Sometimes, it’s helpful to that there’s more to anime than just superpowers, Shonen-style battles, samurai, and far-out science fiction concepts. In fact, some of the medium’s most enduring works are slower-paced, focusing on everyday life, personal drama, and the emotional growth of characters we can all relate to. One of the earliest and most influential examples of this gentler, more grounded style came in 1979, when a group of animators, including Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli fame, adapted the novel Anne of Green Gables into an anime series.

Now, Anne returns in a beautifully animated new series, titled Anne Shirley, that’s winning over fans and critics around the world. This adaptation goes beyond Lucy Maud Montgomery’s original 1908 novel, expanding the story to include its sequels Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island. It follows Anne’s growth from a spirited orphan girl into a thoughtful young woman, offering a deeper, more expansive look at her journey into adulthood. With its heartfelt storytelling and richly detailed animation, Anne Shirley is already being hailed as a new classic.

The Origins of Anne: A Literary Journey

Anne in Japan: A Cultural Connection Since 1952

First published in 1908, Anne of Green Gables by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery introduced readers to Anne Shirley, an imaginative, outspoken orphan mistakenly sent to live with two aging siblings on Prince Edward Island. Over time, Anne’s vivid personality, quick temper, and boundless curiosity win over the quiet rural community and generations of readers. The original novel was followed by several sequels that traced Anne’s life as she matured into a teacher, writer, and mother, each book deepening the emotional and personal journey that began with her arrival at Green Gables. With warmth, humor, and a deep love of nature, the series remains one of the most enduring coming-of-age stories in literature.

Anne of Green Gables was first published in Japan in 1952. Anne’s imaginative spirit, emotional resilience, and love of nature immediately resonated with Japanese audiences, aligning with cultural values around perseverance and beauty in everyday life. The book’s popularity was further cemented in 1979 with the launch of the anime Akage no Anne (“Red-Haired Anne”). Directed by Isao Takahata and featuring early layout and scene design work by Hayao Miyazaki, both of whom would later co-found Studio Ghibli, the series offered a gentle, faithful adaptation of the novel that is still praised today for its sensitive storytelling and emotional nuance.

Meet the Team Behind Anne Shirley

A New Anime to Fall in Love With

Produced by The Answer Studio, the new Anne Shirley series is directed by Hiroshi Kawamata (Rainbow), with series composition by Natsuko Takahashi (My Love Story!!) and character designs by Kenichi Tsuchiya (The Garden of Words). Honoka Inoue, known for her role in Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, voices Anne Shirley, bringing a fresh emotional range to the beloved character.

So far, reception to the new adaptation has been positive in Japan, although some note that it’s difficult to top the iconic 1979 anime by Takahata and Miyazaki. Viewers have praised the updated animation and the emphasis on Anne’s emotional journey, particularly her evolving relationship with Gilbert. However, some critics feel the new Anne comes off as too cheerful and modern, lacking the quiet depth and sense of hardship that defined her character in the original. Still, Anne Shirley is sparking renewed interest in Montgomery’s story for a new generation.

So if you’re looking for a new anime to unwind with, something heartfelt, beautifully animated, and grounded in timeless storytelling, Anne Shirley is well worth your time. Whether you're revisiting Green Gables or meeting Anne for the first time, this new adaptation offers a fresh yet faithful take on a literary classic that continues to resonate across generations and cultures.