From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman announces anime adaptation

Shigeru Sagazaki’s popular light novel From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman is set to be adapted into a full TV anime series by the creators of High School DxD and Spice & Wolf.

The anime titled Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru: Tada no Inaka no Kenjutsu Shihan Datta noni, Taisei shita Deshi-tachi ga Ore wo Hottekurenai Ken (From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman: My Hotshot Disciples Are All Grown Up Now, and They Won’t Leave Me Alone) is scheduled to air from April 2025 on TV Asahi’s MAnimation network and BS Asahi.

Originally published by Sagazaki on the user-generated novel site Shōsetsuka ni Narō in November 2020, the series was picked up by Square Enix and released as a light novel, featuring illustrations by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima. The English version is licensed by J-Novel Club and spans seven volumes.

The anime will be directed by Akio Kazumi, with Passione and Hayabusa Film handling production. The script is by Kunihiko Okada, character design by Satsuki Hayasaka, and music by Yasuharu Takanashi.

Artwork from the original novel artist Nabeshima and manga adaptation artist Kazuki Satou was also shared, along with comments from the creators.

Comment from Shigeru Sagazaki:

“After starting on the web, I was approached by Square Enix and Akita Shoten, leading to the anime adaptation of my novel. I’m grateful for the support and excited for this project.”

Comment from Tetsuhiro Nabeshima:

“Congratulations on the animation! Looking forward to seeing the characters come to life.”

Comment from Kazuki Satou:

“Excited for the anime adaptation and eager to see Beryl’s sword skills in action.”

Here’s a brief overview of the series and the first trailer for the upcoming anime:

Beryl Gardinant, a former master swordsman turned instructor in a rural village, is unexpectedly appointed as a special instructor for the knights of the Liberion Order. As he reunites with his former students in the capital, including elite knights and a seasoned adventurer, Beryl wonders why they seek his guidance when they seem to have surpassed his teachings.

Can Beryl fulfill his new role, or will his students continue to seek his mentorship relentlessly?