Draw This, Then Die! Anime Reveals Second Trailer and New Cast Members

Creating comics is not just about knowing how to draw; it is the terrifying and fascinating process of baring your soul on a blank page to share it with the rest of the world. This Tuesday, the official website for the anime adaptation of the acclaimed manga about personal growth and the publishing industry, written and illustrated by Minoru Toyoda, Draw This, Then Die! (Kore Kaite Shine), released its second promotional trailer. The video, titled "Lost World," revealed the addition of four new vocal talents to the project and confirmed that the series will begin its broadcast on Japanese television during the upcoming month of July, occupying the coveted "Friday Anime Night" late-night block on the NTV network.

The endearing task of animating this authentic love letter to manga creators was left in the hands of studio Shinei Animation. The main director's chair is occupied by Hiroaki Akagi, globally recognized for his exquisite work on The Dangers in My Heart and Teasing Master Takagi-san. The responsibility of adapting the scripts falls to Hiroko Fukuda, with narrative assistance from Aki Itami and Kanichi Kato. The expressive character designs are the work of Takekazu Segawa, while the musical scores that will accompany moments of frustration and artistic triumph are being composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi.

The extensive official statement stood out for the introduction of the new actresses joining the main voice cast, complementing the previously announced talent that includes figures such as Akira Sekine (Ai Yasumi) and Inori Minase (Hikaru Sekiryu):

• Noriko Hidaka as Pokota.

An industry veteran voice in charge of bringing to life Ai's energetic imaginary friend, who always motivates her when she suffers from creative blocks.

• Atsumi Tanezaki as Nana Teramura.

An internationally acclaimed actress for portraying Anya Forger in Spy x Family and the elf Frieren, playing the friendly manager of the local manga rental shop.

• Yukana as Hana Kongoji.

Recognized by the otaku community thanks to her iconic role as C.C. in Code Geass, taking on the role of a strict and realistic editor at a major publishing house.

• Kikuko Inoue as Hebichika-sensei.

A legendary voice actress who will lend her talent to play a successful mangaka with a work reaching millions in sales and an extremely intense personality.

About the work

Master Minoru Toyoda began serializing this inspiring slice-of-life story in the pages of Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine in November 2021. The work has managed to captivate both readers and specialized critics for its honest representation of the creative process, sweeping prestigious awards such as the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards in January 2025 and the coveted Manga Taisho. Its commercial success in Japan allowed for the publication of its eighth printed compiled volume in October 2025.

Synopsis of Draw This, Then Die!

The plot closely follows Ai Yasumi, a first-year high school student living a quiet and monotonous life on the remote island of Izu Oshima. Ai is completely obsessed with the art of comic panels and harbors the deep and secret dream of becoming a professional mangaka. Her life takes a momentous turn when she learns that her absolute idol, the enigmatic and solitary artist known as Yasuno-sensei, will make a rare public appearance at a local convention. Determined to meet her hero in person, Ai makes a decision that will trigger a series of new and valuable friendships. Inspired by this encounter, she founds a school manga club along with her friends, facing head-on the harsh but beautiful reality of trying to capture her most sincere feelings on paper.

Do you think the combination of quiet island life with the stressful and demanding reality of the publishing industry will manage to turn this series into one of the best anime of the summer season?