January 2024 sees the debut of the upcoming sports anime original Pon no Michi. While the initial trailer and first key visual focused more on the camaraderie of the group, the second key visual leans more into its mahjong theme. The tight-knit group of friends Nashiko, Pai, Izumi, Riche, and Chonbo all hold mahjong pieces indicating the first syllable of their names. See if you can tell who’s who:
A character trailer for the outgoing Nashiko also debuted:
As previously announced, the cast for the anime include:
- Nashiko Jippensha: Kaori Maeda
- Pai Kawahigashi: Iori Saeki
- Izumi Tokutomi: Shion Wakayama
- Riche Hayashi: Yui Kondou
- Chonbo: Akio Otsuka
- Haneru Emi: Hibiku Yamamura
The staff for the anime were also previously announced:
- Original work: IIS-P
- Original character draft: Negi Haruba
- Direction/Screenplay: Tatsuma Minamikawa
- Character design: Kenji Ota (Lance N’ Masques)
- Color design: Emi Kadono (Eureka Seven Ao)
- Art direction: Scott MacDonald (The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent 2)
- Sound direction: Tsuyoshi Takahashi (The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent 2)
- Sound production: Bit Groove Promotion (The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent 2)
- Director of photography: Miyabi Amada (The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen)
- Editing: Yoshiaki Kimura (Sabikui Bisco)
- Music production: SUPA LOVE
- Animation studio: OLM
The opening theme song “Pon ponopon” will be performed by Kana Nakada alongside the anime cast, known as the Pon no Michi All Stars.
The official website for the anime teases the anime as:
Set in the picturesque streets, historic shrines and temples, beautiful sea, and rich nature of Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, the characters’ slow but sparkling days begin.
Source: Official Website
©IIS-P / Pon no Michi Production Committee
