A Fresh Look at the Upcoming Araiguma Calcal-dan Anime
Exciting news has arrived for anime enthusiasts, as the highly anticipated spinoff of the beloved Raccoon Rascalfranchise, Araiguma Calcal-dan (Raccoon Calcal Force), has revealed key updates. The official website and X (formerly Twitter) page for the series have showcased a brand-new visual, a captivating story summary, and detailed character introductions. Fans can also mark their calendars for an April television premiere, with the anime set to air on Yomiuri TV and BS NTV.
This latest addition to the Raccoon Rascal universe follows the intriguing tale of the Calcal-dan, a covert organization whose ultimate ambition is world domination—though they also maintain a stellar reputation as one of the globe’s most successful corporations. While many of its members belong to society’s elite, working tirelessly toward their leader’s vision, there exists a lesser-known branch tucked away in Tokyo’s quiet Tama region. Unlike its high-achieving counterparts, this division struggles with business performance, leading to stagnant wages for its employees. Yet, despite the challenges, the dedicated staff continues to strive for improvement.
Among the characters bringing this story to life is Acacal, an optimistic newcomer portrayed by Junya Enoki. Joining him is Logical, a pragmatic executive played by Taku Yashiro. Kenshō Ono lends his voice to Subcal, a modern-minded employee with a detached attitude, while Yōhei Azakami plays Comical, a gruff yet warm-hearted member of the team. Overseeing the branch is Middle, a mysterious but undeniably cool leader voiced by Kenjirō Tsuda.
Bringing this anime to fruition is director Henry Hirakawa, working under Nippon Animation. Character designs are crafted by Ayano Yoshioka, known for Let’s Make a Mug Too, while Arisa Okehazama is responsible for the musical score. Sound direction falls under Kisuke Koizumi, with chief producers Kozo Misawa (Yomiuri TV) and Hitomi Hiratsuka (Nippon Animation) leading the project. Producers Hiroya Tanaka (Yomiuri TV) and Kasumi Dekune (Nippon Animation) also play integral roles in the series' development.
As a franchise with a rich history dating back to Raccoon Rascal’s 1977 television debut—based on Sterling North’s memoir—this new installment promises to capture both nostalgia and fresh excitement. With previous adaptations such as Poka Poka Mori no Rascal (2006) and Meitantei Rascal (2014), Araiguma Calcal-dan is set to bring a new and entertaining twist to the beloved world of Raccoon Rascal. Fans can look forward to seeing how this unique story unfolds when it premieres this spring.
