Ayaka

Ayaka: A Story of Bonds and Wounds (AYAKA ‐あやか‐) is an original Japanese anime series created through a collaborative effort between GoRA and King Records under the direction of Nobuyoshi Nagayama. The original animated series is being produced by Studio Blanc Animation Production and was released in Japan in July 2023.

Introduction
Experience the captivating collaboration between GoRA and King Records as they unveil their highly anticipated original animation series, "AYAKA (‐あやか‐)".

Taking place on Ayaka Island, a captivating chain of seven islands, this visionary work by the esteemed writer group GoRA delves into the profound and intricate bonds among men burdened with diverse destinies. Through partnerships, mentorships, rivalries, and even father-son relationships, a poignant yet breathtaking tale unfolds.

Under the masterful guidance of GoRA, who handles the series composition and script, and the artistic prowess of the acclaimed illustrator redjuice, renowned for their exceptional contributions to numerous prominent titles, the character designs come to life. Leading the creative team is director Nobuyoshi Nagayama, accompanied by Misaki Kaneko as the character designer, Naoya Tanaka as the concept artist, and the skilled animation production of Studio Blanc.

With an intricately woven story meticulously crafted by GoRA's expert script and an exceptional team of talents working together to bring forth an entirely fresh anime experience, viewers are bound to be captivated and deeply moved by the men who navigate their fated journeys.

Story
Yukito Yanagi is a young boy who grew up in an orphanage on the mainland. One day, an unruly young man named Jingi Sagawa, who claims to be his late father’s apprentice, arrives and takes him away to his hometown Ayaka, a strange chain of islands with many legends of fire and water dragons and mysterious beings called “Mitama” inhabit the island as if they were natural inhabitants.

Yukito begins to live on Ayaka with his father’s three disciples, who are said to have been hermits who preserved the island's harmony. Here in Ayaka, where harmony has begun to break down, Yukito faces the truth…

Seasons

 * Season 1

About
Ayaka: A Story of Bonds and Wounds, premiered in July 2023. GoRA handled the series composition for Ayaka, while Misaki Kaneko took charge of the character designs based on the original creations by the artist Redjuice. The music composition is entrusted to Kana Shibue, while Ryo Tanaka is responsible for the sound direction.

The animation for Ayaka is entrusted to Studio Blanc, known for their work on notable titles such as Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan and The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World. Crunchyroll, the popular streaming platform, has announced that they will stream the Ayaka TV anime directed by Nobuyoshi Nagayama (known for Happy Sugar Life) at Studio Blanc for international audiences outside Japan.

The Ayaka original anime series is a collaborative project between GoRA and King Records. GoRA, widely recognized as the original creator of the acclaimed series K and its extensive list of spin-off manga adaptations, brings their expertise to the table. King Records, a prominent production company, has been involved in the production of renowned anime series such as Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, Tsuredure Children, Ajin, and more recently, Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, Tomodachi Game, and The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated!

King Records is currently producing several anime series that are currently airing, including the following:
 * Eternal Boys
 * In/Spectre Season 2 (Crunchyroll)
 * My Life as Inukai-san’s Dog (HIDIVE)
 * Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro Season 2 (Crunchyroll)
 * The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World (Crunchyroll)

Staff

 * Director: Nobuyoshi Nagayama
 * Series Composition: GoRA
 * Script: GoRA
 * Music: Kana Shibue
 * Original creator: GoRA
 * Original Character Design: redjuice
 * Character Design: Misaki Kaneko
 * Sound Director: Ryō Tanaka

Casts

 * Kosuke Toriumi as Haruaki Kurama
 * Takuma Terashima as Jingi Sagawa
 * Yūichirō Umehara as Aka Ibuki
 * Yūto Uemura as Yukito Yanagi
 * Gakuto Kajiwara as Chatarou Fukawake
 * Yuki Sakakihara as Yako Amano
 * Kana Hanazawa as Ibara Ichijou
 * Jun Fukuyama as Taihei Makita

Yukito Yanagi VA's Comment
'Q1. Could you tell us your impressions of this work when you read the script?' ''“The setting of the unique space of Ayagashima is interesting, and something is exciting about imagining the lives of Yukito and others. It’s full of exciting elements such as “What will happen next?” and “Who is this person?” It’s also a story of Yukito’s growth, so I’m looking forward to reading how he will change with the support of the islanders who watch over him warmly. Each battle scene has its individuality and is a point of interest.”''

'Q2. Could you tell us your impression of the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?' ''“Yukito is a boy who has given up on interacting with people due to his abilities and has closed his heart. Through his unconventional actions and encounters with charming characters, we will discover his former personality and new self. He wants to cherish the gradual changes in his performance, so he fine-tunes his sense of distance from people and the amplitude of his emotions. I like the warm atmosphere of “AYAKA” that is born in the dialogue, so I want to enjoy playing Yukito’s growth!”''

Jingi Sagawa VA's Comment
'Q1. Could you tell us your impressions of this work when you read the script?' ''“As a viewer, I have enjoyed the works that GoRA has developed so far, but I feel that the charm is the setting. In this work as well, the combination of a worldview similar to the world we live in, the powers used by Jingi, and mysterious beings like Mitama makes for a very exciting creation. Since it’s an original work, we voice actors don’t know what’s going to happen next, so we look forward to receiving the script every time.”''

'Q2. Could you tell us your impression of the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?' ''“I’m just drunk at the moment. I’m surprised by the unbelievable development that about 90% of people have had alcohol in their bodies since I first voiced as Sagawa Jingi (laughs). I’ve talked about things that Yukito needs, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to deliver them properly... What will happen after this is still unknown, but for now, both Yukito and the viewers will think, “I don’t like this person…” I want to do my best to express how drunk I am.”''

Aka Ibuki VA's Comment
'Q1. Could you tell us your impressions of this work when you read the script?' ''“On a fictional Japanese island, there are beings called Mitama, and there are people who appease those who have turned into mischievous Mitama. It sounds like a difficult topic, but if you understand it as something like an onmyoji, I feel that Japanese people are familiar with animism. Also, I could sympathize with the fact that the dragon went out of control and caused a volcanic eruption, a kind of big disaster. The characters that appear are also rich in individuality, and they live their lives with their speculations and thoughts, so it felt real.”''

'Q2. Could you tell us your impression of the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?' ''“Ibuki, who I will be playing, has an underlying anger, and I am worried about the fact that she will do anything to achieve her goals, but it is also a cool part. He has a strong conviction, but I think his fascination is the danger that comes with it. With Yukito returning to the island, there are many things to worry about, such as how he will change and his relationship with Kurama. I will do my best to portray the anger and sadness in his heart.”''