“The Mole” Anime Reveals Cast & PV

Ayumu Murase, Shunsuke Takeuchi, and Atsumi Tanezaki have been announced as additional cast members for the upcoming TV anime The Mole, set to premiere in July. Along with the announcement, the first promotional video, broadcast schedule, and key visuals have also been unveiled.

The original work is a bizarre comedy manga serialized in Morning (Kodansha), created by Natsumi Eguchi, best known for Hozuki’s Coolheadedness. The story follows Mole Momoyuki (voiced by Yuichi Nakamura), a self-proclaimed sergeant mole who has been banished from the underworld and seeks to return. Along the way, he encounters various people, while a mysterious mole-related phenomenon begins to affect those around him.

The newly announced cast members will portray the Nekozuka family, who perform exorcisms using monster cats. Murase voices a third-year student at Yame High School who has a strained relationship with moles and teams up with the monster cat Nabeshima to handle troublesome spirits. Takeuchi plays Toshiro, the father of Koshiro, a renowned university professor and exorcist who is possessed by the monster cat Ikebukuro. Tanezaki voices Neko Tsukito Shiro, the eccentric wife of Koshiro’s mother Fujishiro. Although she has no psychic powers, she possesses mysterious eyes that allow her to see things others cannot.

The first promotional video, which includes character voices, highlights the main cast—including Mole, Maki Kuriaki (voiced by Genki Ogawa), Yaeko Kirihara (Yukiyo Fujii), and Shio Inukai (Akane Fujita)—and features eerie and unforgettable scenes from a world where humans and spirits intertwine.

Episode 1 is scheduled to premiere on July 7 at 10:00 p.m. on TOKYO MX and at midnight on BS11. Additional broadcasts on other networks are also planned.

The newly released key visual showcases the main characters, including Kuriaki and Yaeko, centered around Mole with his unsettling expression.

Full comments from Ayumu Murase, Shunsuke Takeuchi, and Atsumi Tanezaki have also been released.

[Comment from Ayumu Murase (voice of Koshiro Nekotsu)]

Q1. What do you find charming about this work?

What fascinates me most are the characters you just can’t look away from in the bizarre world created by Eguchi-sensei. The writing is also incredible—the dialogue is packed with information and expertly crafted. When you think of ghosts, you usually imagine something scary or unsettling, but the way Eguchi-sensei portrays them makes them oddly endearing and even cute. That contrast is really captivating.

Q2. Your enthusiasm for playing the role

Koshishiro is quite a tense and serious character, but I get the sense that he doesn’t actually dislike connecting with others. I try to portray him in a way that his awkward charm and innocent emotions quietly reveal his underlying warmth and humanity—even if he himself tries to hide it (lol).

[Takeuchi Shunsuke (as Nekotsu To Shiro)]

Q1. What do you find appealing about this work?

The charm of this work lies in its distinctive worldview, shaped by unpredictable twists and unique characters. It seamlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, and its compelling storytelling truly draws you in. The balance between profound human drama and humor is masterfully handled, and with the director’s skilled touch, it’s the kind of work you’ll find yourself wanting to revisit again and again.

Q2. Your enthusiasm for the performance

In portraying the complex character Neko Tsukito Shiro, I aim to carefully convey the inner conflicts and passions that define him. While staying true to the subtle tones of the original work, I also hope to bring depth to the role through my own interpretation. I’ll give my full commitment to the performance, paying attention to every detail so that viewers can connect with his charm and emotional growth. I hope you’ll look forward to seeing how he unfolds on screen.

[Tanezaki Atsumi (played by Neko Kyoko)]

Q1. What do you find charming about this work?

The unique atmosphere that only Eguchi-sensei can create, the intense and eccentric characters, and the thrilling interactions between them—all of these elements are incredibly appealing. Even when the story takes on a comical tone, it still manages to leave a strong impact. It’s truly fascinating and full of surprises.

Q2. Your enthusiasm for playing Kyoko

I found Kyoko to be absolutely adorable—from his looks to his words and actions, and especially his deep love for Fujishiro. I’ll do my best to fully express his charm. First, I’ll start with his signature sound… Shuuu… Fujishiro-san! You’re the coolest person in the world! So awesome!!!