The popular short video series “Toi-san”, created by Jel, a member of the Japanese boy band Strawberry Prince, is being adapted into an anime film. The film is scheduled for release in Japan in the summer of 2025. This announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans of both Jel and the group.
From Short Videos to the Big Screen
The “Toi-san” series originated as a collection of short comedy videos posted on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in April 2019. The series features a high school girl named Akane Toi, who is known as “Toi-san” by her classmates. The videos often depict her humorous interactions with her eccentric classmates, especially a handsome young boy named Jel. The series has garnered over 10 billion views across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and other social media. Its popularity has also led to the release of an official English study book and a novel, further demonstrating its wide appeal.
The Plot of “Toi-san”
The story revolves around Akane Toi’s desire to have a normal high school experience. However, her plans are quickly derailed when she encounters the charming Jel on her first day. While Toi initially anticipates a romantic development, her daily life turns into a comedy of errors with quirky classmates, and the series is known for its fast-paced humor and short skits.
Jel’s Involvement in the Anime Film
Jel is taking a leading role in the anime film adaptation of his series. He is credited as the original creator, scriptwriter, storyboard artist, and character designer. Jel will also be providing the voices for several characters in the film. This level of involvement shows his passion and commitment to the project. He will be assisted by his fellow Strawberry Prince bandmate, Nanamori, who will serve as the project planner and producer. Nanamori is also credited with the original story, under his off-stage name, Masato Kashiwabara.
Production and Distribution
The anime film will be distributed by Shochiku, a major Japanese film production and distribution company, which is also known for its work on “Blue Archive.” The film is produced by Dentsu and STPR.
Strawberry Prince: A Brief Overview
Strawberry Prince (also known as SutoPuri) is a six-member Japanese entertainment group and idol unit formed in June 2016. The group has gained immense popularity through their music, live streams, and engaging content on various platforms.
Members and Their Roles
The current members of Strawberry Prince are:
- Nanamori (Purple): The group’s leader, serving as a vocalist. He is also the original creator, chief production supervisor, and planning producer for the Toi-san anime film.
- Jel (Orange): A vocalist who is the creator of the “Toi-san” video series. He also takes on a leading role in the production of the anime film.
- Satomi (Pink): Vocalist.
- Colon (Blue): Vocalist.
- Rinu (Red): Vocalist.
- Root (Yellow): Vocalist and composer.
Each member is represented by an illustrated character when they appear in media. The group is known for their close bond and collaborative nature, often creating duet covers and engaging in various skits.
Rise to Fame
Strawberry Prince initially gained attention through their song covers on Nico Nico Douga, YouTube, TikTok, and other streaming platforms. Their YouTube channel features a mix of music videos, live streams of video game sessions, and various entertainment videos, many of which feature their illustrated avatars. The members often do not reveal their real faces except during live performances or meetups. They have also performed theme songs for various anime series, including Yo-kai Gakuen Y: N to no Sogu and Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress. They have also released several studio albums, mini-albums, and extended plays.
Past Successes
The band’s popularity led to the creation of a smartphone game titled StrawPri With!! and a radio talk show. In 2024, the group inspired their own anime film titled GekijÅban SutoPuri Hajimari no Monogatari: Strawberry School Festival!!!!, which was released on July 19, 2024. This previous film saw the band members voice the main characters and was produced by LIDENFILMS. The movie surpassed 600 million yen in box office revenue in its first 51 days.
Jel’s Career and Hiatus
Jel has been a key member of Strawberry Prince since being recruited by Nanamori in mid-2016. He released his first solo album, Believe, in 2021, which performed well on the Oricon charts. In August 2022, Jel took a hiatus from the group due to depression, but returned to Strawberry Prince in January 2024.
What to Expect from the “Toi-san” Anime Film
The film adaptation of “Toi-san” is expected to maintain the comedic essence of the original short video series. The film will be a theatrical release and will likely feature a blend of fast-paced humor and relatable high school experiences. With Jel’s hands-on approach, the film promises to be a faithful and engaging adaptation for fans. As it will be distributed by Shochiku, a well-known Japanese distribution company, this will likely mean a wide release across Japan.
A Summer 2025 Release
The film is set to be released in Japanese theaters in the summer of 2025. While the official title and specific release date have not been announced yet, the anticipation is already building.
Conclusion
The anime film adaptation of Jel‘s “Toi-san” video series is a highly anticipated project that highlights the growing influence of social media content on mainstream entertainment. With Jel taking on a central role in the creative process and the support of Nanamori and the rest of Strawberry Prince, this film is poised to be a must-see for fans and newcomers alike. The success of Strawberry Prince in various forms of entertainment shows their broad appeal, from online videos to animated films.
