Additionally, the teaser PV and main cast list have been released. Daisuke Hirakawa will play the husband Keisuke Niijima, Aoi Yuki will play the wife Takae Niijima/Marika Shiraishi, and Maiko Nomura will play the daughter Mai Niijima. Cast comments have also been released.
▲ Teaser visual
The doorbell rings at the Niijima household, who are quietly gathered around the dinner table, and a girl with folded arms is standing at the entrance, saying, “I’m home!” Her husband, Keisuke, is taken aback. Without a moment’s hesitation, the girl declares, “I’m Niijima Takae, your wife! Mai’s mother!”
Keisuke is happy when Takae (Marika) makes him lunch, and Mai smiles as she talks with her mother. With his wife, who had disappeared, returning as an elementary school student, the Niijima family once again enjoys happy, ordinary days. Keisuke’s feelings for his wife, who has appeared before him once again even though she is still an elementary school student, overflow with emotion as he savors the time they can spend together and shows his devotion as a loving husband, making for a humorous yet heart-warming video!
Q1: Impressions after reading the original work
The thoughts, emotions, expressions, words, and actions of each character, as woven by Murata Yayuu-sensei, naturally made me imagine how the character had lived up to that point, and even allowed me to feel parts that had not been depicted. I turned the pages while empathizing with the various characters, and read all the way to the final chapter in one go. I don’t know how many times I cried during that time…
Q2. About the character you played
He looks like a normal guy on the outside, but he’s actually a pretty cool guy on the inside (laughs).
However, since the death of his beloved wife, he has now lost the wonderful side that he once possessed.
I hope you will watch what he realizes and how he changes when he is reunited with his wife when she returns as an elementary school student.
Q3: This time, bento lunches are an important element in the story. What is your favorite bento lunch and why?
Kiyoken’s Shumai bento. It’s great for traveling on the Shinkansen, or you can buy it and eat it at home.
It’s so consistently delicious you’ll never get tired of it, no matter how many times you eat it!
But to be honest, there are so many other bentos that I like that I think, “This question is tough!” (laughs) Japanese bento culture is truly great.
Q4. A message to your fans
Although I was unsure and worried about how to express myself each time, I exchanged many opinions with my co-stars and staff, and I approached the recording with care, paying close attention to every feeling and word.
This is a film that I would like as many people as possible to see, regardless of age or gender.
And for those who haven’t read the original work, as a fan of this work, I would be very happy if the anime would encourage them to check out the original work.
Q1: Impressions after reading the original work
The only part that is fantasy is that Takae, who was supposed to have died, returns as an elementary school student, and the story unfolds in a way that enhances reality, so I prayed for everyone to be happy! I read the original while praying… It made me think about a lot of things about family love. At the same time, I was fired up, thinking that it might be up to us to convey this emotion within the limited time of a one-cour animation.
Q2. About the character you played
Takae is a cheerful, emotional, outspoken and easy-going person who is like the sun to everyone. While I was playing her, I was constantly energized by her power. Also, although she is usually an adult woman, she sometimes shows her pure, childlike side again when she becomes an elementary school student, and that was also fun to play.
Q3: This time, bento lunches are an important element in the story. What is your favorite bento lunch and why?
Ginger pork bento! Ginger pork bento is always delicious even when it’s cold, no matter what brand it is, and I like it because it somehow gives me a sense of security.
Q4. A message to your fans
My Wife is a Primary School Student. The title is catchy, but contrary to that, it is a fascinating work with a very realistic portrayal of human beings. I faced Takae with all my might so that I could bring out the best of the original work as much as possible in the play. It is a work that makes you think about many things, such as family love, the nature of life, and how to live. I hope it will be an unforgettable work that will stay in your heart.
Q1: Impressions after reading the original work
I couldn’t stop crying. The contrast between the fun, happy, and gentle daily life after the mother returns and the heavy reality that hits you hard made my heart ache many times as I read. I loved the heartwarming scenes where the mother has completely settled into school as an elementary school student and is enjoying school life.
Q2. About the character you played
麻衣は、お母さんを亡くした時から時が止まってしまった女の子です。お母さんを亡くしてから親に甘えられなくなった分、少し子供っぽくて頑固だったり。そんな麻衣が勇気を持って事実を受け入れて前を向いていく姿を見てほしいです。そして実は麻衣の名前の漢字が私と一緒なので、とても親近感があります！
Q3、今回は物語の大切な要素として“お弁当”がございます。好きなお弁当と理由をお聞かせ下さい
学生時代、おかずの汁が他のおかずやご飯にうつるのが嫌いな面倒くさい子供だったので、母が上段におかず一種類、下段に白米というお弁当を作ってくれていました。シンプルなお弁当だけど私の好みに合わせて作ってくれているのが嬉しかったです。
Q4、ファンに向けて一言
ティザービジュアルに「愛とは、たとえ苦しくても相手の幸せを願えること。」という言葉がありますが、その言葉の通りに、登場人物全員がそれぞれの立場でもがき苦しみながらも、相手の幸せを願いながら、前を向いて進んでいく姿に注目していただけたらうれしいです。
2024年10月より放送開始!! TOKYO MX、BS11他
原作：村田椰融（掲載「週刊漫画TIMES」芳文社刊）
監督：阿部記之
シリーズ構成・脚本：平林佐和子
キャラクターデザイン：関川成人
音響監督：三好慶一郎
音楽：山崎寛子
アニメーション制作：スタジオ サインポスト
新島圭介：平川大輔
新島貴恵・白石万理華：悠木碧
新島麻衣：野村麻衣子
公式HP：tsumasho-anime.com
公式X：@tsumasho_anime
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