Whoever Steals This Book anime film announced – gets trailer, visual and a premiere date

The animated fantasy mystery movie Whoever Steals This Book was announced as in production today, along with a trailer, a vibrantly energetic visual and a premiere date (well, kind of).

I say, kind of, as it was also mentionedon the Whoever Steals This Book X account that the anime film will release some time in 2026.

The teaser trailer released with the announcement doesn’t show much, but it does give us a look at protagonist Mifuyu, the book hater, as she heads into the Mikura Hall and meets the mysterious Mashiro.

You can also tell from the snippet of animation, the film has a stunning art style and a fairytale-esque theme.

The Whoever Steals This Book visual, featuring Mifuyu and Mashiro, emphasizes that fairytale feel, as we see the two girls flying up in the air as a book opens and seems to be pulling them in.

Yep, I am a sucker for a fanciful anime that feels more like a fable than a modern day tale, aren’t you? And this one looks intriguing.

Whoever Steals This Book production details

The animated film itself is based on the novel of the same name by Nowaki Fukamidori.

It is directed by Daisei Fukuoka (Yuki Yuna is a Hero), with Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) writing the screenplay, and Keiko Kurosawa (Astra Lost in Space) as both character designer and chief animation director.

Studio Kagokan is animating the film, with Kadokawa producing.

The original Japanese novel describes the Whoever Steals This Book plot in this way:

Mifuyu is a high school student who lives in Yominagacho, a “book town” overflowing with books, and whose great-grandfather founded the huge library, Mikura Hall.

One day, while her father, the caretaker, is away, books are stolen from the library, and Mifuyu sees a message left behind. “Anyone who steals this book will be pursued by the flag of magical realism”.

It was a magical phrase used for crime prevention.

And then the town transforms into a world of stories…!? kicking off the adventure of two girls who must save the cursed town!!

Look out for more promo material to be released for the upcoming animated film in the next few months.

We will give you a heads up as soon as it drops here at Leo Sigh.