Coming this summer from Kazuto Makazawa and Production I.G., anime series follows a young girl and her samurai crew, on the run from pirates and the English Navy, as they hunt for unimaginable treasure and adventure.
Streaming now for Annecy 2021 badge holders, Fena: Pirate Princess was selected by the festival for their Work in Progress series; during a panel featuring director Kazuto Nakazawa and producer Rui Kuroki from studio Production I.G., the pair shared their inspiration for the anime series, fun anecdotes from production, and presented a new trailer and never-before-seen production art including a selection of backgrounds, character art, and more (check it out below).
Nakazawa, citing Shojo manga as a major influence, said, “It made me want to make an anime with a flavor of Shojo manga in it.” He also mentioned that although Fena: Pirate Princess has adventure and action, “... it is basically a love story.”
The Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Original series follows the adventures of Fena Houtman as she is on the run from pirates and the English Navy. She must rely on a crew of Japanese samurai to unlock her family secrets... and an unimaginable treasure. Houtman remembers little about her childhood. Orphaned and raised as a servant in a brothel, her life changes when she escapes to an island of pirates where she discovers the truth behind her family. As the only one able to unlock her family’s secrets, and a formidable crew of female pirates on her tail, she must take her place as captain of her Samurai crew for a high seas adventure.
The half-hour animated series is directed by Nakazawa from a screenplay by Asako Kuboyama and an original story by Nakazawa and Procution I.G. Yuki Kajiura is writing the music, which is being produced by FlyingDog. Production I.G. serves as the animation studio. It will simultaneously premiere dubbed in English on Adult Swim’s Toonami and stream subtitled on Crunchyroll later this Summer.
The main characters and Japanese voice cast include:
- Fena Houtman will be voiced by Asami Seto: A positive, cheerful orphan despite her traumatic past. Known for her pale skin and glowing silver hair.
- Yukimaru will be voiced by Ryota Suzuki: The introverted, katana-wielding bodyguard of the Houtman family. He is extremely protective of Fena.
- Shitan will be voiced by Takahiro Sakurai: This handsome, elite warrior can kill with his bow and arrow—or his looks. Though on the surface he seems aloof, he greatly values his friends.
- Karin will be voiced by Aoi Yuki: Raised by a family of blacksmiths, Karin geeks out over technology like her rifle, which she uses to great effect in battle.
- Enju will be voiced by Gen Sato: Kaede’s elder twin. They both use a spear and wakizashi in battle, they’re both friendly and mischievous, but Enju feels he’s more dependable than his younger brother.
- Kaede will be voiced by Ryota Osaka: Enju’s younger twin. They both use a spear and wakizashi in battle, they’re both friendly and mischievous, but Kaede feels he’s more manly than his elder brother.
- Tsubaki will be voiced by Jun Osuka: The oldest and most mature member of the group, he manages everyone’s wild energy. He’s also the cook, but when he fights, he uses a short ninja sword.
- Makaba will be voiced by Shintaro Tanaka: This mountain of a boy prefers fighting in close quarters with brass knuckles. When he’s not fighting, he’s kind-hearted and mild-mannered.
- Salman will be voiced by Manabu Muraji: An older knight who was once called “Salman the Onslaught” for being so deadly with a spear. He’s known Fena since she was a girl as he served the Houtman family for some time.
- Otto will be voiced by Hiroaki Hirata: Another older knight who served the Houtman family and possessed an intimidating nickname in his younger days—"Otto the Blitz” for his quick swordplay.
Source: Crunchyroll
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
