Draw This, Then Die! Anime Reveals New PV and Star Studded Cast Including Noriko Hidaka, Atsumi Tanezaki, Yukana, and Kikuko Inoue

The TV anime Draw This, Then Die!, scheduled to air in July, has released new cast information along with a visual and teaser PV. Noriko Hidaka voices Pokota, Atsumi Tanezaki plays Nana Teramura, Yukana voices Hana Kongoji, and Kikuko Inoue takes on the role of Hebichika-sensei.

A new visual titled Lost World has also been unveiled to commemorate the anime adaptation of the story depicting the past of Teshima-sensei, a highly popular character from the original manga. The visual portrays a young Rei Teshima passionately creating manga while magma erupts around him. In contrast, the present day Teshima reflects on his past at the port of Izu Oshima. The image captures both the struggles and joys of manga creation, hinting at the emotional depth of the Lost World storyline.

PV

Story and Characters

Set on Izu Oshima, the story begins with a scene at Teramura Rental Bookstore. The newly released footage introduces a vibrant cast of characters brought to life by a talented voice cast.

The protagonist, Ai Yasumi, is a first year high school student who deeply loves manga. Alongside her imaginary friend Pokota, she interacts with her Japanese language teacher Rei Teshima, her talented classmate Kokoro Fujimori, and her friend Sachi Akafuku, who dreams of creating a comfortable clubroom. Other characters include Hikaru Sekiryu, an accomplished amateur manga artist, and Nana Teramura, the owner of the rental bookstore.

The series follows Ai Yasumi, who becomes inspired to create manga after a certain event. Together with her friends, she forms a manga research club and struggles to discover what she truly wants to draw. Set against the beautiful natural backdrop of Izu Oshima, the story depicts both the hardships and excitement of creative expression.

The original manga is currently serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Shonen Sunday (Gessan) and has received major accolades, including the grand prize at the Manga Taisho 2023 and the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award.

Cast Comments

Noriko Hidaka (Pokota)
I am delighted to be voicing Pokota. It has been quite some time since I played such a cute character, and I truly enjoyed the role. Pokota is Ai Yasumi’s imaginary friend, always by her side, encouraging her and giving her a push when she feels lost. Every character in this story carries a strong passion in their heart, and I approached the recording with the feeling of supporting them all.

Atsumi Tanezaki (Nana Teramura)
It took me quite a long time to begin writing this comment. That is how much this work made me feel, think, and absorb. Nana Teramura runs a rental manga shop on Izu Oshima, and being involved from her perspective felt very meaningful.

This world contains both positive and negative energy. Love can be bright, but also messy, joyful, painful, and overwhelming. In any case, no one dies, and the sea and nature of Izu Oshima are incredibly beautiful. I believe this story will resonate with many people in different ways. Please look forward to it this summer.

Yukana (Hana Kongoji)
I am Yukana, and I have been entrusted with the role of Kongoji. I have had opportunities to speak with editors before in works based on original stories, but this time I was able to experience that perspective and emotion firsthand. I performed the role with my own sense of respect.

The feelings editors have toward the artists they support, as well as their inner conflicts, are portrayed with great care. Watching creators struggle is frustrating, while seeing them succeed brings joy. Sometimes guidance is necessary as well. Regardless of whose manuscript it is, I approached it with sincerity. I hope this work reaches those who create, those striving to achieve something, and even those who may have let go of that passion.

Kikuko Inoue (Hebichika-sensei)

I am Kikuko Inoue, forever 17 years old, voicing Hebichika-sensei. Both Hebichika-sensei and I have aspects that might seem slightly out of sync with society, and I could relate to that. At the same time, her representative work Sweet Hebiichigo has sold millions of copies, so I wondered what kind of inner world such a successful manga artist might have, and I carefully considered this while performing.

I hope viewers enjoy both her charming side and her more intense, almost unsettling side. This is a truly entertaining and moving work, and I am personally looking forward to the finished anime.

Source : ORICON NEWS