Prima Doll

Prima Doll
Promotional image featuring characters (clockwise from lower left): Retzel, Hōkiboshi, Karasuba, Gekka and Haizakura
プリマドール
(Purima Dōru)
Created by
Serial novel
Prima Doll Encore
Written byTōya Okano
Illustrated byMaroyaka
Published byVisual Arts
Original runOctober 26, 2020 – present
Serial novel
Prima Doll Interlude
Written byKai
Illustrated byMaroyaka
Published byASCII Media Works
MagazineDengeki G's Magazine
DemographicSeinen
Original runOctober 30, 2020 – present
Anime television series
Directed byTensho
Written by
  • Kai
  • Tōya Okano
StudioBibury Animation Studios
Licensed bySentai Filmworks
Original networkTokyo MX, MBS, BS Asahi, AT-X
English network
Original run July 9, 2022 – September 24, 2022
Episodes12 (List of episodes)
Manga
Prima Doll: New Order
Written byYuriko Asami
Published byKadokawa Shoten
Magazine
  • ComicWalker
  • NicoNico Seiga
DemographicSeinen
Original runJuly 15, 2022 – present
Manga
Prima Doll: Yōkoso Kuronekotei e
Written byDaiko Toda
Published byBushiroad
MagazineComic Bushiroad Web
DemographicSeinen
Original runAugust 12, 2022 – present
Video game
DeveloperKey
PublisherVisual Arts
GenreVisual novel
PlatformWindows
ReleasedVolume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4

Prima Doll (プリマドール, Purima Dōru) is a Japanese multimedia project created by Key and Visual Arts in October 2020, which also includes toy figurines by Kotobukiya, a short story serialization and a web novel. A 12-episode anime television series by Bibury Animation Studios aired from July to September 2022. A four-volume kinetic novel series written by Tōya Okano is in development by Key.

Characters

Kuronekotei

Haizakura (灰桜)
Voiced by: Azumi Waki[1]
A doll whose settings were once reset before coming to Kuronekotei. Because of this, she is ignorant of the ways of world and sometimes clumsy. However, she always tries her best to do something for the people around her. She is 138cm, and her favorite food is Anpan. Her dream is to learn about her own function.
Karasuba (鴉羽)
Voiced by: Tomori Kusunoki[1]
The leader of the dolls at Kuronekotei. She is sometimes strict, but is very caring of people around her. Her body parts are made from junk parts that Nagi found in order to repair her. Despite her parts being old and worn, she refuses to exchange her parts for new ones as she believes her body is a gift that Nagi gave to her. She is 155cm, and her favorite food is a rich peanut butter shake. Her dream is to protect Kuronekotei.
Gekka (月下)
Voiced by: Miyu Tomita[1]
A doll whose favorite food is taiyaki. She speaks in a blunt tone. Her dream is to embark on a new mission.
Hōkiboshi (箒星)
Voiced by: Yuki Nakashima[1]
Retzel (レーツェル, Rētseru)
Voiced by: Akari Kitō[1]
Nagi Tōma (遠間 ナギ, Tōma Nagi)
Voiced by: Ayumu Murase[2]

Others

Chiyo (千代)
Voiced by: Misaki Kuno[2]
A girl who sometimes helps out at Kuronekotei.
Otome Okunomiya (奥宮 おとめ, Okunomiya Otome)
Voiced by: Ayaka Suwa[2]
Nagi's ex co-worker.
Yūgiri (夕霧)
Voiced by: Mikako Komatsu[3]
Haikagura (灰神楽)
Voiced by: Tomoyo Kurosawa[4]

Media

Print

A web novel titled Prima Doll Encore (プリマドール・アンコール), written by Tōya Okano and illustrated by Maroyaka, has been periodically released on the project's official website since October 26, 2020.[5][6] Encore features spoken lines of dialogue and as a result is referred to as a "lite kinetic novel" in reference to Key's line of visual novels described as kinetic novels because their gameplay offers no choices or alternate endings.[7][8][9]

A series of short stories titled Prima Doll Interlude (プリマドール -interlude-), written by Kai and illustrated by Maroyaka, began serialization in ASCII Media Works's Dengeki G's Magazine with the December 2020 issue sold on October 30.[10][11] The serialization continued on a monthly basis until the November 2021 issue sold on September 30 when it was announced that it would halt temporarily.[12]

Two manga adaptations were announced: Prima Doll New Order (プリマドール New Order), illustrated by Yuriko Asami, began serialization on the ComicWalker and Nico Nico Seiga websites on July 15, 2022.[13] Prima Doll: Yōkoso Kuronekotei e (プリマドール ～ようこそ黒猫亭へ～, Prima Doll: Welcome to Kuronekotei), illustrated by Daiko Toda, began serialization on the Comic Bushiroad Web platform on August 12, 2022.[14][15]

Anime

An anime television series, directed by Tensho and animated by Bibury Animation Studios, aired from July 9 to September 24, 2022, on Tokyo MX, MBS, BS Asahi, and AT-X.[14][a] The screenplay is written by Kai and Tōya Okano. Character design is provided by Akane Yano who based the designs on original illustrations by Na-Ga, Fuzichoco, Yui Hara, En Morikura and Lack.[1] The opening theme song is "Tin Toy Melody" composed by Jun Maeda,[16] and performed by Chat Noir (consisting of Azumi Waki, Tomori Kusunoki, Miyu Tomita, Yuki Nakashima and Akari Kitō).[17] The series is licensed worldwide excluding Asian territories by Sentai Filmworks.[18]

Episode list

No.Title [19][20]Directed by [19]Written by [19]Storyboarded by [19]Original air date [21][b]
1"The First Melody"
Transliteration: "Hajimete no Senritsu" (Japanese: はじめての旋律)		Yūichirō AokiTōya OkanoTenshōJuly 9, 2022 (2022-07-09)
2"Playing Alongside the Moon"
Transliteration: "Tsuki to Kanaderu" (Japanese: 月と奏でる)		Yūichirō AokiTōya OkanoKomari KamikitaJuly 16, 2022 (2022-07-16)
3"Starry Sky Requiem"
Transliteration: "Hoshizora no Chinkonka" (Japanese: 星空の鎮魂歌)		Yūichirō AokiTōya OkanoYūichirō AokiJuly 23, 2022 (2022-07-23)
4"Fluttering Wings Return"
Transliteration: "Haoto wa Meguru" (Japanese: 羽音は巡る)		Kai Hasako
Takanori Yamamoto		Tōya OkanoKomari Kamikita
Tenshō		July 30, 2022 (2022-07-30)
5"Singing in the Rain"
Transliteration: "Ame ni Utaeba" (Japanese: 雨に歌えば)		Shigeo KoshiTōya OkanoKomari KamikitaAugust 6, 2022 (2022-08-06)
6"The Black Cat's Concert"
Transliteration: "Kuronekotei no Ongakukai" (Japanese: 黒猫亭の音楽会)		Yūichirō AokiKaiYūichirō Aoki
Tenshō		August 13, 2022 (2022-08-13)
7"Dreamlike Days"
Transliteration: "Musō no Hibi" (Japanese: 夢想の日々)		Yūichirō AokiTōya OkanoKento ShintaniAugust 20, 2022 (2022-08-20)
8"Rondo of Eternal Winter"
Transliteration: "Tokofuyu no Rondo" (Japanese: 常冬のロンド)		Akira KatōKaiRyūta YamamotoAugust 27, 2022 (2022-08-27)
9"A Momentary Sextet"
Transliteration: "Hitotoki no Rokujūsō" (Japanese: ひとときの六重奏)		Ryūta Yamamoto
Yūichirō Aoki		KaiRyūta YamamotoSeptember 3, 2022 (2022-09-03)
10"Unending Unison"
Transliteration: "Seishō wa Owaranai" (Japanese: 斉唱は終わらない)		Takanori YamamotoKaiTakanori YamamotoSeptember 10, 2022 (2022-09-10)
11"Thunderous War Song"
Transliteration: "Senka Banrai" (Japanese: 戦歌万雷)		Akiko SekiTōya OkanoSatoshi ShimizuSeptember 17, 2022 (2022-09-17)
12"Let These Feelings Resound"
Transliteration: "Kono Omoi, Hibikasete" (Japanese: この想い、響かせて)		Yūichirō AokiTōya OkanoTenshōSeptember 24, 2022 (2022-09-24)

Visual novels

A series of four visual novels, described as kinetic novels since their gameplay offers no choices or alternate endings, are in development by Key.[22] The main scenario is written by Tōya Okano, who co-wrote the scenario for the anime adaptation. The first three volumes are set to release in 2023, and volume four is scheduled for release in 2024.[23]

Other

In collaboration with plastic model and figurine manufacturer Kotobukiya, a series of 1/7 scale figurines of the characters was announced to be in production in October 2020.[24] A figurine of Haizakura was released on August 30, 2021,[25][26] and the limited edition release came bundled with the single "Kikaijikake no Sanka / Usuhanazakura" (機械仕掛けの賛歌 / 薄花桜, Mechanical Song of Praise / Light Pink). "Kikaijikake no Sanka" is sung by Azumi Waki, Tomori Kusunoki, Miyu Tomita, Yuki Nakashima and Akari Kitō; "Usuhanazakura" is sung by Waki.[27] A figurine of Karasuba was announced in May 2021.[28]

Notes

  1. ^ Tokyo MX lists the series premiere at 24:30 on July 8, 2022, which is effectively 12:30 a.m. JST on July 9.
  2. ^ Episodes are released on ABEMA five days before their air dates on television.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Key's Prima Doll Mixed Media Project Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Key's Prima Doll Anime Reveals 3 New Cast Members". Anime News Network. May 30, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  3. ^ "Key's Prima Doll Anime Casts Mikako Komatsu as Yūgiri". Anime News Network. July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  4. ^ "Prima Doll Anime Casts Tomoyo Kurosawa as Haikagura". Anime News Network. September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  5. ^ "プリマドール・アンコール" (in Japanese). Key. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  6. ^ "プリマドール・アンコール 01-01 あんぱんと自律人形（１）" (in Japanese). Key. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  7. ^ "About Kinetic Novel" (in Japanese). Key. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  8. ^ "『プリマドール』Project公式" (in Japanese). Twitter. November 20, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  9. ^ "Key×バイブリーアニメーションスタジオ『プリマドール』2022年TVアニメ化決定！" (in Japanese). Lisani. January 31, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  10. ^ "『プリマドール』Project公式" (in Japanese). Twitter. October 29, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  11. ^ "『プリマドール』Project公式" (in Japanese). Twitter. February 1, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  12. ^ "Key×コトブキヤが紡ぐ歌と自律人形（オートマタ）の物語『プリマドール』——電撃G'sマガジン11月号の描き下ろしイラストは、その言動やたたずまいから気品を感じさせるレーツェル！" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. October 4, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  13. ^ 電撃G‘s コミックページにて『プリマドール New Order』連載開始！. primadoll.jp. July 15, 2022. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 8, 2022). "Key's Prima Doll Anime Unveils New Video, July 8 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  15. ^ コミックブシロードWEBにて『プリマドール ～ようこそ黒猫亭へ～』連載開始！. primadoll.jp. August 12, 2022. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  16. ^ @primadoll_pr (June 22, 2022). 「Tin Toy Melody」作詞・作曲：#麻枝准 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved July 24, 2022 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "Key's Prima Doll Anime Video Reveals More Staff, Song". Anime News Network. March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  18. ^ Mateo, Alex (June 9, 2022). "Sentai Filmworks Licenses Key's Prima Doll Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d "Terebi Anime "Purima Dōru" Kōshiki Saito｜Sutōrī" TVアニメ「プリマドール」公式サイト｜ストーリー [TV Anime "Prima Doll" Official Website｜Story]. primadoll.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  20. ^ "Stream Prima Doll on HIDIVE". HIDIVE. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  21. ^ "Terebi Anime "Purima Dōru" Kōshiki Saito｜On'ea" TVアニメ「プリマドール」公式サイト｜オンエア [TV Anime "Prima Doll" Official Website｜On Air]. primadoll.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  22. ^ "プリマドール キネティックノベル版 第一巻 2023年発売予定" (in Japanese). Twitter. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  23. ^ "Kinetic Novel" (in Japanese). Key/Visual Arts. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  24. ^ "Key×コトブキヤが贈る歌と人形を繋ぐ物語『プリマドール』が始動！Na-Ga氏キャラデザインの美少女・灰桜フィギュアの原型を初公開！" (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. October 26, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  25. ^ "灰桜 初回生産限定版" (in Japanese). Kotobukiya. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  26. ^ "それは、歌と人形を繋ぐ物語――Key×コトブキヤが送る新たな物語『プリマドール』より灰桜が早くもフィギュア化！" (in Japanese). Kotobukiya. December 24, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  27. ^ "Keyのメディアミックスプロジェクト「プリマドール」が2022年にTVアニメ化！ティザーPV＆ティザービジュアルが解禁" (in Japanese). Gamer. January 28, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  28. ^ "Key×コトブキヤが贈る『プリマドール』より、フィギュア第2弾・鴉羽が商品化決定！監修中の原型写真が公開！" (in Japanese). Kotobukiya. Retrieved March 3, 2022.