Anime Film of Ex-Idol Kazumi Takayama’s Novel “Trapezium” To Be Released in PH

Odex announced it would distribute the anime film adaptation of Kazumi Takayama’s novel “Trapezium” to the Philippines. 

In a Facebook post dated Nov. 10, the media distributor said the film would be released in Philippine cinemas soon, but fell short of announcing an exact date. 

Comments regarding the announcement were mostly excitement for the film’s release, while a few explained that it would entice the fans of both Nogizaka46 and Hoshimachi Suisei, who sang the opening theme song for the film. 

Paper Straw Media understands that “Trapezium” would have to be released before or after the Metro Manila Film Festival, which normally runs during the festive Christmas season from late December to early January. It is also understood that the film would be exclusively distributed at SM Cinemas upon release. 

About the Novel

“Trapezium” is a coming-of-age novel written by Takayama, a former Nogizaka46 idol who graduated from the group in 2021. It is understood that the novel was originally published as a serialized story in Kadokawa Shoten’s Da Vinci magazine from 2016 to 2018, and was published as a novel shortly after.

The story revolves around high school student Yū Azuma, who would like to form an idol girl group alongside three other girls from three local schools in her area to symbolically represent the four corners of her region of Japan. Azuma eventually realizes the sacrifices she would have to make if she would become an idol, including not having any romantic relationships. 

Voices, Talents Behind the Film

The novel was adapted into an anime film produced by CloverWorks, distributed by Aniplex, and premiered in Japan in May 2024. The film is directed by Masahiro Shinohara and screenwriting done by Yūko Kakihara, with local voice actress and singer Asaki Yuikawa giving life to Azuma’s character. Oshi no Ko storyboarder Koji Masunari supervised the film.

Shōya Kimata of the J-pop boy band JO1 and comedian Teruyoshi Uchimura of the duo Utchan Nanchan are also credited as some of the principal voice actors for the film.

Takayama, who recently married QuizKnock writer and producer Ken Fukura in July this year, and fellow Nogizaka46 contemporary Nanase Nishino, who provided a commentary on Takayama’s novel, would also have voicing cameo roles.

It is also understood that the ending theme for the film was sung by Yuikawa, Hina Yōmiya (voicing as Kurumi Taiga in the film), Reina Ueda (Ranko Katori), and Haruka Aikawa (Mika Kamei). 

Watch the trailer of “Trapezium” below: