The latest release from Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, issue 51, excitingly announces Kōji Miura’s beloved manga “Blue Box” (Ao no Hako) is set to captivate audiences in a new television anime adaptation.
In this anticipated adaptation, Shōya Chiba breathes life into the protagonist Taiki Inomata, while Reina Ueda voices the spirited Chinatsu Kano. A special stage event featuring these stars is set to illuminate the Jump Festa ’24 on December 16, bringing fans closer to the heart of this anime journey.
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The excitement unfolds as we reveal our main cast:
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Embodying the lead, Taiki Inomata, is none other than #ShoyaChiba. Here’s a word from Chiba himself on his new role 🏸#BlueBox @Shoya_Chiba pic.twitter.com/tbuQgYEIWH— Blue Box Official (@aonohako_PR) November 19, 2023
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Continuing our main cast reveal:
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Gracing the role of heroine Chinatsu Kano is the talented #ReinaUeda. Ueda shares her excitement for the character 🏀#BlueBox pic.twitter.com/SC0q1OXHZb— Blue Box Official (@aonohako_PR) November 19, 2023
Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service graciously offers the manga in English digitally, describing the narrative as a heartfelt journey of Taiki Inomata, a dedicated badminton player at Eimei Junior and Senior High. He harbors affection for the talented basketball player Chinatsu Kano, with whom he shares morning training sessions.
‘A pivotal spring day alters their dynamic, setting the stage for a story woven with passion, sport, and youthful exuberance. The manga, initially a one-shot in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2020, began serialization in April 2021. Shueisha is set to release the manga’s 13th volume on December 4, while Viz Media gears up to bring the seventh volume to fans physically, with the eighth volume following soon after on January 2.
Sources: Weekly Shonen Jump issue 51, Blue Box anime’s Twitter account