Whoever Steals This Book Anime Film Reveals New Trailers and Cast

The anime film adaptation of Nowaki Fukamidori’s fantasy novel Whoever Steals This Book has shared new trailers along with additional cast announcements. The film is set to debut in Japanese theaters on December 26.

The story follows Mifuyu, a high school student who lives among a vast personal library left behind by her great-grandfather, known as Mikura Hall. Mifuyu does not share her family’s deep love of books, but when several volumes are stolen and an ancient curse is triggered, the entire town begins to transform into the worlds of the stolen stories. Mifuyu must track down the thief, with help from a mysterious girl named Mashiro, by traveling through different story worlds.

Daisei Fukuoka is directing the film at Kagokan. Yasuhiro Nakanishi is handling the script, Keiko Kurosawa is designing the characters and serving as animation director, and Michiru Ōshima, known for her work on Fullmetal Alchemist and Little Witch Academia, is composing the music. The theme song “Share” is performed by vocalist YUKI, formerly of Judy and Mary. Kadokawa Animation is distributing the film.

Yen On released the original novel in English on February 18. Kadokawa first published the novel in 2020. A manga adaptation by Kakeru Sora ran in Young Ace magazine from December 2021 to March 2023, and Yen Press published its three compiled volumes in English.

My take: A girl who has no particular love of books being forced to adventure through the worlds inside them is a really lovely setup. The fact that the music is in Michiru Ōshima’s hands is encouraging too, and the YUKI theme song is a genuinely exciting choice for a fantasy film.