The anime world is buzzing as MAPPA’s original series, “ZENSHU,” continues to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and stunning visuals. The series, which premiered on January 5, 2025, has now added another layer of excitement by casting the iconic voice actor and singer Mamoru Miyano as the character Ultimate Exister. This addition is significant, considering Miyano’s celebrated career and the already star-studded cast of the show.
Mamoru Miyano Joins the Cast as Ultimate Exister
On January 26, 2025, the production team for ZENSHU revealed that Mamoru Miyano would be voicing Ultimate Exister. This character made his debut in the fourth episode of the series. Miyano’s role is not just limited to voice acting; he also performs the character’s insert song, “I Am Ultimate Exister,” alongside Minori Suzuki, who voices the character Memerun.
Miyano’s inclusion has generated significant buzz due to his impressive resume in the anime industry. He is renowned for voicing some of the most iconic characters, including Light Yagami from Death Note, Chrollo Lucifer from Hunter x Hunter, and Osamu Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs. His ability to bring depth and charisma to his characters makes him a valuable addition to ZENSHU.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Miyano’s casting further solidifies the series’ impressive cast, which includes:
- Anna Nagase as Natsuko Hirose
- Kazuki Ura as Luke Braveheart
- Rie Kugimiya as Unio
- Minori Suzuki as Memerun
- Akio Suyama as QJ
- Romi Park as Justice
- Manaka Iwami as Destiny Heartwarming
- Kentarō Tone as Chingosman
- Masashi Yamane as Ganger
- Katsuhisa Hōki as Capitan
- Sayaka Ōhara as Admiral
This lineup of talented voice actors adds to the show’s allure and underscores its potential as a major hit in the anime world.
What is “ZENSHU” About?
ZENSHU follows the story of Natsuko Hirose, a young and talented animator who transitions to directing. Despite her initial success, she faces a significant challenge: creating a romantic comedy about first love, a subject she knows little about. The series delves into the struggles of the animation industry and explores themes of burnout, passion, and the pursuit of artistic satisfaction.
The narrative takes a unique turn when Natsuko dies from exhaustion and wakes up in the world of “A Tale of Perishing,” her favorite childhood anime. This sets the stage for an isekai adventure where she attempts to rewrite the story, striving to achieve a happier ending. The series provides a satirical look at the isekai genre, while also shedding light on the harsh realities of the Japanese animation industry and the importance of work-life balance.
The Meaning Behind the Title
The title “ZENSHU,” which translates to “complete works” or “fix them all,” reflects the main character’s journey of redoing and remastering her approach to animation and life. It also encapsulates her desire to give her favorite story a better ending, highlighting the series’ themes of renewal and artistic redemption.
Production and Release
“ZENSHU” is produced by the renowned animation studio MAPPA, known for their work on popular series such as “Attack on Titan: The Final Season,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Chainsaw Man.” The series is directed by Mitsue Yamazaki, with Kimiko Ueno as the writer and Sumie Noro as the assistant director. The music is composed by Yukari Hashimoto. Original character designs are by Yoshiteru Tsujino, adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa.
The series premiered on January 5, 2025, on TV Tokyo and its affiliates. It is also being streamed globally on Crunchyroll, with regional streaming rights distributed by Amazon Prime Video, and ABEMA Premium. The opening theme song, “Zen,” is performed by Band-Maid, while the ending theme song, “Tada, Kimi no Mama de,” is performed by Sou.
Simultaneous English Dub Release
Adding to its accessibility, “ZENSHU” is among the Winter 2025 anime series to have a simultaneous English dub release. This means that English-speaking viewers can enjoy the series alongside its Japanese release, allowing for a wider audience to engage with the story and its themes.
Why “ZENSHU” Stands Out
“ZENSHU” has garnered attention for several reasons:
- Unique Premise: The series combines the isekai genre with a behind-the-scenes look at the anime industry, offering a fresh perspective.
- Strong Characters: The characters are well-developed with relatable struggles, making them easy for the audience to connect with.
- High-Quality Animation: MAPPA is known for its exceptional animation quality, and “ZENSHU” is no exception. The visuals are stunning, with fluid animation and vibrant colors.
- Satirical Elements: The show cleverly uses satire to critique common anime tropes and the demanding nature of the animation world.
- Emotional Depth: Beneath its comedic and fantastical elements, the series touches on poignant themes of burnout, self-discovery, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.
The addition of Mamoru Miyano further elevates “ZENSHU,” adding a layer of star power that is sure to attract more fans. The series is not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, providing a unique and engaging viewing experience. As the episodes continue to roll out, “ZENSHU” is quickly proving itself to be one of the standout anime of the season.
Mamoru Miyano‘s portrayal of Ultimate Exister is already making waves, and the character’s insert song, “I Am Ultimate Exister,” is quickly becoming a fan favorite. This collaboration, along with the overall quality of the show, sets “ZENSHU” on a path to potentially becoming a sleeper hit of the Winter 2025 anime season.
