to explore the whimsical story.
Storyline Overview
At the heart of CITY THE ANIMATION is the story of Midori Nagumo, a college student who finds herself in a challenging financial situation. Living in a seemingly ordinary city populated by eccentric characters, Midori’s life is anything but mundane. She is battling debt and facing pressure from her landlady, who is relentless in her pursuit of overdue rent.
Midori’s best friend, aware of her past antics, is no longer willing to lend her money. Faced with mounting stress, Midori contemplates various desperate measures, including petty theft and even bullying. However, these options are not sustainable, leading her to consider finding a job. Yet, taking on work means sacrificing her time for the spontaneous adventures that make her life exciting.
The narrative presents a humorous exploration of Midori’s struggles as she navigates the challenges of adulthood, friendships, and the quest for financial stability in a city that is both ordinary and extraordinary.
Visual Appeal and Animation Style
Kyoto Animation is known for its exceptional animation quality, and CITY THE ANIMATION promises to continue that tradition. The character designs by Tamami Tokuyama are set to reflect the quirky nature of Arawi’s original artwork, bringing the characters to life with expressive features and vibrant colors.
The animation studio is recognized for its attention to detail and fluid motion, which allows for an immersive viewing experience. The teaser trailer offers just a taste of the visual splendor that fans can expect, with dynamic scenes that highlight the bustling life of the city and its inhabitants.
Anticipation and Fan Reactions
With the release date drawing closer, anticipation surrounding CITY THE ANIMATION is at an all-time high. Fans of Arawi’s manga are eager to see how the anime adaptation will capture the essence of the original story while introducing new elements that appeal to both existing fans and newcomers alike.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions and fan art, showcasing excitement and speculation about the series. Many are particularly interested in how the humor and surreal aspects of the manga will be translated into animated form.
Conclusion
As CITY THE ANIMATION approaches its premiere, it stands as a testament to Kyoto Animation’s commitment to quality storytelling and captivating visuals. With a dynamic cast, a skilled production team, and an engaging premise, the series is poised to make a significant impact in the anime community. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for July 6 and prepare for an adventure that promises laughter, relatable struggles, and a glimpse into the lives of its unconventional characters.
