Anne Shirley (2025 TV series)

The Answer Studio

Company type	Animation studio
Industry	Anime production
Headquarters	Japan , Japan
Key people	Hiroshi Kawamata (director)
Products	Anime television series

is an anime television production from Japan, created by The Answer Studio under the direction of Hiroshi Kawamata. The show is adapted from the novel series Anne of Green Gables authored by Lucy Maud Montgomery and debuted in April 2025. Alongside the anime, a manga version, inspired by the 1952 translation by Hanako Muraoka and illustrated by Akane Hoshikubo, started its serialization in the online magazine B's Log Comic published by Enterbrain in January 2025.

Characters

An imaginative 11-year-old orphan girl who adjusts to life at Green Gables on Prince Edward Island. She is known for her fiery temper, especially when teased about her distinctive red hair.

Anne’s adoptive mother, initially doubtful about Anne but gradually comes to admire her spirited nature. She maintains a strict but caring demeanor, focusing on instilling discipline.

Anne’s adoptive father, who forms an immediate bond with her and often tempers Marilla’s strictness. He spoils Anne with gifts but passes away from a heart attack following financial distress in Episode 10. Anne finds solace by visiting his grave as she grows older.

Anne’s closest companion in Avonlea, known for loyalty though less imaginative compared to Anne.

A thirteen-year-old boy attending school who mocks Anne’s red hair, sparking a long-standing rivalry that eventually turns into affection.

The stern schoolteacher of Avonlea, generally disliked due to harsh treatment of students including Anne, frequently misspelling her name and punishing lateness.

A neighbor characterized as a busybody yet generous. Initially at odds with Anne, she later becomes a trusted acquaintance.

One of Anne’s friends who is well-versed in matters of romance but tends to be overly dramatic.

A practical schoolmate of Anne.

Lewis Andrews

An eccentric elderly gentleman whose sharp-tongued parrot contributes to his misunderstood reputation.

Diana’s strict mother.

A vain and jealous classmate who is generally disliked by others.

A male friend of Gilbert.

A male peer of Gilbert who socializes with Jimmy.

Sister of Charlie Sloane.

Mrs. Heather Hammond

Anne’s initial guardian before her arrival at Green Gables; she cared for triplets and after her husband’s death, Anne was placed in an orphanage.

Ella May MacPherson

Mrs. Blewett

Mrs. Spencer

Flora Jane

Muriel Stacy

Takes over as Avonlea schoolteacher following Teddy Phillips.

Philippa Gordon

("Phil")

Mrs. Allan

Mary Joe

Royal "Roy" Gardner

Paul Irving

David "Davy" Keith

A young boy taken in by Marilla after losing his mother, along with his well-mannered twin sister.

Dora Keith

Davy’s twin sister and Marilla’s third cousin.

Lavender Lewis

A middle-aged woman who renews a romantic relationship with Stephen Irving after many years apart and eventually accepts his marriage proposal.

Lenora/Charlotta the Fourth

Stephen Irving

The father of Paul Irving who marries Lavender Lewis.

Manga

The manga adaptation, based on the 1952 translation by Hanako Muraoka and illustrated by Akane Hoshikubo, commenced serialization on January 5, 2025, within Enterbrain’s online magazine B's Log Comic.

Anime

In November 2024, a fresh anime television adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables novels was unveiled. This production, created by The Answer Studio and helmed by director Hiroshi Kawamata, features character designs by Kenichi Tsuchiya and a musical score composed by Michiru Ōshima. The series made its debut on April 5, 2025, airing on NHK Educational TV. It comprises a total of 24 episodes. Beginning with episode 3, the opening theme is performed by Tota, while the ending theme "Heart" is sung by Laura Day Romance. Internationally, Crunchyroll holds streaming rights for the series, and Medialink manages Southeast Asian distribution through Ani-One Asia's YouTube channel.

Episodes

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Reception

The anime received positive acclaim. Anime Feminist emphasized its "feminist potential," describing it as a "stunning new interpretation" of the Anne of Green Gables saga that respects earlier versions while engaging newcomers. The review highlighted themes of children's independence and celebrated Anne Shirley as an "unconventional young female lead." Critic Vrai Kaiser remarked on the story’s deep-rooted presence in Japan, including a 1979 anime adaptation, and its impact on shoujo and yuri genres. Kaiser praised the premiere as "beautifully crafted" with compelling storytelling and lauded composer Takahashi Natsuko’s contribution. Though Marilla’s screen time was limited, Kaiser hoped audiences would still appreciate her character, viewing the series as an exploration of finding "joy within a society that often marginalizes young girls."

Prior to the premiere, Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network expressed guarded enthusiasm, noting that the show draws heavily on Yoshifumi Kondō’s original 1977 character designs and evokes a "charmingly nostalgic, pastoral atmosphere." She suggested that if the series captures even half of the source material’s appeal, it could become something special.

Following the release, Silverman reviewed the initial two episodes. While acknowledging some reductions—such as shortened church scenes—she commended the depth of character development and Honoka Inoue's voice performance. Silverman affirmed that the anime effectively conveys the beauty inherent in Montgomery’s writing. In her review of episode three, she highlighted its insight into Anne’s personality and noted the deliberate omission of religious motifs, focusing instead on Anne’s recitation of Robert Browning's Pippa Passes.

Petrana Radulovic from Polygon praised how the anime dynamically adapts pivotal moments like Anne smashing a slate over Gilbert’s head. She argued that animation serves as an ideal medium to express the novel’s emotional nuances. Radulovic pointed out that the episodic format and Anne’s close bond with Diana complement anime storytelling conventions well and applauded how animation enriches original thematic elements.

Jade King of TheGamer described the series as gentle and charming with "cozy cottagecore aesthetics" and an overwhelmingly sweet tone, dubbing it the "most adorable anime" of Spring 2025. She admired Anne’s spirited and optimistic depiction and likened the show to Studio Ghibli classics such as Only Yesterday, When Marnie Was There, and Kiki's Delivery Service, as well as to comforting video games like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Fields of Mistria.

Vera Vargas from CBR lauded episode nine for its timeless themes, impeccable character portrayals, relatable character interactions, and faithful adherence to numerous scenes from Montgomery’s original novel.