Kureha's beloved shojo series The Ogre's Bride is officially slated for a television anime adaptation. The news, shared today by the official X account of Novema, the editorial team behind Starts Publishing's novel imprint, marks a significant milestone for the series, which has captivated readers with its unique blend of romance, folklore, and supernatural intrigue. With a staggering 5.8 million copies in circulation across its various formats, this adaptation promises to bring the enchanting world of The Ogre's Bride to life for a global audience.
The announcement, accompanied by a stunning promotional image featuring the series' key characters adorned in traditional Japanese attire amidst a flurry of autumn leaves, was shared today, highlighting the series' impressive milestone of 5.8 million copies sold, underscoring its widespread popularity. To celebrate this exciting development, a special campaign has been launched, offering fans the chance to enjoy two volumes of the The Ogre's Bride comic series for free from June 10 to July 13, 2025. This limited-time offer is a testament to the publishers' commitment to sharing the story with both longtime fans and new viewers eager to dive into the narrative ahead of the anime's release.
Here's the promotional video celebrating The Ogre's Bride's milestone:
The creative team behind The Ogre's Bride expressed their elation and gratitude in official statements shared via the Novema website. Original author Kureha remarked:
Hello, this is Kureha. I’m thrilled to announce that The Ogre's Bride has been adapted into an anime! I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and collaborated on this journey so far. What began as a short story of about 20,000 characters has grown into a published novel, a comic adaptation, and now an anime—all thanks to the support of many. I’m buzzing with excitement thinking about my imagined world coming to life on screen. I’m delighted to finally share this with those who have cheered for The Ogre's Bride .
Similarly, manga artist Jun Togashi shared, “Congratulations on the TV anime adaptation of The Ogre's Bride! I can’t wait to see how Yuzu, Reiya, and the little ogre child will be portrayed, their voices, and their movements. I’m deeply grateful to everyone involved in this project and to the readers who have supported us.” Illustrator Yu Shiratani added, “Congratulations on the anime adaptation of The Ogre's Bride! I’m eagerly anticipating how my beloved Yuzu, Reiya, and the captivating characters will be brought to life with color and motion. It’s an honor to be part of such a significant project, and I’m immensely thankful to the readers, author Kureha, manga artist Jun Togashi, and all involved.”
Commemorative artworks by novel illustrator Yu Shiratani and manga artist Jun Togashi have also been unveiled.
This anime adaptation represents a first for Starts Publishing, marking The Ogre's Bride as the imprint’s inaugural venture into the animated medium. The series’ journey from a humble short story to a cultural phenomenon with a massive readership sets the stage for what promises to be a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant adaptation. With the creative team’s enthusiasm and the backing of a robust promotional campaign, anticipation is building for the unveiling of further details, including the release date and production staff.
What is The Ogre's Bride about?
Originating as a light novel series under Starts Publishing’s Novema imprint, The Ogre's Bride has since expanded into a richly illustrated manga and now a highly anticipated anime. The story draws inspiration from Japanese folklore, weaving a tale that blends traditional elements with a modern romantic twist. The series began as a short narrative by Kureha, which gained traction through its publication in various formats, including the Novema Comics and Wild Strawberry Junior Library editions, captivating readers with its unique premise and compelling characters.
At the heart of The Ogre's Bride lies a narrative steeped in the mystique of ayakashi—supernatural beings from Japanese mythology. The official description from MangaPlaza encapsulates the essence of the series:
A Japanese-style ayakashi Cinderella story! ‘You’re the bride I’ve been searching for all this time.’ The ayakashi and humans coexist in harmony. The ayakashi, having superior abilities and beautiful appearances, sometimes find their partner among human women, making them their ‘bride’. The bride, in exchange for bringing prosperity, receives absolute love from the ayakashi. Yuzu is constantly compared to her sister, a bride of a demon fox, and is resented by her family every day. One day, when Yuzu just couldn’t take things anymore, a man appears before her on a bridge. This man is the most beautiful man Yuzu has ever seen… and he’s calling her his wife?! ‘Just be quiet and let me hold you.’ The most powerful, ‘cold-hearted’ ayakashi is pouring his heart out for Yuzu?!
This poignant and dramatic encounter sets the stage for a transformative journey, as Yuzu navigates her newfound role and the complex emotions tied to her destined union with the enigmatic ayakashi. As the anime adaptation approaches, The Ogre's Bride is poised to enchant viewers with its lush visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and the timeless allure of a Cinderella-inspired tale reimagined through the lens of Japanese supernatural romance. Stay tuned for more updates as the project unfolds!
