VIZ Media Acquires the Rights for GENIE FAMILY 2020
Back in 1969, Genie Family was an anime that took Japan by storm. Now, a new version of the classic anime title is going to take the world by storm and VIZ Media is going to help. VIZ recently announced that they’ve acquired the rights for the latest revival Genie Family 2020 which will make its way to Crunchyroll in North and Latin America this October.
Five decades since its debut, and with a new twist on the classic, the funny and loveable King Genie is back in Genie Family 2020, only this time he has a daughter Akubi, who must undergo training in the human world in order to become a worthy queen and his successor.
Set in modern-day Tokyo and packing in all the imagination, adventure, and humor for which the original is known, Akubi's royal training begins with Kantaro, the grandson of King Genie's former master — but this new master Kantaro is in grade school, and Akubi’s wish-granting is anything but predictable. Along for the ride is Akubi’s kid brother, who loves to be mischievous.
Brad Woods of VIZ released the following statement:
Genie Family is one of the most endearing animations of its time, and we are thrilled for a whole new audience to meet the latest generation alongside fan favorite King Genie in brand-new adventures. What was true in 1969 when the original show premiered is still true today: wishes and dreams have endless potential. We can’t wait for today’s kids to meet Kantaro, Akubi, and her rascally kid brother.
The team behind Genie Family 2020 includes Atsushi Nigorikawa as director; series composition by Hiroko Kanasugi; character designs by Shin Takemoto and Masatsune Noguchi; music composed by Takamitsu Shimazaki, Hiroshi Sasaki, and Teppei Shimizu; and Tatsunoko Production is animating it. In addition, the voice cast includes Koichi Yamashita as Hakushon, Sumire Morohoshi as Akubi, Daiki Yamashita as Puuta, and Miyuri Shimabukuro as Kantaro.