In a major development for anime fans across North America, Crunchyroll has officially announced its acquisition of the theatrical rights to Whoever Steals This Book, a captivating fantasy adventure film that has already captured hearts in Japan. According to Anime News Network, this acquisition marks an exciting opportunity for Western audiences to experience director Daiki Fukuoka’s feature film debut on the big screen, with the film set to make its international premiere at the prestigious New York International Children’s Film Festival.
A Literary Journey Through Cursed Worlds
Based on Nowaki Fukamidori’s acclaimed 2020 novel of the same name, Whoever Steals This Book tells the story of Mifuyu Mikura, a high school student living in Yomunaga—a town literally steeped in stories and surrounded by books. Her family has managed Mikura Hall, a renowned library founded by her great-grandfather, for generations. Yet despite this bibliophile heritage, Mifuyu harbors a secret: she absolutely hates books.
This ironic setup becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary adventure when several books are stolen from the library, triggering an ancient curse known as the “Book Curse.” The theft doesn’t just set off alarms—it transforms the entire town according to the various stories contained within the stolen volumes. To save her community and restore normalcy, Mifuyu must do the unthinkable: enter the very stories she despises and track down the book thief.
Joining her on this perilous journey is Mashiro, a mysterious girl with dog ears who appears when the curse is activated. Together, this unlikely duo must navigate through different story worlds, each with its own rules, dangers, and narrative logic. The premise offers a fresh take on the isekai genre, grounding its fantastical elements in the power of literature itself.
From Japanese Theaters to North American Screens
Released in Japan by Kadokawa Animation on December 26, 2025, Whoever Steals This Book represents the first feature film from director Daiki Fukuoka, previously known for his work on series like Phantom of the Idol. The film has been praised for its genre-hopping approach, taking viewers through various literary landscapes that range from detective noir to epic fantasy adventures. This creative ambition has drawn comparisons to classics like Alice in Wonderland, with its protagonist tumbling through strange and wondrous narrative worlds.
Crunchyroll’s acquisition of North American theatrical rights signals the streaming giant’s continued commitment to bringing quality anime films to Western audiences. The announcement, as reported by Anime News Network, confirms that the film will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles, preserving the original performances while making the story accessible to English-speaking viewers.
International Festival Recognition
The film’s selection as an official entry at the New York International Children’s Film Festival is particularly noteworthy. This prestigious event, which showcases approximately 100 outstanding films from around the globe over three weekends, is Academy Award-qualifying in both the Best Live Action and Animated Short Film categories. The festival’s mission to “create and foster a more diverse and intelligent film culture for children” aligns perfectly with Whoever Steals This Book‘s thoughtful exploration of literacy, imagination, and personal growth.
The international premiere at NYICFF provides an ideal platform for the film to reach critics, industry professionals, and families seeking quality animated entertainment. Previous anime selections at the festival have included works that went on to achieve significant recognition, making this screening a potentially important stepping stone for the film’s North American reception.
A Stellar Creative Team
Beyond Fukuoka’s direction, Whoever Steals This Book boasts an impressive creative lineup. The screenplay was penned by Yasuhiro Nakanishi, while character design and chief animation direction were handled by Keiko Kurosawa. The film’s music, composed by Michiru Oshima, provides an emotional foundation for Mifuyu’s journey through literary landscapes.
The voice cast features rising talent Rin Kataoka as Mifuyu Mikura, bringing life to the book-hating protagonist forced to confront her fears and prejudices. Sora Tamaki voices the enigmatic Mashiro, whose mysterious origins and connection to the cursed books add layers of intrigue to the narrative. The ensemble cast also includes notable performers such as Rie Takahashi, Reina Ueda, Tomokazu Seki, Yō Taichi, Yumiri Hanamori, and Jun Fukuyama, each contributing to the rich tapestry of characters Mifuyu encounters.
Adding to the film’s appeal is its theme song “Share” performed by acclaimed vocalist YUKI, the former lead singer of Judy and Mary who has enjoyed a successful solo career since 2002. YUKI’s distinctive voice and emotional delivery have made her a beloved figure in Japanese pop music, and her contribution to Whoever Steals This Book provides the perfect musical companion to Mifuyu’s transformative journey.
The Source Material’s Literary Legacy
Nowaki Fukamidori’s original novel, first published by Kadokawa in 2020, quickly gained a devoted following for its imaginative premise and thoughtful exploration of why we read—and what happens when we reject the power of stories. The novel’s success led to a manga adaptation by Kakeru Sora, which serialized in Kadokawa’s Young Ace magazine from December 2021 to March 2023. Yen Press released all three compiled manga volumes in English, introducing Western readers to Mifuyu’s world before the film adaptation.
The English-language novel edition, translated by Michael Blaskowsky and published by Yen On, became available on February 18, 2025, allowing English-speaking fans to experience Fukamidori’s prose directly. The novel has been praised for its world-building, which rivals the imaginative scope of classic children’s literature while addressing contemporary themes about our relationship with books and reading in an increasingly digital age.
Kadokawa also published a spinoff novel titled Kūsō no Umi (Fantasy Sea) in May 2023, expanding the universe and offering additional perspectives on the world of stories that Mifuyu inhabits.
What This Means for Anime Theatrical Releases
Crunchyroll’s acquisition of Whoever Steals This Book continues the company’s strategy of bringing diverse anime films to North American theaters. While blockbuster franchises like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia have proven the commercial viability of anime theatrical releases, acquisitions like this demonstrate a commitment to original stories and emerging filmmakers.
The film’s themes—a reluctant hero forced to confront her fears, the transformative power of stories, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage—resonate universally while offering distinctly Japanese perspectives on literature and tradition. For a protagonist who hates books to save her town by entering those very books creates a compelling character arc that should appeal to audiences of all ages.
According to the announcement reported by Anime News Network, additional theatrical release information will be announced at a later date. This suggests that beyond the NYICFF screening, Crunchyroll plans a broader theatrical rollout, though specific cities, dates, and theater chains have yet to be confirmed. Fans eager to experience the film should keep an eye on Crunchyroll’s official channels for updates.
The Growing Anime Film Market
The acquisition comes at a time when anime films are experiencing unprecedented success in Western markets. Films like Suzume, The Boy and the Heron, and The First Slam Dunk have demonstrated that audiences are hungry for quality animated storytelling that goes beyond franchise properties. Whoever Steals This Book fits perfectly into this trend, offering original storytelling, stunning animation from Studio Kagokan, and themes that transcend cultural boundaries.
The film’s focus on books and reading also makes it particularly appealing for educational screenings and family audiences looking for content that celebrates literacy. The New York International Children’s Film Festival selection underscores this potential, positioning the film as both entertainment and a celebration of the written word.
Looking Ahead
For director Daiki Fukuoka, Whoever Steals This Book represents an ambitious feature debut that showcases his ability to handle complex narrative structures and emotional storytelling. The film’s genre-hopping approach—moving between different story worlds with distinct visual and narrative styles—demonstrates technical and creative ambition that bodes well for his future projects.
As Crunchyroll continues to expand its theatrical presence, acquisitions like Whoever Steals This Book signal a commitment to diverse storytelling that serves both established anime fans and newcomers to the medium. The film’s universal themes wrapped in distinctly Japanese cultural context offer exactly the kind of cross-cultural bridge that has made anime increasingly mainstream in Western markets.
With its international premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival and Crunchyroll’s backing for a wider North American release, Whoever Steals This Book is poised to introduce Western audiences to a charming, thoughtful adventure about the power of stories—even for those who think they hate them. As Mifuyu herself might discover, sometimes the books we avoid are exactly the ones we need to read.