Sarazanmai

Sarazanmai is an original Japanese anime television series created and directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, co-produced by MAPPA and Lapin Track. The series aired on Fuji TV's noitaminA programming block from April to June 2019, spanning 11 episodes. The story revolves around three middle school students, Kazuki Yasaka, Toi Kuji, and Enta Jinnai, who are transformed into kappas after accidentally breaking a kappa statue in Asakusa. They encounter Keppi, a mysterious kappa-like creature claiming to be the first heir to the Kappa Kingdom, who tasks them with collecting shirikodama (mythical balls located in the anus that contain the physical manifestation of one's desires) from desire-driven zombies called “kappa-zombies.” To defeat the zombies, they must connect through a ritual called "Sarazanmai", which reveals their hidden secrets each time they use it. The anime explores themes of connection, desire, secrets, and the complexities of human relationships. Beyond the anime, Sarazanmai has spawned various forms of media, including manga series, light novels, radio programs, and a stage play, further expanding the story's universe.