Last Sunday, which was December 31st, 2023, the official Spice and Wolf anime website and social media account on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, revealed a new illustration featuring the lead female character Holo in a festive holiday setting. This visual was likely released in honor of New Year’s celebrations.
In addition to the illustration, it was also recently confirmed that the release date for the upcoming Spice and Wolf anime adaptation has been set for April 2024, specifically during the Spring anime broadcasting season in Japan.
This new Spice and Wolf anime is based on the popular light novel series of the same name written by author Isuna Hasekura and featuring illustrations by artist Ju Ayakura.
The light novels center around Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wolf deity in human form, with a unique blend of economic and trade-based elements alongside fantasy.
The new anime adaptation is being produced by the animation studio Passione, which is known for its unique and vibrant style. Fans are eager to see how this studio will visualize the world and characters of Spice and Wolf when the show premieres next April.
Trailer and Release Window for New ‘Spice and Wolf’ Anime
The staff working on the upcoming Spice and Wolf anime series, titled Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf, have shared more details about the show’s premiere timeline.
They announced that the fantasy show will begin airing weekly anime episodes in April 2024 on TV Tokyo and its related channels across Japan.
For viewers outside Japan who are eager to watch this new fantasy anime, Crunchyroll has come through by obtaining international distribution rights.
This popular streaming platform will make Spice and Wolf available with subtitles globally when it debuts in April 2024.
While the exact premiere date is still to be determined, we should expect that specific air date announcement fairly soon now that the spring timeline has been confirmed.
Bringing this mystical world to animated life, the show takes inspiration from Isuna Hasekura’s bestselling light novels about the intriguing partnership between Lawrence and Holo.
He is a merchant exploring new towns to ply his trade, while she is an ancient wolf harvest goddess traveling in human form.
Fans across international fandoms have long hoped to reunite with these two memorable characters and immerse themselves once more in the show’s blend of relationship drama, witty banter, fantasy lore, and merchant negotiations. Come springtime, their patience will finally be rewarded.
Festive Holo Illustration and Voice Actress Lottery Event
In addition to revealing the April 2024 premiere timeline, the Spice and Wolf anime team has also recently released a special holiday-themed illustration featuring the show’s female lead, Holo the Wise Wolf.
This vibrant new visual shows Holo dressed in a bright red kimono, playing a traditional Japanese New Year’s game called Hanetsuki. This illustration is part of the anime’s ongoing art series “Holo and the Tale of Four Seasons,” depicting Holo across the four seasons.
To celebrate the New Year, the anime’s official website is currently holding a lottery event for fans until January 3rd, 2024.
Participants have the chance to win prizes featuring exclusive voiced lines recorded by voice actress Ami Koshimizu, who plays Holo in the anime.
This festive New Year’s visual offers fans a preview of Holo’s character design and the anime’s art style. Along with the April premiere date, it’s helping to build anticipation for the anime’s debut in just a few months’ time. Fans are eager to see the wise wolf come to life on screen.
Spice and Wolf Anime Welcomes Accomplished Team with Director Takeo Takahashi
Some notable production details have also recently been revealed about the talented creators working on the new Spice and Wolf anime adaptation.
Leading the directorial staff is Takeo Takahashi, who is the chief director. Takahashi has previous experience with the Spice and Wolf franchise, having worked as an episode director on the Spice and Wolf II anime over a decade ago. Working alongside him is Director Hijiri Sanpei at the animation studio Passione.
The musical score will be composed by the highly-acclaimed Kevin Penkin, known for his stirring and evocative compositions in anime, such as Made in Abyss and Rising of the Shield Hero.
His involvement indicates fans can expect a memorable and immersive soundtrack.
Rounding out the creative team is renowned character designer Jū Ayakura, who will lend his artistic talents to visually interpreting the characters and world of Spice and Wolf. His participation ensures faithfulness and quality in adapting the light novel’s illustrations.
With this accomplished and pedigreed staff leading production, anticipation continues building steadily for the long-awaited return of Spice and Wolf to anime form next spring.
