If you were ever overwhelmed at work and thought “I wish I were a raccoon to avoid taxes,” someone in Japan had the same idea. Publisher Ichijinsha has announced that the popular manga Would You Like to Be a Tanuki? (known in Japanese as Omae, Tanuki ni Narane–ka?) will get its own anime adaptation. The announcement came with a teaser video, a promotional image, and a commemorative illustration by creator Tomo Nagawa.

The production is in the capable hands of studio Nippon Animation. The staff includes heavyweights like Jun Kamiya (director of Kingdom and Hikaru no Go) as director, Masaki Wachi handling scripts, Cocoro Takemoto for designs, and Minako Seki for the soundtrack, promising high-quality visuals.

The quiet success that conquered digital format

Originally published in the digital magazine Comic Pool in April 2021, its relatable stories have made it beloved. The manga is set to release its 10th volume on May 25. While no exact air date is announced, knowing the series is in production is enough to add it to our healing anime list.

Synopsis of Would You Like to Be a Tanuki?

The story follows Koganemaru, a mystical tanuki who approaches people facing existential crises or daily pressures, offering them a magical chance to temporarily become tanuki. Through this experience, Koganemaru helps these individuals heal, relax, and rediscover what truly matters in life.

Would you accept Koganemaru’s deal to escape your responsibilities or continue suffering in the human world?