12 episodes with Kumamoto-native staff, cast supports rebuilding efforts after 2016 earthquakes

The Kumamoto Prefectural Government announced on Monday that it is producing a 12-episode television anime titled Natsunagu! that will premiere in January 2020 on Tokyo MX and Kumamoto Broadcasting . The anime is set in the prefecture, and both the staff and voice cast features Kumamoto natives. The anime is intended to support the prefecture's rebuilding and revival efforts after the April 2016 earthquakes.

The anime's story follows the coming-of-age of Natsuna Keyaki (romanization not official), a college student in Tokyo who goes to Kumamoto after losing contact with her friend after the 2016 earthquakes. There, she meets individuals with colorful personalities, such as middle school girl Izumi, who begin to light a passion in Natsuna.

Yasuyuki Honda ( Kamisama Kiss episode director, Mr. Osomatsu episode animation director) is directing the anime, with Shun Fukudome ( Magical Circle Guruguru animation producer) producing. Domeshisan is penning the scripts.

Yoshino Aoyama ( Wake Up, Girls! ' Yoshino Nanase, Scorching Ping Pong Girls ' Yura Yuragi) is starring in the anime as the character Izumi.

Mantan Web describes the anime as the first over-the-air television anime produced by a local government that lasts one quarter of a year.

Source: The Mainichi Shimbun's Mantan Web