At 10:00am in Japan on December 23rd, 2020 the official Twitter and website for the upcoming Shaman King anime announced some new information along with a brand new trailer, some news, and some additional promotional images.
New Trailer – 1st PV
The trailer was directed by Rina Mitsuzumi (三皷梨菜, @8180_3223 on Twitter) from 8180 (read as “Hyperbole”) Inc, which they specialize in animations for opening and endings for anime. A profile for company Hyperbole can be found here (in Japanese). She has also been directing the “Character Reveal Trailers” which show animated versions of the characters from the manga pages that have been released weekly on the official Twitter account. The designer for the trailer was Keiichi Asano (浅野恵一) from the company “Emitai.”
Key Visual Art
Along with the new trailer the first complete key visual art for the series has been released which is included below.
New Voice Cast Announcements
The following will be returning to their roles from the original anime series with today’s announcement:
- Inuko Inuyama as Manta Oyamada
- Romi Park as Tao Ren
- Masahiko Tanaka as Ryunosuke Umemiya
- Wataru Takagi as Tokageroh
The new voice actors for this anime series announced today are:
- Kousuke Takaguchi as Bason
Additional Staff Announcements
The following staff have also been announced:
- Yuji Shibata as Prop Designer
- Jin’ya Kimura as Art Director
- Masaaki Kawaguchi as Setting/Layout Designer
- Natsuko Otsuka as Color Designer
- Teruyuki Kawase as Cinematographer
- Kumiko Sakamoto as Editor
News Related to the Opening and Ending Themes
Megumi Hayashibara, the voice of Anna, will be taking the lead for creating the opening and ending themes for the new Shaman King anime. No word on if these will be remixes of previous songs or newly created songs. She previously provided the opening and ending themes for the original Shaman King anime. Along with this she has a new comment which has been roughly translated below:
It’s really come back to life. The spirit of words is amazing.
Over Soul and Northern Lights.
Both of these have been loved by many people.
Within these 20 years I’ve brought 3 children into the world.
20 years ago, there were no Smartphones, no social media, and Google-sensei.
Shaman King has surpassed that era.
Of course it will connect with today as well.
Voice Actors Comments
Along with the cast announced previously for Yoh, Amidamaru, Hao, and Anna, the vocal cast has answered two questions on their thoughts about the Shaman King series. We have included a roughly translated version of their comments below (and found on the official website in Japanese here):
Yoko Hikasa for the voice of Yoh Asakura
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
I think it’s because of Takei-sensei’s skill that he is able to portray so many things that are usually feared; such as spirits, graves, scary mountains, in a way that’s friendly to see.
Maybe ghosts really aren’t that scary, since Amidamaru and his friends are out in the world, I’d like to mee them. I think part of the appeal is the characterization of the characters; that’s what’s so appealing if you think about it; the I don’t know what will happen next.
I love the looseness with the gags at the end of a story and the expression of everyone’s faces at that moment.
The music of the series is also one of it’s charms. I remember the songs “Oversoul”, “Northern Lights,” and “Brave Heart” sung by Hayashibara-sensei having a big impact on me at a young age.
Can you tell us about how you feel to play Yoh Asakura?
Honestly, I’m feeling a lot of pressure.
But I’m just a person… so I want to be myself and I want to portray Yoh the only way I can, while loving Yoh, Anna, and my friends.
I’ve been following the veteran actors since before I became a voice actress myself.
Being Surrounded by such veterans, I am blessed to be able to talk with them this show, which is a rare opportunity in my life as an actor.
Just as Yoh grows little by little and is recognized by the people around him, I hope I can become like that too.
I’ll do my best to not overwork myself while still giving it my all! I would be happy if you would watch us with kindness.
Katsuyuki Konishi for the voice of Amidamaru
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
In my youth, I like the battles. I was especially excited to see what kind of spirits would appear. I mean, if you could be possessed by a spirit, so then anything could be possible, right?
Also, there are no bad guys. Each of us have our own thoughts and feelings for our lives.
And the way you live your life can be wonderful in it’s own way, can it not?
I mean, possessions are spirits, so anything is possible, right?
Also, there are no bad guys. Each of us has our own thoughts and feelings in our lives.
And the way you live your life is wonderful, isn’t it? It’s a good phrase, “It will all work out.”
Can you tell us about how you feel to play Amidamaru again?
As the lyrics of the song “Over Soul” say, I’ve come back to life. This is all thanks to the people who have loved and supported the Shaman King sereis for so many years.
I’m going to run with Yoh-dono as Amidamaru. I’m looking forward to seeing Amidamaru again.
I’m with all of you. I’m insanely excited! Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing you in “Shaman King!”
Megumi Hayashibara for the voice of Anna Kyoyama
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
Not too much, is never enough.
True strength, pride, arrogance, and delicacy
True kindness, weakness, and escape.
The place of the “heart” that cannot be seen at a glance
It’s a shimmering work.
Can you tell us about how you feel to play Anna Kyoyama again?
Sorry to keep you waiting.
It’s kind of been calling me back.
I just wanted to relax a bit.
I thought, the world couldn’t be this kind. I’m going to go ahead and tell you now anyways.
They’re going to do something they don’t want to do.
Don’t complain about it all over the place where you can’t see your face. From the landlady.
Inuko Inuyama for the voice of Manta Oyamada
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
Of course it’s Yoh’s coolness!
The characters in the story are all so lovable.
Shamans, spirits, and the humans.
Eventually, there comes a moment when even just completely normal words can move you.
Also, the relationship between Yoh and Anna is soooo cool!
Can you tell us about how you feel to play Manta Oyamada again?
It’s so great to be able to meet Yoh-kun again as Manta.
I’ll be poked and prodded, keep an eye on Yoh, follow Anna’s orders,…… It’ll be fun (laughs).
Romi Park for the voice of Tao Ren
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
It has unique shamans from all over the world, each with their own motivations and religious views, all which come together with their spirits to battle each other, I can’t wait to get into that world! The many famous lines from each character come out in the real battles between themselves and their opponents while they are at the breaking point which connects with your own heart and soul. Takei-sensei, how many children have you given life to… Your fertility is amazing! It’s a work full of appeal!
Can you tell us about how you feel to play Tao Ren again?
“A new anime? How can you not be Ren again?!”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question, and how many times I’ve pretended not to know… But now I can finally say it with open arms! It is I, Romi Park! I’ll take on this new Shaman King with my 100% Hyōi Gattai with my Tongari Bochama! You can look forward to that! Hahahaha! Wǒ bù mí (I will not stray).
Kousuke Takaguchi for the voice of Bason
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
I think there are a lot of things, but I think it’s the characters that you can really care for and want to follow them.
If you put everyone together, the cast list would be quite large, but all of the characters are wonderfully and vividly drawn.
The characters may clash at times, but when they get broken down they can move forward. I found myself captivated by their passion and energy.
Can you tell us about how you feel to play the character of Bason?
I was thrilled.
When I found out that I was going to play Bason, I tried to figure out why I was chosen. This isn’t something I normally think about, but I couldn’t come up with a reason, so I just gave up.
I decided that I would follow the advice of my senpais and do the best work I can do.
Now that I’ve made that resolve, I’ve been excited ever since.
Masahiko Tanaka for the voice of Ryunosuke Umemiya
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
I think this work has a very warm feeling with the friends who are connected with “strong bonds” that can help reach other and move forward.
Can you tell us about how you feel to play the character of Ryunosuke Umemiya again?
I never dreamed I would be able to me Ryu-san again after these 20 years. I’m going to do my best to be in the best place for the beloved Ryu-san again! Please support us all!
Wataru Takagi for the voice of Tokageroh
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
When I went to the recording studio the other day I thought nostalgically, “Oh, last time I recorded this was 20 years ago…” I possessed Ryunosuke, played by Masahiko Tanaka, and spoke lines with him in unison. In addition to the charm of the series, the joy of being able to act as one with Masahiko-san once again after 20 years is one of the most enjoyable aspects of acting I can look forward to.
Can you tell us about how you feel to play the character of Tokageroh again?
I am very happy to appear as Tokageroh for you all again after 20 years. I would like to play the role with a renewed passion so I can show you a new and developed version of Tokageroh, not just a rehash. I hope you look forward to it!
Minami Takayama for the voice of Hao
Can you tell us about the appeal of this series?
Of course the story and the characters are fascinating, but I think the appeal of this work is that it’s full of themes that I can relate to from my own life. Friendship and love, family and siblings, courage, bonds, strength, etc…. I love that the same essence of any era is visible even in the midst of battle. The nostalgic setting is also very charming.
Can you tell us about how you feel to play the character of Hao again?
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting the Shaman King series for so long. I went to the original art exhibitions and purchased the merchandise, but I never thought I’d be able to play Hao again. I want to turn this good fortune into a strength and take the fight to it. I look forward to waking up Hao, who is still sleeping. When the time comes…please keep me posted.
Additional New Art
Included above, the official website has also been updated with a ton of new art. Check out the character gallery on the official website for some more images. On the home page, while slightly obscured they also have a new image of the Funbari Hill cemetery, which has been included below.
Reactions on Twitter
In addition to the comments prepared in advance for the website and press releases (from above), some of the staff retweeted and commented about the new announcements from their personal twitter accounts. Below is some of their reactions (with rough English translations)
From Yuki Hayashi (Music Composer/Producer)
I’m having way too much fun!
Inuko Inuyama (Voice for Manta)
Shaman King!!!
Nice to meet you!
( ◞･౪･)◞❤︎*Sparkles*
Kousuke Takaguchi (Voice of Tokageroh)
It’s finally announced!
I’ll be working on “Shaman King” as Bason.
I look forward to working with you all!!!
Moriyoshi Yoshida (Manga Editor for Shaman King: The Super Star and Shaman King: Marcos)
Various announcements have been made for the TV anime “Shaman King.” I’m looking forward to April of next year. Smile.
Seiji Mizushima (Anime Director of the original Shaman King anime series)
I’m looking forward to the start of the broadcast! I still feel strangely attached to it, almost nostalgic, even though I am not involved in it anymore….(laughs)
