Bones President & Producer Explains Why MARRIAGETOXIN Was Chosen for an Anime Adaptation

Bones president and producer Masahiko Minami has revealed what convinced the studio to adapt MARRIAGETOXIN, saying the manga’s distinctive cast and unusual approach to action made it stand out from other series.

Speaking during the MARRIAGETOXIN panel at Otakon 2026 alongside voice actor Ryotaro Okiayu, Minami said his first impression of the manga was that it offered an opportunity to explore a different style of storytelling.

“When I first read the original manga, what made me want to adapt it into an anime was the sense that it was a series where we could tackle a fresh kind of expression, something that stood apart from typical action series. But above all, the true appeal of this series lies in its characters.”

He added that the interactions between its “colorful” cast, including assassins and marriage swindlers, and the emotional bonds they form are what make the story particularly compelling.

Okiayu, who voices both the series narrator and Teacher, also discussed what drew him to the anime.

“You might expect it to be a serious story, but it really wins you over with its comedic touches. There are plenty of adorable scenes as well, and the series packs in so many different elements, laughter, battle action, and more. I think it’s a work that audiences across a wide range of generations can enjoy.”

During the panel, both guests also shared their favorite scenes from Season 1. Okiayu selected the “Hamster Master” sequence from Episode 8, while Minami chose the “Animal Appreciation Festival” scene from Episode 13, with both receiving enthusiastic reactions from attendees.

Okiayu also revealed that MARRIAGETOXIN marked his first time serving as an anime narrator, explaining that he approached the role as a storyteller while portraying Teacher with an intentionally ambiguous and mysterious tone.

The panel concluded by reminding fans that MARRIAGETOXIN Season 2 is scheduled to premiere globally in January 2027. This was revealed immediately after the first season of the anime, which ran for a total of 13 episodes and covered the Water Master, Sound Master, and the Beast Master arcs.

Studio BONES Film handled the animation production, with Crunchyroll streaming the anime worldwide.

The anime is directed by Motonobu Hori, who is known for Carole & Tuesday and Metallic Rogue. Serving as Chief Animation Director and Character Designer will be Kohei Tokuoka, who served as Chief Animation Director for SK8 the Infinity and as Character Designer and Chief Animation Director for The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity. Studio BONES Film is known for animating big hits, including My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON and Gachiakuta.

The voice cast for the anime includes:

• Shion Wakayama as Mei Kinosaki
• Haruki Ishiya as Hikaru Gero
• Anna Nagase as Kyoko Himekawa
• Mariya Ise as Shizuku Ushio
• Asaki Yuikawa as Shiori Ureshino
• Soma Saito as Genya Naruko
• Hinano Shirahama as Kimie Arashiyama
• Simba Tsuchiya as Piichi Nakagawa

Official synopsis:

For centuries, the deadly arts have been perfected by those known as the Masters. Among them, the
Poison Masters of the Five Great Families hold the most fearsome power and influence. Hikaru Gero, heir
to the Poison Masters’ Gero Family, has lived his entire life in the underworld, far removed from love or
marriage.

But when the Gero Family head decrees that Hikaru’s sister must bear an heir to preserve the bloodline –
by force if necessary – Hikaru resolves to protect her at all costs. It is then that Hikaru encounters Mei
Kinosaki, a brilliant marriage swindler who becomes the target of his latest job. Realizing that the only
way of solving the family succession problem and protecting his sister is through marriage, Hikaru
impulsively asks Mei for help in finding a bride.

“That’s the first time anyone’s ever proposed like that.”

And so, with the cunning marriage swindler Mei as his advisor, elite assassin Hikaru embarks on the most
challenging mission of his life: finding a wife!

Their goal: the ultimate marriage.

This is the world’s toughest mission for love, brought to you by the ultimate duo – an assassin and a
marriage swindler!

To win love, you’ve got to play with poison.
A high-stakes mission for the ultimate duo begins!

MARRIAGETOXIN full anime staff:

• Director: Motonobu Hori
• Series Composition & Script: Kimiko Ueno
• Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kohei Tokuoka
• Sub Character Design: Yurika Sako
• Costume Design: Kotono
• Prop Design: Ayumi Nagaki, Ryo Hirata
• Art Design: Toshiki Amata
• Art: Bihou
• Color Design: Hiroko Umezaki
• Photography Director: Go Kanbayashi
• 3DCG: SANZIGEN Inc.
• CG Animation Director: Taiki Nagashima
• Editing: Kumiko Sakamoto
• Sound Director: Haru Yamada
• Sound Effects: Tomokazu Mii
• Music: Taisei Iwasaki, yuma yamaguchi
• Production Supervision: Bones
• Animation Production: Bones Film
• Production: MARRIAGETOXIN Project

Source: Press Release, MARRIAGETOXIN Official Website
©Joumyaku・Mizuki Yoda/SHUEISHA, MARRIAGETOXIN Project