Signal.MD's 'Hana-Kimi' Anime Unveils Full Creative Staff and Expanded Cast

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Hisaya Nakajo's iconic school romance manga, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, affectionately known as Hana-Kimi, has now revealed its full main staff and an expanded roster of talented voice actors. This pivotal announcement, made during a special livestream presentation, confirms that the beloved series is in capable hands, promising a faithful and vibrant retelling for both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers.

A Stellar Production Team at Signal.MD

Leading the production charge is Signal.MD, the studio behind this ambitious project. Natsuki Takemura is set to direct, ensuring a cohesive vision for the anime, while Shigeru Ueda will serve as assistant director, supporting the creative flow. The intricate task of series composition falls to Takao Yoshioka, renowned for his ability to craft compelling narratives. Character designs, crucial for bringing Nakajo's memorable cast to life, will be meticulously handled by Shi Yi Su. Complementing the visual and narrative elements, Masaru Yokoyama will compose the musical score, promising an evocative soundtrack, and Jin Aketagawa will oversee the sound direction, guaranteeing an immersive auditory experience.

Expanded Voice Cast Brings Beloved Characters to Life

The newly announced voice cast further elevates excitement, featuring prominent names in the industry. Yūichirō Umehara steps into the role of Minami Nanba, Jun Fukuyama lends his voice to Hokuto Umeda, and Reiji Kawashima portrays Senri Nakao. The ensemble continues with Kōki Uchiyama as Daiki Kayashima, Wataru Komada as Kyogo Sekime, Anan Furuya as Shinji Noe, and Kōtarō Nishiyama as Wataru Nihonbashi. Adding an international flair, Yūko Natsuyoshi will voice Julia Maxwell, rounding out a truly star-studded lineup.

The Enduring Appeal of Hana-Kimi

This anime draws directly from the original manga, which captivated readers during its serialization in Hana to Yume from August 1996 to August 2004, culminating in 23 compiled volumes published by Hakusensha. At its heart, Hana-Kimi tells the charming and often hilarious story of Mizuki Ashiya, a Japanese-American track-and-field prodigy. Driven by admiration for high jumper Izumi Sano, Mizuki embarks on an extraordinary journey, transferring to an all-boys high school in Japan and meticulously disguising herself as a boy to be closer to her idol. The narrative masterfully weaves together elements of romantic comedy with moments of heartfelt drama, all set against the vibrant backdrop of high school life. The franchise's enduring global appeal is underscored by its prior successful adaptations into multiple live-action dramas across Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.

Earlier casting reveals had already confirmed Aya Yamane as the spirited heroine Mizuki Ashiya, Taku Yashiro as the enigmatic Izumi Sano, and Kikunosuke Toya as the energetic Shuuichi Nakatsu, forming the central trio. With a seasoned creative team and an exceptional voice cast now fully revealed, Hana-Kimi is poised to deliver a fresh yet faithful adaptation, characterized by high production values and a deep respect for its source material. The collaboration between Signal.MD and veterans like Takao Yoshioka and Masaru Yokoyama hints at a polished and deeply engaging series, one that fans worldwide eagerly anticipate.