The teaser trailer for the upcoming Lonely Castle in the Mirror anime movie, an adaptation of Mizuki Tsujimura’s novel, has been released. The previewed footage is accompanied by narration from protagonist Kokoro, although the voice actress’s identity remains under wraps.

Meanwhile, Keiichi Hara (Birthday Wonderland, Miss Hokusai) was revealed to be the director of the movie, while A-1 Pictures is the animation production company.

Auditions are currently being held for the roles of the students at Kokoro’s school. More information about the movie will be revealed on July 28.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is set to premiere in Japan in winter. The Poplar-published novel (titled Kakami no Kojou/The Solitary Castle in the Mirror in the original non-translated version) was first released in Japan in 2017. It was later translated into English by Philip Gabriel and released with the Lonely Castle in the Mirror title in 2021. 

The novel was the winner of the Japan Booksellers’ Award as well as a No. 1 bestseller in Japan. It was also one of The Guardian’s 2021 highlight titles. A Shueisha-published manga adaptation by Tomo Taketomi began in 2019.

Penguin Random House describes the book as:

How can you save your friend’s life if she doesn’t want to be rescued?

In a tranquil neighbourhood of Tokyo, seven teenagers wake to find their bedroom mirrors are shining.

At a single touch, they are pulled from their lonely lives into to a wondrous castle filled with winding stairways, watchful portraits and twinkling chandeliers. In this new sanctuary, they are confronted with a set of clues leading to a hidden room where one of them will be granted a wish. But there’s a catch: if they don’t leave by five o’clock, they will die.

As time passes, a devastating truth emerges: only those who dare to share their stories will be punished.

Tender, playful, gripping, LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR is a mesmerizing tale about the importance of reaching out, confronting anxiety and embracing human connection.

Source: SHOCHIKUch