A new website launched on Thursday has unveiled the television anime adaptation of Shigeru Sagazaki’s light novel series, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman (Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru: Tada no Inaka no Kenjutsu Shihan Datta noni, Taisei Shita Deshitachi ga Ore o Hōttekurenai Ken). The anime is set to air in April 2025, and the website has also revealed the main staff, teaser visual, and a promotional video for the series.
Table of Contents
Main Staff and Visuals
The anime will be directed by Akio Kazumi, known for his work on Loner Life in Another World and Fist of the Blue Sky Regenesis. The series scripts will be handled by Kunihiko Okada, who has previously worked on The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy and By the Grace of the Gods season 2. Satsuki Hayasaka will be the character designer and chief animation director, and Yasuharu Takanashi will compose the music, bringing his experience from Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura and Fairy Tail to the project.
Illustrations celebrating the announcement have been drawn by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima, the light novels’ illustrator, and Kazuki Satō, the manga adaptation’s artist.
Broadcast Details
The anime will air on the IMAnimation programming block of 24 TV Asahi affiliate channels and on BS Asahi starting in April 2025. This strategic timing and broad broadcast range ensure that the series will reach a wide audience, both in Japan and internationally.
About the Story
Shigeru Sagazaki first launched the story on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in November 2020. The light novels, published by Square Enix with illustrations by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima, have garnered a significant following. The first volume was released in April 2021, and the eighth volume is set to release on August 6. J-Novel Club has licensed the novels and provides the following synopsis:
Beryl Gardinant, a self-proclaimed “humble old man,” is a sword instructor at his dojo in a rural, backwater village. In his younger years, he dreamed of glory as a master swordsman, but those days are long behind him. Out of the blue, he receives a visit from a famous former pupil who brings him world-shattering news—he’s been appointed as special instructor for the knights of the Liberion Order! With his life now turned upside down, Beryl travels to the capital and reunites with some of his former students: elite knights, an ace wizard, and even an adventurer who’s attained the highest guild rank possible. But why do they all want his tutelage?! As far as he’s concerned, they clearly don’t need him anymore. Can Beryl live up to his new position? And will he ever get a moment’s peace away from his adoring students?!
Manga Adaptation
Kazuki Satō launched the manga adaptation of the novels in Akita Shoten’s Dokodemo Young Champion magazine in August 2021. The manga’s first compiled book volume was published in February 2022, with the sixth volume also releasing on August 6. Yen Press has licensed the manga and will release the first volume in September.
Popularity and Reception
The original novels and manga have achieved impressive success, with a cumulative total of 5.5 million copies in circulation. This popularity underscores the series’ wide appeal and the anticipation for the upcoming anime adaptation.
Anticipation for the Anime
Fans of the light novels and manga are eagerly awaiting the anime adaptation, which promises to bring the beloved story and characters to life with high-quality animation and a talented staff. The blend of humor, action, and heart in the story of Beryl Gardinant is expected to translate well to the screen, providing an engaging viewing experience for both new and returning fans.
Conclusion
The announcement of the anime adaptation of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman has generated excitement among fans of the series. With a skilled team of creators, an engaging story, and a dedicated fanbase, the anime is poised to be a standout in the Spring 2025 season. As the release date approaches, anticipation will only continue to build, promising a successful debut for this much-loved series.
Sources: From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman anime’s website, Comic Natalie
