The official website for the anime adaptation of Tsuyoshi Yasuda's manga 'The Blue Wolves of Mibu' (Ao no Miburo) announced on Wednesday that Kensho Ono will play the role of Okita Sōji of the Shinsengumi.
Shūichirō Umeda takes on the role of the protagonist Nio, while Yohei Azakami portrays Hijikata Toshizō. Throughout December, the website will unveil four new cast members each week.
The anime is directed by Kumiko Habara (known for works such as 'I'm Standing on a Million Lives' and 'I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss'), produced by Maho Film. Kenta Ihara, responsible for scripts in works like 'Gamera -Rebirth-' and 'I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss,' oversees the series' scripts. Character designs are handled by Yūko Ōba and Miyako Nishida, and Toshiki Kameyama directs the sound. Yuki Hayashi is in charge of composing the music.
Kodansha USA Publishing acquired the English publishing rights for the manga and describes the plot as follows:
"Nio is an orphan who can't help but dream of a better world. In this action-packed manga, he encounters two men who show him how much history can change with a few swords. This fascinating samurai series from the acclaimed creator of 'DAYS' shares its stage with Rurouni Kenshin and tells the foundation of the Shinsengumi by handsome and volatile men fighting for justice... and for themselves!"
Yasuda launched the manga in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen magazine in October 2021. The tenth compiled volume was released on September 14, and the eleventh volume is scheduled for release this Thursday. Kodansha USA Publishing plans to start printing the manga in English in the spring of 2024.
Additionally, Yasuda's previous work includes the football manga 'DAYS,' which was adapted into a TV anime in 2016, as well as five original video anime episodes from 2017 to 2018. Also, Yasuda's cycling manga 'Over Drive' inspired a TV anime in 2007.
