Over 70 years after its debut in Japan, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables is returning to television in a fresh anime adaptation titled Anne Shirley. NHK, Japan’s national public broadcasting organization, confirmed that the new series, produced by Answer Studio—the same studio behind hit films Suzume and Your Name—will premiere in April 2025.
The anime adaptation will focus on the coming-of-age journey of Anne Shirley, the imaginative, red-haired orphan who captures the hearts of readers worldwide. NHK describes the series as portraying Anne and her friends, including Diana Barry, as they live and thrive in harmony with nature. Central to the story will be Anne’s growth and development, illustrated through key relationships, particularly her evolving bond with the Cuthbert family.
Exploring Core Themes of Growth and Friendship
As Anne Shirley progresses, the series will delve into three central pillars of Anne’s life. One of these pillars is her relationship with the Cuthberts, the family that ultimately adopts her, and how their bond strengthens over time.
NHK emphasizes that the anime stays true to the original story’s themes of diversity and family, capturing the dynamic between Anne, Diana, and their surroundings. The series will also highlight the significance of deep friendships, especially the enduring connection between Anne and Diana, despite the changes they experience as they grow up.
Another key theme in the series will be the blossoming romance between Anne and Gilbert Blythe. The series will explore their evolving relationship from rivalry to friendship and, ultimately, love—a climactic aspect of the story.
Legacy of the 1979 Anime and Expanding the Universe
The new anime adaptation comes decades after the original 1979 anime Anne of Green Gables, produced by Nippon Animation. This 50-episode series was part of Nippon Animation’s World Masterpiece Theater, which brought classic novels to life in anime form. It remains a cherished piece of animation history.
In 2009, Nippon Animation also produced a prequel series, Kon’nichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables, based on Budge Wilson’s novel, which explored Anne’s challenging life before she arrived at Green Gables.
The legacy of Anne of Green Gables continues to expand, with Anne Shirley offering a new generation of viewers an opportunity to experience the heartwarming story.
A New Beginning for a Classic Tale
The new anime adaptation is set to air on NHK’s Educational Television channel in April 2025, introducing Anne Shirley to both long-time fans and newcomers. The series promises to maintain the spirit of Montgomery’s classic while breathing new life into it through beautiful animation and modern storytelling.
With its familiar characters and timeless themes of friendship, growth, and love, Anne Shirley is poised to capture the hearts of viewers once again, continuing the enduring legacy of Anne of Green Gables in a contemporary format.
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