It has been announced that "Möbius Dust," an original TV anime produced by Doga Kobo, the Doga Kobo known for anime such as "NEW GAME!" and " Oshi no Ko, " will begin airing in July. The main cast has also been announced, with Yuto Takenaka playing Araki, a high school student living in downtown Tokyo; Nene Hieda playing Stella, Araki's younger sister and classmate; and Haruka Sato playing Olga, Araki and Stella's childhood friend. It was also announced that singer-songwriter Leo Ieiri will be performing the opening theme song (OP) titled "Möbius."
The opening scene of the first episode has been released on YouTube. It shows Araki, Stella, and Olga enjoying a flag-capturing game with their friends. The content suggests that this is not an ordinary flag-capturing game.
The film is based on the original story of the same name by Shinagawa Hajime, which won the grand prize in the "Kids/Game Anime" category of the third "Project ANIMA" open call for original anime works. It depicts the "everyday lives" of high school students living in a downtown area.
Takenaka, who plays Araki, commented, "This work offers the exhilaration and excitement of action scenes with supernatural battle elements, but moreover, each character is very human, making it a work that many people can relate to and empathize with. Both Araki and I are introverted characters who constantly feel inferior and have negative emotions that are normal for people, such as the desire to be recognized by others. Please watch the story that he weaves with his unique companions."
Hieda, who plays Stella, said, "From the moment I saw the materials during the audition, I was very drawn to the setting and worldview of this work, so I am very happy to be able to become a part of this world as Stella and to be able to carry the burden of her life together. As it is an original work, I myself am deeply moved by the development of the story in each episode, and I am working on the recording with the cast in a lively and comfortable tension. I hope that the world of 'Möbius Dust,' which has been filled with the passion of many people over a long period of time, will reach many people!"
Sato, who plays Olga, commented, "Olga is an exceptionally powerful girl, and during the voice recording, I myself was repeatedly lifted up by her energy...! But that's not all that makes her so appealing. I did my best to portray her as a wonderful, relatable girl who cares deeply for her friends and falls in love! I hope you will enjoy the world of 'Möbius Dust,' including Olga's exploits!"
Ieiri said about the song, "I think everyone has thought at least once, 'What does it mean to be myself?' When I was given the opportunity to sing the opening theme for the anime 'Möbius Dust,' I was struck by how the protagonist, Araki, confronts himself through his interactions with others, and the lyrics, 'Are you ready to become yourself?' came to mind. 'Being yourself' isn't something you're born with; it's something you acquire and refine as you live your life. I created this song with that in mind."
Shinagawa, who is in charge of the original concept and character designs, said, "Congratulations on the anime broadcast. Looking back, many things have happened and changed for me and for society since I received the award. I feel that it is already a miracle that a one-season anime has been completed and broadcast thanks to the efforts of so many professionals. I will watch it while appreciating the fact that it is not a given that anime and other forms of entertainment can be created and enjoyed."
Director Taro Iwasaki commented, "I hope to portray the lives of boys and girls living in this world, and deliver a story that will uplift the spirits of those who watch it. Thank you for your support."
Yoriko Tomita, who is in charge of series composition, said, "When I received the offer for this job, I was at a time when I wanted to learn more about the eastern part of Tokyo. So I visited Katsushika Ward, where the story is set, many times, and incorporated the buildings and scenery I actually saw into the script. Mizumoto, Kanemachi, Yotsugi, Shinkoiwa, Kosuge—and many more. I hope you will enjoy the charming streets of Katsushika Ward along with the diverse cast of more than 30 characters."
