MAPPA has officially announced that its original anime series "Zen" will premiere in Japan on January 5, 2025. Alongside this exciting news, the studio has unveiled a brand new visual, a promotional video, and a comprehensive list of the production team and voice cast.

The story of "Zen" follows Natsuko Hirose, a high school graduate who quickly rises to fame as a young anime director. After her debut work achieves phenomenal popularity, she faces a creative block while working on her next theatrical film centered around the theme of first love—something she has yet to experience. Just when things seem bleak, Natsuko unexpectedly collapses and finds herself transported into the world of her previous anime, "The Story of Facing Destruction," where she must confront and alter the original story's heartbreaking ending.

Production Details and Music

The opening theme song for "Zen" is performed by the popular band BAND-MAID, titled "Zen," while the ending theme, "Tada, Kimi no Mama de," is sung by Sou. The series boasts a talented production team:

Key Production Staff

• Director: Mitsue Yamazaki


• Script: Kimiko Ueno


• Character Concept and World Building: Yoshiki Tsujino


• Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Kayoko Ishikawa


• Art Director: Akio Shimada


• Color Design: Ayako Suenaga


• Photography Director: Kenta Fujita


• Editor: Mutsumi Takemiya


• Music: Yukari Hashimoto


• Sound Production: Dugout


• Casting Manager: Makoto Tanimura


• Animation Producer: Takahiro Ogawa


• Production: MAPPA


• Distributor: Twin Engine

Voice Cast Highlights

The voice cast for "Zen" includes a mix of seasoned and rising talents:

• Natsuko Hirose: Annalise Nagase


• Luke Braveheart: Nozomi Urawa


• Unio: Rie Kugimiya


• Memelin: Minori Suzuki


• QJ: Akio Toyoyama


• Justice: Romi Park


• Destiny Heartwarming: Manaka Iwami

Exploring the Themes of Love and Creativity

"Zen" dives deep into the complexities of love and the creative process, making it a relatable story for many viewers. Natsuko's journey reflects the struggles of aspiring artists who often feel pressure to deliver after initial successes. The anime's exploration of first love, coupled with its unique twist of entering a fictional world, promises to engage audiences on multiple levels.

Anticipation and Expectations

Fans are eagerly awaiting "Zen," especially given MAPPA's reputation for high-quality animation and compelling narratives. The combination of a strong production team, an intriguing premise, and a talented voice cast sets high expectations for this upcoming series.

Future Projects from MAPPA

With "Zen" on the horizon, many are curious about what other projects MAPPA has in store. The studio has previously delivered notable series like "Yuri on Ice" and "Jujutsu Kaisen," raising the bar for future releases. It will be interesting to see how "Zen" fits into their growing portfolio and what themes they will explore next.