Historical fantasy series The Crow of the Inner Palace has an anime adaptation in October. This adds to an already impressive anime season in the fall of 2022, including new episodes from popular shows like Spy x Family Part 2, My Hero Academia Season 6, and Golden Kamuy Season 4.
Bandai Namco Pictures — known for their previous work on Gintama and the Aikatsu! Idol Series — will animate the series. Given the studio’s recent hobbies in 3D animation, some may wonder if that could influence Kokyu no Karasu’s art style. However, judging by the recent PV, it looks like the series will feature a traditional 2D animation style.
It is worth noting that the Kokyu no Karasu light novel has no official English translation. The character names used in this article reflect a possible translation and are subject to change. It is unknown if the anime will have an English sub or dub in the future. Stay tuned for further announcements.
What will the voice cast for The Crow of the Inner Palace be like?
Jusetsu Ryuu, starring the Crow Consort, will be a newcomer Saku Mizuno† Previously as Rena Hananoi in the idol series Selection Project, this will be Mizuno’s second role with a third on the way as Ryou Yamada in the upcoming anime Bocchi the Rock!
Taku Yashiro the attendant will pronounce Ei Sei. Known for his work as Domestic Girlfriend’s Natsuo Fujii and Fire Force’s Vulcan Joseph, Yashiro has an expressive range, and it will be interesting to hear his take on the calm eunuch Ei Sei.
The Emperor Kousun Ka will be voiced by Masaaki Mizunaka† Fans will likely recognize his deep voice from characters like Tokyo Revengers’ Baji and How Not to Summon a Demon Lord’s Diablo – making him a perfect fit for the stern ruler.
And last but not least, Marika Kouno the lady-in-waiting will pronounce JiuJiu. Kouno excels at bringing cute and gentle characters to life and is known for such as Yumina in In Another World With My Smartphone and Mimi in the recent reboot of Digimon Adventures.
What is the plot of The Crow of the Inner Palace?
Fans of fairy tales and Chinese folklore have a lot to get excited about when it comes to Kokyu no Karasu. Written by Kouko Shirakawa and illustrated by Ayuko, this light novel turned anime incorporates elements of mystery and ghost stories and presents them for a historical background.
A partner resigns himself to a solitary life in the inner depths of a palace. Few have seen her in person – some believe she is an old woman and others see her as a beautiful young woman. However, the most horrifying rumors are about her as an immortal being and a ghost that haunts the hidden chamber forever.
Under the moonlight, a group of men approach the palace – a political official and eunuch Ei Sei and the Emperor of Shou, Kousun Ka. They discover a young girl roaming the inner walls, and they understand that she is the Crow Consort. The emperor hands her a jade earring and makes a request: he wants to know the owner. She refuses, and he insists – causing the mysterious creature to kick them out of the palace.
That does not deter Kousun Ka, however. He returns the next day with gifts. When he can’t figure out the owner of the earring, he wants to know the best: the identity of the ghost attached to the piece of jade.
All seven volumes of the Kokyu no Karasu novel are available via Orange Bunko — the last part was released today. The light novels are currently available in Japanese in both eBook and paperback formats. It is unknown if there will be an official translation in the future, but an anime release could convince publishers that The Crow of the Inner Palace is one that fans in all regions will want to enjoy.
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