Publisher Kadokawa has unveiled the inaugural promotional trailer for the upcoming television adaptation of Matsurika Kanriden (The Tale of the Scholar-Official Matsurika), setting a premiere date for January 2027. The historical romance fantasy, based on the light novel series written by Rinne Ishida and illustrated by Izumi, will feature the opening theme song "Hana Hanashi" performed by rock band KANA-BOON.
The narrative follows Matsurika Kō, a court lady in the inner palace distinguished by her photographic memory. When drafted to serve as a proxy partner for a noble family's marriage interview, she unexpectedly meets Emperor Hakuyō. Taken with her intellect, the sovereign challenges her to sit for the empire's grueling civil service examination before entering court life at his side. Rie Takahashi leads the voice cast as Matsurika opposite Nobunaga Shimazaki as Emperor Hakuyō.
Expanded Cast and Production Staff
Alongside the main duo, Kadokawa confirmed three additional voice cast members joining the imperial court intrigue.
- Takeo &O_macr;tsuka as Tenga Rei
- Kōtarō Nishiyama as Shisei Hō
- Shō Komura as Shunsetsu Shō
The anime adaptation is produced at studio Maho Film under the direction of Yūichi Nakazawa, with veteran director Takeshi Mori (Vandread, Gunsmith Cats) serving as supervising director. Industry veteran Tōko Machida (Lucky Star) manages series composition, while Manami Inose (Blue Miburo) adapts Izumi's original character designs for animation alongside chief animation director Kaho Deguchi. Musical composition is handled by Takurō Iga.
First published in July 2017, Ishida's light novel series has accumulated over 2 million copies in print and digital distribution across 18 volumes. A manga adaptation illustrated by Takase launched in Akita Shoten's Monthly Princess magazine in August 2018, having recently wrapped its first major story arc before launching its second installment. The animated adaptation will broadcast across Tokyo MX, MBS, TV Aichi, and BS11 upon its early 2027 release.
