The highly anticipated Summer Pockets anime adaptation has announced an April 2025 premiere date. Fans were also treated to the release of its opening animation, storyboarded and directed by Ayaka Hozumi, known for her work as a co-main animator on Spy Classroom.
The anime is based on the beloved visual novel developed by Key, which Playasia describes as a heartwarming story set on the serene Torishirojima island in the Seto Inland Sea. The plot follows Hairi Takahara, a young man who retreats to the island after a personal setback. While dealing with his late grandmother’s estate, Hairi forms connections with four girls, each with unique aspirations and mysteries.
The characters include:
Shiroha Naruse: A girl who forgot her summer vacation.
Ao Sorakado: A spirited pursuer of the island’s legends.
Kamome Kushima: A high-class girl in search of a pirate ship.
Tsumugi Wenders: A younger girl on a journey of self-discovery.
Background on the Source Material
Originally released in 2018 for PC, iOS, and Android, the Summer Pockets visual novel later expanded to the Nintendo Switch and Steam in 2019 and 2020, respectively. An upgraded version titled Summer Pockets Reflection Blue introduced new heroines and story routes.
Release Timeline for Reflection Blue:
PC and Android: 2020
iOS and Switch: 2021
PS4: 2022
Steam: Tentatively set for 2024
Character designs for the visual novel were contributed by notable artists Na-Ga, Tsubasu Izumi, Yunon Nagayama, and Fumuyun.
Anime Format and Staff
The Summer Pockets anime will feature two consecutive cours, with animation production handled by Feel.
Key Staff
Director: Tomoki Kobayashi (Remake Our Life!, Seiren)
Character Designer: Mai Otsuka (The Demon Girl Next Door)
Series Composer: Keiichiro Ochi (Go, Go, Loser Ranger!, The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio)
Color Designer: Sari Tagawa (Remake Our Life!)
Background Art Director: Shunichiro Yoshihara (Dr.STONE, Bubble)
Compositing Director: Fumito Nanba (Remake Our Life!)
Animation Production: Feel
Animation Producer: Makoto Takigasaki (The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting)
Returning Cast
Several voice actors from the visual novel are reprising their roles, joined by new additions for Reflection Blue.
Shoya Chiba as Hairi Takahara (introduced in Reflection Blue)
Konomi Kohara as Shiroha Naruse
Natsumi Takamori as Ao Sorakado
Emiri Iwai as Tsumugi Wenders
Nene Hieda as Kamome Kushima (replacing original voice actor Tomomi Mineuchi)
The Summer Pockets anime aims to capture the heartfelt essence of the visual novel, promising an emotional and visually captivating experience for fans.
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