European anime fans turned out in full force at AnimagiC 2026 in Germany, where the creative minds behind the highly anticipated anime adaptation gathered for a special spotlight panel. Original manga creator Sen Yoshimura, Shaft Representative Director Mitsutoshi Kubota, and CyberAgent Producer Manami Kabashima took to the stage to discuss the adaptation's ongoing production, share live-drawing demonstrations, and reflect on the overwhelming passion of international audiences.
Behind the Scenes of Production
During the panel, producer Manami Kabashima shed light on the unique casting process used to find the right voice talent for the series. In an unusual move, the production team held gender-blind and name-blind auditions, collecting over 100 blind voice samples to match actors purely to each character's essence. This meticulous approach ultimately led the entire creative team—including sound director Yoshida, director Shunto, and Yoshimura herself—to unanimously select Chika Anzai for the lead role, praising her exceptional sensitivity and emotional intensity.
