Draw This Then Die Anime Premieres July 3 with Tatsuya Kitani's "Isho"
Exciting news for anime fans! The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Minoru Toyoda's award-winning manga, Draw This, Then Die! (Kore Kaite Shine), is officially set to premiere on July 3. The first promotional video, recently streamed on the anime's official website, not only confirmed the premiere date but also offered a thrilling preview of the opening theme song, "Isho," performed by the talented Tatsuya Kitani.
Mark your calendars for this summer debut! The series will air on NTV's expanded one-hour "Friday Anime Night" programming block, starting at 11:30 p.m. JST (10:30 a.m. EDT).
A Journey into the Heart of Manga Creation
For those unfamiliar with the source material, Draw This, Then Die! offers a captivating deep dive into the world of manga. Seven Seas Entertainment, who licensed the manga for English readers, describes the story centered around Ai Yasumi, a first-year high schooler from the remote island of Izu Ōshima. Ai's life revolves around one singular obsession: manga. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she learns that her long-idolized yet reclusive favorite manga creator, Yasuno-sensei, will make a rare appearance at Comitia. Driven by an unwavering desire to meet her hero, Ai's decision sets off a profound chain of encounters. These experiences will challenge and ultimately shatter her preconceived notions about art, genius, and the very essence of what it truly means to create. It is a narrative that promises to resonate deeply with anyone who cherishes storytelling and the creative process.
The Talented Voices Behind the Characters
Bringing the vibrant world and compelling characters of Draw This, Then Die! to life is an impressive cast of voice actors:
- Akira Sekine as Ai Yasumi, the passionate high schooler with an insatiable love for manga.
- Saori Hayami as Rei Teshima, a key figure in Ai's journey.
- Saya Hitomi as Kokoro Fujimori.
- Kanon Fujimura as Sachi Akafuku.
- Inori Minase as Hikaru Sekiryū.
- Noriko Hidaka lends her voice to Pokota, an imaginative character from Ai's beloved "bible manga" Robota to Pokota, serving as her imaginary friend.
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Nana Teramura, the manager of the manga rental shop frequently visited by Ai.
- Yukana as Hana Kongōji, an editor at Shogakukan and Rei Teshima's former editor.
- Kikuko Inoue as Hebichika-sensei, the celebrated creator of the Sweet Hebi Ichigo manga, which sold over 1 million copies.
Each performance is set to imbue these characters with the depth and emotion necessary to navigate the intricate themes of the series.
The Esteemed Creative Team Bringing it to the Screen
Guiding the animation process is a highly skilled team. Hiroaki Akagi, known for his work on acclaimed series like The Dangers in My Heart and Teasing Master Takagi-san, is directing the anime at Shinei Animation, a studio celebrated for its rich history of quality productions. Hiroko Fukuda, who also contributed to Teasing Master Takagi-san the Movie and Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me, is overseeing the series scripts and is also writing them alongside Aki Itami (Teasing Master Takagi-san season 3) and Kanichi Katō (The Eminence in Shadow 2nd Season). Takekazu Segawa, recognized for his sub-character designs in The Dangers in My Heart, is handling the anime's character designs.
Additional crucial staff members include:
- Color Key Artist: Kumiko Yanagisawa
- Art Director: Reiji Kasuga
- Compositing Director of Photography: Shigemitsu Hamao
- Editing: Aya Hida
- Music: Hiroaki Tsutsumi (MIRACLE BUS)
- Sound Director: Tatsuhiro Amano
- Sound Production: Bit Grooove Promotion
This ensemble of talent promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation.
An Award-Winning Manga Legacy
Minoru Toyoda, the creator behind the manga Love Roma, launched Draw This, Then Die! in Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine in November 2021, with the series also available on Sunday Webry. The manga has already garnered significant critical acclaim, signaling the high quality of its narrative and artwork. It proudly received an award at the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards in January 2025 and previously won the prestigious 16th Manga Taisho awards in 2023. Furthermore, the manga achieved a notable ranking at #6 for male readers in the 2023 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga is Amazing!) guidebook. These accolades underscore the manga's compelling storytelling and character development, setting a high bar for the anime adaptation.
Prepare for a Creative Spark This July
With a compelling story, an exceptional cast, a seasoned creative team, and a highly praised manga foundation, the Draw This, Then Die! anime is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated releases of the summer season. Don't miss the premiere on July 3 on NTV's Friday Anime Night. Get ready to be inspired and captivated by Ai Yasumi's journey into the intricate and passionate world of manga creation!
