Sword Art Online Director’s New Mystery Anime Movie Announced

Tomohiko Ito, known for directing popular anime series such as “Erased” and “Sword Art Online,” has secured his next film project, which promises to be exciting. Unlike his previous works that were adaptations from manga, Ito’s upcoming movie will be an adaptation of one of Japan’s most acclaimed contemporary novels written by a highly respected author.

Tomohiko Ito is well-versed in transforming captivating mystery narratives into animation. Although Sword Art Online had a stronger focus on action, Erased remains one of the top mystery anime productions from recent years. Ito’s upcoming movie will follow a similar pattern as The Keeper of the Camphor Tree, combining elements of mystery, introspection, and philosophical exploration in a more contemplative, personally-focused tale. This information was shared via the official website for The Keeper of the Camphor Tree, which has recently been made available online.

Keigo Higashino’s The Keeper of the Camphor Tree Is Getting an Anime Movie

Tomohiko Ito’s upcoming film is a cinematic interpretation of the 2020 novel “The Keeper of the Camphor Tree” (also known as “Kusunoki no Bannin”) penned by renowned Japanese author Keigo Higashino. The initial promotional poster for the movie has been disclosed. The animation for the movie will be handled by A-1 Pictures, who have recently made a significant impact on the anime scene with the release of “Solo Leveling” Season 2. Aniplex will handle the distribution of the film.

I recently came across an intriguing announcement: “For the first time, one of Higashino’s works is being transformed into an anime. This unique adaptation brings to life a captivating story about a legendary camphor tree rumored to grant wishes upon prayer. The tale unfolds as we follow its young protector.

2026 marks the anticipated release of “The Camphor Tree Guardian” in Japan. As for its U.S. debut, that remains undisclosed. The announcement hinted at a powerful film filled with creativity from Japan’s finest artists and actors, inspired by public sentiment, set to premiere in 2026. Take a look at the first poster below…

What Is The Keeper of the Camphor Tree About?

Keigo Higashino’s novel created quite a stir when it came out in Japan in 2020, with sales exceeding 1 million copies. However, American fans eager to read the book before the upcoming anime movie might find themselves disappointed, as an English translation is underway but its release date remains undisclosed at this time.

The story revolves around Reito Naoi, a man in his twenties whose life spirals out of control. After being unfairly fired, he resorts to illegal activities just to stay afloat. Caught and imprisoned, Naoi receives an intriguing offer from an enigmatic lawyer to secure his release under one condition – compliance with the lawyer’s client’s wishes. In prison, this lawyer visits him unexpectedly, proposing a deal: freedom in exchange for adhering to the mysterious client’s demands. With no other options available, Reito agrees. It is later revealed that the client is none other than his aunt. When Reito confesses he has no future plans, she commands him with an unusual task: “Your mission is to protect a camphor tree.” Thus, Reito embarks on guarding a peculiar camphor tree located within the premises of a shrine – a tree linked to a captivating legend…

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2025-04-08 19:41