A new historical anime film centered on the life of the influential Japanese Buddhist monk Shinran is set to premiere in Japan in February 2025. Titled Shinran: Jinsei no Mokuteki, the film draws its narrative from the works Jinsei no Mokuteki and Tanisho o Hiraku by noted religious author Kentetsu Takamori.
Shinran: Jinsei no Mokuteki is set during the twilight years of the Heian period, focusing on the early life and teachings of Shinran, the revered founder of the Japanese True Pure Land sect of Buddhism. The film will explore Shinran’s journey and contributions to the religious landscape of Japan.
A first teaser visual for the film has been released, accompanied by the announcement of the primary voice cast. The cast includes Ryotaro Sugi voicing Shinran Shonin, Takahiro Sakurai as the young Shinran Shonin, and Hiroshi Naka as Honen Shonin.
The anime is being directed by Hiroshi Aoyama, known for his work on the Wolverine TV anime series and Rocket Girls. Aoyama is also co-writing the screenplay, collaborating with Takatora Shiomi and Kiyoto Wada, both of whom were involved in Tannisho o Hiraku. The animation production is being handled by AUROCHS.
Shinran: Jinsei no Mokuteki marks the third installment in a series of anime films with Buddhist themes. The first in the series was 2016’s Naze Ikiru: Rennyo Shonin to Yoshizaki Enjo, produced by Studio DEEN and based on another Buddhist text by Takamori. The second film, TANNISHO, released in 2019, was also inspired by Tanisho o Hiraku.
Takamori’s Tannisho o Hiraku was originally published by Ichimannendo in 2008, and an English translation titled Unlocking TANNISHO: Shinran’s Words on the Pure Land Path is also available.