The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Minoru Toyoda's acclaimed manga, Draw This, Then Die! (Kore Kaite Shine), is generating even more excitement with a flurry of new announcements. Fans can now look forward to a second teaser promotional video, a captivating "Lost World" visual, and the revelation of additional stellar voice cast members joining the July anime lineup. These updates promise an even richer and more immersive experience as we delve into the world of manga creation.
Star-Studded Cast Joins the Art Journey
The production team has unveiled four prominent voice actors who will lend their talents to key characters, significantly enhancing the anime's roster. Each brings a unique presence that will undoubtedly bring these roles to life:
- Noriko Hidaka steps into the role of Pokota, a charming character central to Ai's "bible manga," Robota to Pokota, and her cherished imaginary friend. Hidaka's extensive experience promises to capture Pokota's unique essence.
- Atsumi Tanezaki is cast as Nana Teramura, the diligent manager of a manga rental shop. This establishment is a frequent haunt for the protagonist Ai, suggesting Nana will play a significant part in her journey.
- Yukana will voice Hana Kongōji, an accomplished editor at Shogakukan and the former editor for Rei Teshima. Her character is likely to offer insights into the professional side of the manga industry.
- Kikuko Inoue takes on the role of Hebichika-sensei, the celebrated creator behind the immensely popular Sweet Hebi Ichigo manga, which boasts over 1 million copies sold. Hebichika-sensei's presence will surely add a layer of industry veteran wisdom and possibly rivalry or mentorship.
These additions to the cast promise to elevate the narrative, introducing a diverse array of personalities that will interact with our aspiring artist protagonist.
Dive into the Story of Creation
Draw This, Then Die! offers a compelling narrative about the trials and triumphs of artistic endeavor. The story centers on Ai Yasumi, a first-year high school student residing on the picturesque and remote island of Izu Ōshima. Ai's world revolves around her profound obsession with manga. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she learns that her long-admired yet reclusive favorite manga creator, Yasuno-sensei, is set to make a rare appearance at Comitia. Driven by an unshakeable resolve, Ai embarks on a mission to meet her hero. This single decision acts as a catalyst, triggering a series of transformative encounters that will challenge and ultimately redefine her preconceived notions about art, the nature of genius, and the profound meaning behind the act of creation itself.
Meet the Main Character Voices
The anime boasts an already impressive main cast ready to embody the core characters of this inspiring story:
- Akira Sekine as Ai Yasumi, the passionate and determined protagonist whose journey forms the heart of the series.
- Saori Hayami as Rei Teshima, a significant figure whose role will intertwine with Ai's artistic path.
- Saya Hitomi as Kokoro Fujimori, another key character contributing to the evolving dynamics of the story.
- Kanon Fujimura as Sachi Akafuku, whose presence will add another layer to Ai's interactions and experiences.
- Inori Minase as Hikaru Sekiryū, completing the ensemble of main voices bringing this vibrant world to life.
The Creative Minds Behind the Adaptation
Bringing Minoru Toyoda's beloved manga to the screen is a team of seasoned professionals. Hiroaki Akagi, known for his work on hits like The Dangers in My Heart and Teasing Master Takagi-san, is directing the anime at Shinei Animation, a studio renowned for its quality productions. Hiroko Fukuda, also from the Teasing Master Takagi-san series and Our Dating Story, is overseeing the series scripts and contributing as a writer, alongside Aki Itami (Teasing Master Takagi-san season 3) and Kanichi Katō (The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season).
Character designs are handled by Takekazu Segawa, who previously worked on The Dangers in My Heart. The talented additional staff includes Kumiko Yanagisawa as Color Key Artist, Reiji Kasuga as Art Director, Shigemitsu Hamao as Compositing Director of Photography, and Aya Hida for Editing. The evocative music is composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi (MIRACLE BUS), with sound direction by Tatsuhiro Amano and sound production by Bit Grooove Promotion. This collective expertise promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation.
Premiere Date and Manga's Acclaim
The Draw This, Then Die! anime is set to premiere in July on NTV's expanded one-hour "Friday Anime Night" programming block, airing at 11:30 p.m. JST (10:30 a.m. EDT). Fans around the world will soon be able to witness Ai's inspiring journey.
The source manga by Minoru Toyoda (creator of Love Roma) originally launched in Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine in November 2021 and is also accessible on Sunday Webry. The series has garnered significant critical acclaim, including a prestigious award at the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards in January 2025 and winning the 16th Manga Taisho awards in 2023. Furthermore, it earned a commendable rank at #6 for manga aimed at male readers in the 2023 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga is Amazing!) guidebook. Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the manga, making it accessible to English-speaking readers.
With a compelling story, a powerhouse voice cast, and a skilled production team, Draw This, Then Die! is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime releases of the summer. Prepare to be inspired by this unique exploration of passion, artistry, and self-discovery in the vibrant world of manga.
