A-1 Pictures and the newly formed Psyde Kick Studio are set to bring Keigo Higashino’s celebrated novel The Keeper of the Camphor Tree to the big screen as an anime film. With a captivating story about love, loss, and hope tied to a mystical wish-granting tree, the film is scheduled to release in Japan on January 30, 2026, marking the first time any of Higashino’s works has been adapted into animation.
The upcoming anime adaptation of The Keeper of the Camphor Tree has finally given audiences a first look with the release of a visually stunning teaser trailer and a detailed teaser visual. This highly anticipated project is a landmark moment for Keigo Higashino fans, as it will be the first of the author’s beloved stories to receive an animated film adaptation. Japanese theaters are set to welcome the movie on January 30, 2026, with expectations already running high thanks to the prestige of its creative team and the emotional resonance of the original novel.
The story follows Reito Naoi, a young man whose life changes dramatically when he is entrusted with the guardianship of a legendary camphor tree. This majestic tree is said to grant wishes to those who pray sincerely beneath its sprawling branches. The narrative promises a journey filled with human connections, quiet revelations, and moments of wonder, all set against the backdrop of a mystical legend that binds generations together. Through Reito’s eyes, audiences will explore themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments.
Directing the film is Tomohiko Ito, whose acclaimed work on Sword Art Online, ERASED, and HELLO WORLD has established him as a master of emotionally charged storytelling with striking visual direction. He is joined by screenwriter Taku Kishimoto, whose skillful narratives in Haikyu!! have earned him a reputation for capturing heartfelt character dynamics. Together, they aim to bring Higashino’s world to life with a balance of emotional depth and visual splendor.
The cast features Fumiya Takahashi in the role of Reito Naoi, bringing a sense of sincerity and vulnerability to the protagonist. Yuki Amami voices Chifune Yanagisawa, a character whose presence is deeply intertwined with the story’s core themes. Their performances are complemented by character designs from Tsubasa Yamaguchi and Akiko Itagaki, whose visual interpretations breathe new life into Higashino’s characters. Art direction by Hiroshi Takiguchi ensures that every scene—from the serene forest where the camphor tree stands to the intimate, character-driven moments—feels rich and immersive.
Animation is being handled by A-1 Pictures in collaboration with Psyde Kick Studio, the latter being a newly formed creative team with ambitions to push visual storytelling to new heights. The animation promises a fusion of lush, painterly backgrounds with detailed, expressive character animation, aiming to capture both the grandeur of the camphor tree and the delicate emotions of the human heart. Aniplex will handle distribution, ensuring the film reaches a wide audience in Japan and potentially beyond.
The teaser trailer offers a glimpse of sweeping shots of the legendary tree, quiet moments of contemplation, and exchanges between characters that hint at the emotional depth to come. Coupled with the hauntingly beautiful score teased in the trailer, the film appears poised to be a deeply moving experience for both longtime Higashino fans and new audiences.
With its unique blend of mystical folklore, emotional storytelling, and visual artistry, The Keeper of the Camphor Tree has the potential to be one of the standout anime films of 2026. It is a work that invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and find meaning in the simple yet profound act of making a wish beneath a timeless tree.
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