**Anne of Green Gables Receives Its Third Anime Adaptation: A Look at Anne Shirley’s Impact in Japan**

The cherished Canadian classic *Anne of Green Gables* by Lucy Maud Montgomery is gearing up for its third anime adaptation, entitled *Anne Shirley*. Produced by The Answer Studio, this reboot has already stirred enthusiasm with the revelation of its cast and crew. Scheduled for release in 2025, the new adaptation aims to provide a contemporary perspective on the timeless tale while honoring its significant history in Japanese culture and animation.

### The Heritage of Anime Adaptations

Though many enthusiasts of *Anne of Green Gables* may link the narrative to its Canadian origins, the novel boasts a surprisingly strong tie to Japan. The initial anime adaptation, *Akage no Anne* (which translates to “Red-Haired Anne”), premiered in 1979 as part of Nippon Animation’s *World Masterpiece Theater* series. This adaptation was directed by the renowned Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Takahata’s work on the project was enhanced by contributions from other Ghibli legends, including Hayao Miyazaki, who assisted with scene and setting designs, and Yoshifumi Kondo, who acted as character designer and animation director.

The 1979 series, consisting of 50 episodes, is widely acknowledged as a faithful and heartfelt rendition of Montgomery’s book. Its triumph not only established Anne Shirley as a beloved figure in Japan but also highlighted the artistic skill of the team that would later create some of Studio Ghibli’s most celebrated projects.

A second anime adaptation emerged in 2009, called *Konnichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables*. This prequel series, also created by Nippon Animation, delved into Anne’s life prior to her arrival at Green Gables, providing fans with a more profound insight into her background.

### The Upcoming Adaptation: *Anne Shirley*

The forthcoming *Anne Shirley* anime from The Answer Studio signifies a notable shift from its forebears. Whereas previous adaptations primarily centered on the first novel, this reboot intends to encompass not only *Anne of Green Gables* but also its subsequent books, *Anne of Avonlea* and *Anne of the Island*. This ambitious vision aims to explore Anne’s evolution as she transforms from a spirited orphan into a self-assured young woman.

The Answer Studio, recognized for its contributions to *Tower of God* and Makoto Shinkai’s films *Your Name* and *Suzume*, has already hinted at breathtaking visuals for the series. Fans can’t wait to witness how the studio will depict the picturesque settings of Prince Edward Island and the vibrant character of Anne Shirley.

### Introducing the Cast and Crew

The voice cast for *Anne Shirley* boasts a skilled ensemble of actors, spearheaded by Honoka Inoue (*EDENS ZERO*, *RPG Real Estate*) as Anne Shirley. Inoue shared her excitement and gratitude for the part, saying, “I’ve cherished the world of *Anne of Green Gables* since childhood… This joy is beyond what words can express.” Joining her are Aya Nakamura as Marilla Cuthbert, Yasunori Matsumoto (*SK8 the Infinity*) as Matthew Cuthbert, Naoya Miyase (*The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist*) as Gilbert Blythe, and Yume Miyamoto (*SSSS.GRIDMAN*) as Diana Barry.

The production team comprises seasoned animators and directors striving to respect the legacy of earlier adaptations while introducing Anne’s tale to a fresh audience.

### What Makes *Anne of Green Gables* So Enduringly Popular in Japan?

The lasting appeal of *Anne of Green Gables* in Japan can be traced back to a notable cultural exchange between Canada and Japan. In the early 20th century, Canadian missionary Loretta Leonard Shaw introduced the novel to her Japanese pupil, Hanako Muraoka, who subsequently translated it into Japanese as *Akage no Anne*. Muraoka’s translation was released in 1952, at a time when Japan was recovering from the destruction of World War II. Anne’s hopeful and resilient demeanor resonated profoundly with Japanese readers, especially women, who drew inspiration from her resolve to face challenges and embrace life with creativity and optimism.

The book’s motifs of self-discovery, individuality, and the allure of nature deeply connected with Japanese audiences, and its popularity surged with further adaptations. The 1985 Canadian miniseries by Kevin Sullivan intensified Japan’s interest in Anne, leading to unique cultural occurrences such as the construction of a Green Gables replica in Japan’s Canadian World Park and the inclusion of *Anne of Green Gables* excerpts in English language textbooks.

### A Cross-Cultural Sensation

The narrative of *Anne of Green Gables* transcends geographical boundaries, illustrating the universal charm of its themes and characters.