Anime Anne Shirley

Director

Hiroshi Kawamata comment

Series composition

Natsuko Takahashi
Character Design

Kenichi Tsuchiya
Animation Directors

Yuji Watanabe / Naoko Saito
Art Director

Tadashi Kudo
Color Design

Shiho Kuriki
Cinematography

Shinji Saito
Sound Director

Kisuke Koiuzmi
Music

Michiru Oshima

Anne Shirley

Honoka Inoue
Marilla Cuthbert

Aya Nakamura
Matthew Cuthbert

Yasunori Matsumoto
Gilbert Blythe

Naoya Miyase
Diana Barry

Yume Miyamoto

J.A.Harrison

Hikari Ota

Staff Comment

Director
Hiroshi Kawamata

Q:How did you feel when The Answerstudio was chosen for this anime adaptation?

Honestly, I was surprised when I first heard. It’s a title I have a personal fondness for, so I was really happy, but it’s also beloved by people all over the world, so if I’m being honest, the feeling of pressure overwhelmed that joy.

Q:What feelings have you put into the work, and what do you want to say with it?

There have been many other anime, live action, and stage adaptations before, so I think people each have their own image of Anne Shirley. For this adaptation, I’ve avoided getting caught up in those images, gone back to the original work, and tried expressing my own interpretation of Anne. I hope people will remember her strength, her forthrightness, and the way she tries move forward with belief in herself.

Q:What should people look out for in this work?

As the story advances at a good pace in each episode, I hope people will watch how Anne grows and matures little by little with the help of those around her. I’d also like them to pay attention to the unique cast of characters and the background art which vibrantly depicts the bountiful nature of Prince Edward Island.

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

The staff are putting their love into making this an adaptation that many people will enjoy to the very end. It would make me very happy if this work makes people interested in the original book and other related contents.

Staff Comment

Character Design
Kenichi Tsuchiya

Q:What emotion have you put into the characters this time?

While making the designs, I looked at the original work and various reference materials, but the thing I came back to most often was the director’s rough storyboard for the first episode, which he had already finished at that point in time. The characters there were very expressive, and I considered what sort of design would best let them express that. I designed the characters to bring out their own personalities, while keeping them as close as I could to the director’s vision, so that they could become characters who would be full of life. I also hoped they would be characters that it was fun for the animators to portray.

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

I enjoyed designing the many characters. I hope you will enjoy watching these characters who are so full of personality.

Cast Comment

Anne Shirley
Honoka Inoue

Q:How did you feel when you found out you had been cast in Anne Shirley?

I loved the world of Anne of Green Gables when I was little, so ever since the audition I kept thinking, “I want to play Anne!” When I found out I would be, I felt, “I can’t believe this is actually happening! Am I dreaming?” I was happier than words can express! But at the same time, this is an incredible title, with a long history behind it, so I felt a lot of uncertainty and pressure too. To borrow an expression from Anne, “Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about?” Those words have been an incredible encouragement to me. I’m so excited to see all the sights that I’m going to see through Anne from here on!

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

I’m going to put all my heart into portraying Anne Shirley’s emotions. I hope you’ll enjoy them together with the wonderful visuals and music!

Cast Comment

Marilla Cuthbert
Aya Nakamura

Q:How did you feel when you found out you had been cast in Anne Shirley?

It’s a timeless masterpiece! I’m honored to be able to take part in a work loved by people around the world, and as Marilla Cuthbert, who I had always hoped to play someday!

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

I hope that those who already know Anne, and those who haven’t met her yet, will be able to enjoy her world!

Cast Comment

Matthew Cuthbert
Yasunori Matsumoto

Q:How did you feel when you found out you had been cast in Anne Shirley?

I couldn’t believe I would be appearing in such a masterpiece. It’s my first time in this type of role too, so I’m really excited.

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

There are always some pains in creation, but this was a workplace where it all ultimately turned out to be fun in the end. I’m sure that will come across in the work, so I’ll be happy if everyone watching Anne and the others can get excited too.

Cast Comment

Gilbert Blythe
Naoya Miyase

Q:How did you feel when you found out you had been cast in Anne Shirley?

I was genuinely happy to be able to be involved with a work adapted from a famous novel like Anne of Green Gables. When I first found out, I thought, “This work is definitely going to be special for me.” I felt motivated to do my best.

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

It’s a series where, every episode, the characters will say something that really gets your attention. From things you only notice now that you’re an adult, to things that can be sensed with youthful innocence. There’s a lot packed in there! I hope you’ll watch it!

Cast Comment

Diana Barry
Yume Miyamoto

Q:How did you feel when you found out you had been cast in Anne Shirley?

From the time I auditioned, I was thinking, “I want to be involved with Anne’s time,” so I’m really happy to be able to carry Diana’s feelings as I share time with Anne.

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

I’m Yume Miyamoto, the voice actress who will be playing Diana Barry! I’m very happy to be involved with a work like this that has been loved by so many people for so long. I don’t think there are many opportunities to play a single girl as she grows into a woman with so much detail, so I’d like to take my time and treasure getting to know Diana and Anne! I’ll play the role with care! “Diana Barry♪ Anne Shirley♪”

Cast Comment

J.A.Harrison
Hikari Ota

Anne of Green Gables is the most important book in the world. By seeing how Anne lives, I learned that a “genius” is a person who can put into words and express what it means to be happy right now. I never thought I would be able to have this kind of encounter with Anne Shirley, who taught me the most important thing in the world, and actually be able to speak with her. If this isn’t happiness, then what is?

God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.