Crunchyroll has officially announced the acquisition of North American theatrical rights for the anime feature film Whoever Steals This Book. The distributor has confirmed that the screening format will be in Japanese with English subtitles.
The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by author Nowaki Fukamidori. It marks the feature film directorial debut of Daiki Fukuoka. The title was previously released in Japan by Kadokawa Animation on 26 December 2025. Following its domestic run, the movie is now set to make its international premiere as an official selection at the upcoming New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Set in the town of Yomunaga, a location deeply rooted in storytelling and literature, the narrative of Whoever Steals This Book follows high school student Mifuyu Mikuru. Although her family has managed the renowned Mikura Hall library for generations, Mifuyu possesses a strong disdain for books.
The story takes a turn when a theft at the library activates a powerful curse, causing the town to merge with the worlds of the stolen narratives. To restore order, Mifuyu is forced to engage with the stories she avoids. She teams up with a mysterious girl named Mashiro to locate the thief, reclaim the missing books, and uncover secrets regarding the curse and her own family history.
Additional information regarding the broader North American theatrical release schedule will be shared at a later date.
