Kadokawa has finally pulled back the curtain on the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Toru Shirogane's acclaimed light novel series, The Kept Man of the Princess Knight (Himekishi-sama no Himo). Fans can mark their calendars for a January 2027 debut, as a teaser promotional video, a captivating visual, and a wealth of information regarding the production staff and main cast have just been revealed.
The Kept Man of the Princess Knight Anime Revealed
The upcoming television anime is set to premiere in January 2027, bringing the beloved story to screens. To build anticipation, a stunning teaser visual was released, expertly drawn by character designer Hisao Ishii. This visual offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Princess Knight Arwin and her enigmatic companion, Matthew, setting a majestic yet mysterious tone for the series.
Meet the Main Characters and Voice Cast
The central figures of The Kept Man of the Princess Knight have been unveiled, along with the talented voice actors who will bring them to life.
Matthew: The seemingly ordinary 'kept man' of the princess knight, Matthew, will be voiced by the renowned Junichi Suwabe. His character visual depicts a man whose calm demeanor belies a deeper, hidden strength that the city residents fail to recognize.
Arwin: The beautiful Crimson Princess Knight, Arwin, will be brought to life by Mikako Komatsu. Her character visual showcases her regal bearing and warrior spirit, embodying the hope of her fallen kingdom. As the one shining light in the Dungeon City, her adventures are central to the narrative.
Talented Staff Bringing the Story to Life
A strong team is assembling at BLADE to adapt this popular light novel. Chihiro Kumano, known for directing series like Eiga Odekake Kozame Tokai no Otomodachi and A Couple of Cuckoos, is taking the helm as director. Character designs are handled by Hisao Ishii, basing his work on the original light novel designs by Saki Mashima. Series scripts are penned by Deko Akao, celebrated for her work on After the Rain and Arakawa Under the Bridge.
The newly announced staff members further highlight the dedication to this project:
- Action Director: Hibiki Yamaguchi
- Prop Design/Monster Design: Recommendation, Inc.
- Art Setting: Shingo Kakimoto (Quun Plant)
- Art Director: Ryōsuke Kawai (Quun Plant)
- Color Design: Naomi Nakano (Stella)
- Assistant Color Design: Yuki Kadomatsu (Stella)
- 3D Director: Yoshinori Ban
- 2D Works: Yumeta Company
- Compositing Director of Photography: Kōdai Washizu
- Offline Editing: Nobutaka Maki (TAVAC), Kiminori Yoshida (TAVAC)
- Music: Taku Iwasaki
- Sound Director: Satoshi Motoyama
- Casting Manager: Ippei Tomari
- Sound Producer: INSPION Edge
This robust team promises a high-quality production, from the visual aesthetics to the immersive sound design and thrilling action sequences.
The Intriguing Story of Arwin and Matthew
Yen Press, the English publisher of the novels, describes the captivating premise:
Set in the treacherous Dungeon City, a place rife with crime, debauchery, and danger, the story revolves around Arwin, the stunning Crimson Princess Knight. She and her valiant party delve into the city's central dungeon, seeking a fabled treasure believed to have the power to restore her fallen kingdom. While many aspire to join her side, that coveted position is held by Matthew, a man widely scorned as a cowardly weakling by the townspeople. Everyone dismisses him as a wastrel who squanders Arwin's hard-earned wealth on drink, women, and gambling. However, the truth is far more complex; no one in the city—not even the princess knight herself—is aware of Matthew's true capabilities. This intriguing dynamic between public perception and hidden power is at the heart of the series.
Light Novels and Manga Success
Toru Shirogane's original light novel series has already achieved significant success, boasting over 200,000 copies in circulation and earning the prestigious 28th annual Dengeki Novel Awards grand prize. Kadokawa is set to release the seventh novel volume on July 10, while Yen Press will ship the sixth English volume on August 11.
Keyyang launched a manga adaptation of the light novel series, further expanding its reach. Kadokawa shipped the third compiled book volume in December 2024, and Yen Press has also been publishing the manga in English, with its third compiled book volume released on January 6.
With a strong foundation in its acclaimed source material and a skilled production team, The Kept Man of the Princess Knight anime is poised to be a must-watch series. Fans of fantasy, intrigue, and compelling character dynamics have much to look forward to in January 2027.
