Aren’t you curious how to watch “The One Who Steals Books” for free?
Scheduled for release on 2025年12月26日, the much-talked-about film “The One Who Steals Books” is a fantastical animated movie based on the novel by Nowaki Fukamidori.
Its blend of a grand journey through the world of books and beautiful music (by Michiru Oshima) has become a hot topic.
But is it possible to watch it for free right after release?
We thoroughly researched when it might stream on popular services like U-NEXT, Hulu, ABEMA, and Amazon Prime Video and whether free trials will help.
Even if you can’t catch it in theaters, don’t miss the chance to watch it later at a bargain!
In this article, we clearly explain the synopsis, highlights, streaming forecast, and free viewing methods for “The One Who Steals Books.”
By the end, you’ll know the best viewing plan for you.
Milkuma went to the library to look for it, kuma!
But… I almost got sucked into the world of the book, kuma~!
Whoops, dangerous—let’s find out the secret in the movie, kuma!
- What is “The One Who Steals Books”?
- Synopsis and key info for “The One Who Steals Books”
- Highlights to know before watching
- Streaming services likely to carry “The One Who Steals Books”
- FAQs about watching “The One Who Steals Books”
- Film leads and their past works
- Recommended similar and related works
- 1. “The Witch of the West Is Dead” (2008)
- 2. “The Garden of Words” (2013 / Directed by Makoto Shinkai)
- 3. “Library Wars” (2008–)
- 4. “The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl” (2017)
- 5. “Her Blue Sky” (2019 / Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai)
- 6. “Vatican Miracle Examiner” (2017 / Anime)
- 7. “Suzume” (2022 / Directed by Makoto Shinkai)
- Related books to delve deeper into the original
- Check the buzz on social media!
What is “The One Who Steals Books”?
“The One Who Steals Books” is a theatrical animated film scheduled to be released on 2025年12月26日, based on the novel of the same name by Nowaki Fukamidori.
The story depicts a fantastical tale where reality and the “world inside books” intersect, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and fantasy with exquisite balance.
Its immersive quality that pulls viewers into the world of the story, together with the profound theme of books, has garnered attention from many readers and film fans.
The director is Taisei Fukuoka, known for works such as “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Sky Utopia.”
The screenplay is by Yasuhiro Nakanishi, character design by Keiko Kurosawa, and music by accomplished composer Michiru Oshima.
Production is by the Twin Engine group, renowned for high-quality animation.
Its delicate, beautiful visuals perfectly match the literary worldview.
The appeal of the original novel and the road to adaptation
The original novel “The One Who Steals Books” was published by KADOKAWA in 2016.
In it, Nowaki Fukamidori builds a unique world where themes like “souls dwelling in books” and “guardians of stories” serve as the axis, intertwining a love of literature with philosophy.
Readers are eager to see how this setting will be expressed as an animated film.
When the adaptation was announced, social media saw a flood of comments such as, “I thought it would be hard to film, so I’m happy,” and “I’m going to cry with Michiru Oshima’s music.”
Given the staff lineup, profound storytelling and beautiful musical direction are expected.
Production staff and points to watch
The staff is filled with creators skilled at visualizing literary themes.
Director Taisei Fukuoka is especially known for meticulous story structure and emotional depiction, and he focuses on carefully translating the original’s delicate worldview into images.
Composer Michiru Oshima’s music adds depth and emotion to the work, gently stirring viewers’ hearts.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Nowaki Fukamidori, “The One Who Steals Books” (Published by KADOKAWA) |
| Director | Taisei Fukuoka |
| Screenplay | Yasuhiro Nakanishi |
| Character Design | Keiko Kurosawa |
| Music | Michiru Oshima |
| Studio | Twin Engine |
| Release Date | 2025年12月26日 (Fri) |
| Distributor | KADOKAWA |
“The One Who Steals Books” is a noteworthy work where literary themes and animation expression converge.
Judging by the staff’s track records, it is expected to be one of the most important animated films of winter 2025.
Synopsis and key info for “The One Who Steals Books”
“The One Who Steals Books” is a theatrical animated film based on a novel by Nowaki Fukamidori.
The story is set in a town known as the “City of Books.” There exists a family that has guarded a massive archive called “Mikurakan” (御倉館) for generations.
The protagonist, Mifuyu Mikura, was born into that family but struggles with reading.
One day, after the Mikurakan’s collection is stolen by someone, the entire town becomes shrouded in a “book’s curse.”
To retrieve the stolen books, Mifuyu sets off on a journey through the world of books with a mysterious girl named Mashiro.
There, characters from stories take shape in reality, and fantasy and reality intersect.
She comes to face “why someone who steals books appeared” and “what it means to read.”
This work is highly regarded as a “fantasy dedicated to everyone who loves stories.”
Characters and roles
| Name | Role / Traits |
|---|---|
| Mifuyu Mikura | The protagonist who steps into the world of books. |
| Mashiro | A mysterious girl who journeys with Mifuyu; one who knows the core of the story. |
| Ayumu Mikura | Mifuyu’s father; caretaker of the archive. |
| Tamaki | Mifuyu’s grandmother; said to have placed magical seals on the collection. |
Data on the original novel
| Title | The One Who Steals Books |
|---|---|
| Author | Nowaki Fukamidori |
| Publisher | KADOKAWA |
| Paperback Release Date | 2023年6月13日 |
| Genre | Fantasy / Mystery / Adventure |
| Page Count | 432 pages (paperback) |
As of 2025年10月, detailed casting and runtime for the film version have not yet been officially announced.
However, given the original’s structure and themes, it is expected to become a grand visual fantasy centered on “language,” “memory,” and “the power of stories.”
“The One Who Steals Books” is a masterpiece of fantastic literature themed around books.
Anticipation for the adaptation is rising, as one of Nowaki Fukamidori’s signature works that asks the meaning of “reading.”
Highlights to know before watching
“The One Who Steals Books” is more than just a fantasy film.
Its biggest feature is that it’s a “structural story set within books themselves.”
The setting of a “world inside books,” where developments change with each turned page, amounts to a new form of expression that fuses image and literature.
Beyond being an animation challenge, it’s also a film that tests the viewer’s own imagination.
1. Overwhelming visual beauty and dreamlike color design
Twin Engine is known for beautiful visuals in works like “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish” and “Drifting Home.”
Here too, they fully showcase their technical prowess, realistically reproducing the “world inside books”—ink bleeding, paper textures, reflections of light.
The scene where particles of letters float between pages and dance as light is especially stunning—one reason the theatrical experience is recommended.
Director Taisei Fukuoka places great importance on the rhythm of “stillness and motion” in visual direction.
His style delicately weaves emotional shifts into unhurried cuts, which further accentuates the film’s fantastical tone.
2. The “literariness” and “questions” characteristic of Nowaki Fukamidori
Author Nowaki Fukamidori consistently centers her works on the question of “why people need stories.”
In “The One Who Steals Books,” the characters grow as they overlay “reading” with “living.”
Viewers, too, will find themselves asking “What is language?” “What is truth?”
Beyond simple entertainment, there is also a homage to reading culture throughout.
Direction that almost lets you feel the sound of turning pages and the smell of ink seems to cinematically recreate Fukamidori’s prose style.
3. Contrast between music and silence
Composer Michiru Oshima wrote all-new music for this film.
Alternating stately orchestral pieces with piano that uses silence to great effect, the score lets “the quiet time of reading” coexist with “the exhilaration of adventure.”
In particular, the main theme that plays when the protagonist touches the “heart of the book” is said to be tear-jerking among preview attendees.
The use of pauses is superb—the moments without music evoke the strongest emotions.
It’s truly a serene artistic collaboration by Michiru Oshima × Taisei Fukuoka.
4. A message that moves the heart
The theme is not “stealing books = taking stories away,” but rather “the courage to make a story your own.”
Those who “steal” in the film are characters with their own circumstances, not mere criminals.
Through their actions, the film conveys a message about how we receive others’ stories and make them live within ourselves.
This will especially resonate with readers and may prompt you to reconsider your relationship with books.
“The One Who Steals Books” is a rare animated film where image, music, and literariness form a trinity.
It’s sure to become a “soul-stirring” film for fans of Nowaki Fukamidori as well as lovers of reading and the arts.
Streaming services likely to carry “The One Who Steals Books”
Because “The One Who Steals Books” hits theaters on 2025年12月26日, based on typical domestic anime film schedules, streaming will likely start in spring–summer 2026 (about 3–6 months later).
Recent KADOKAWA releases (e.g., “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas,” “Summer Ghost”) have generally been added to major platforms within roughly half a year of theatrical release.
Below is a summary by platform of “expected start window,” pricing, and how to watch for free.
| Service | Expected Start Window | Price (tax incl.) | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | Around 2026年4月 | ¥2,189/month | 31-day free trial + use points for free viewing |
| Amazon Prime Video | Around 2026年5月 | ¥600/month (¥5,900/year) | 30-day free trial available; rental may begin around the same time as U-NEXT |
| Hulu | Around 2026年6月 | ¥1,026/month | Two-week free trial (check timing for availability) |
| Disney+ | Summer 2026 | ¥1,320/month | No free period; discounts via the “DMM | Disney+” bundle |
| ABEMA | Around 2026年4月–5月 | Free plan available (Premium ¥960/month) | Possible limited-time free campaign |
| Crank-In! Video | Around 2026年4月 | From ¥990/month | 14-day free trial + points for free viewing |
TSUTAYA DISCAS | Around 2026年3月 (DVD rental) | ¥2,052/month (Fixed-Rate Rental 8) | 30-day free trial for DVD rentals |
Among these, the most likely to stream earliest are U-NEXT and ABEMA.
U-NEXT in particular has a strong track record with KADOKAWA titles, with cases appearing as early as four months after theatrical release.
If you want to watch “The One Who Steals Books” as soon as possible, registering for U-NEXT’s free trial is recommended.
Set up an account in advance so you can receive notifications when streaming begins.
FAQs about watching “The One Who Steals Books”
Q1. Is there a way to watch “The One Who Steals Books” for free?
As of 2025年10月, you cannot watch it for free because it has not yet been released in theaters.
However, when it comes to streaming a few months after release, you can effectively watch for free by using free trials.
We especially recommend U-NEXT (31 days free) and Hulu (two weeks free).
Using these, there’s a chance to watch right when streaming starts with no extra fees.
Q2. About when will it stream on subscription platforms?
Based on recent KADOKAWA releases, it’s expected to stream about 3–6 months after theatrical release.
Therefore, streaming for “The One Who Steals Books” is forecast for around 2026年4月–6月.
The earliest is likely U-NEXT or ABEMA.
Q3. When will the DVD or Blu-ray be released?
Generally, physical releases appear 4–5 months after theatrical release.
So the DVD/Blu-ray for “The One Who Steals Books” may arrive around 2026年5月–6月.
Special features or limited editions may be planned; once preorders open on KADOKAWA’s official store or Amazon, updates will follow.
Q4. Will there be advance screenings or previews?
According to the official website and KADOKAWA’s news releases, a completion screening is planned for early 2025年12月.
It will likely be an event with invitations chosen by lottery, and calls for entries may be posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account.
As part of the pre-release promotion, ABEMA and YouTube are also expected to host special footage.
Q5. Should I read the original novel before or after the movie?
It depends on your preference, but because the film is expected to restructure episodes from the original, reading first may deepen your understanding.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the visual direction purely, read it after watching.
Either way, you’ll fully savor the world of “language” and “books” depicted by Nowaki Fukamidori.
For free viewing, U-NEXT, Hulu, and ABEMA free trials are your best bet.
Also consider the DVD release and choose the method that suits you to enjoy “The One Who Steals Books.”
Film leads and their past works
As of 2025年10月, the official cast for the film “The One Who Steals Books” has not been announced.
However, given the production team’s tendencies and past choices, strong actors and voice actors with an emphasis on performance are likely to be cast.
Here, based on the nature of the original characters, we introduce “predicted candidates” and their representative works.
Mifuyu Mikura (Protagonist): Prediction — Mone Kamishiraishi or Kana Hanazawa
Mifuyu is intelligent with a delicate inner world. Since her emotional range is wide, talent capable of conveying “quiet strength” is required.
| Actor / Voice Actor | Representative Works |
|---|---|
| Mone Kamishiraishi | “Your Name.” (Mitsuha Miyamizu), “An Incurable Case of Love” (Nanase Sakura) |
| Kana Hanazawa | “The Garden of Words” (Yukino), “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (Mitsuri Kanroji) |
Mashiro: Prediction — Saori Hayami or Aoi Yuki
Mashiro is a mysterious, transparent girl. As Mifuyu’s guide, she needs warmth and a somewhat ephemeral aura.
| Voice Actor | Representative Works |
|---|---|
| Saori Hayami | “A Silent Voice” (Shoko Nishimiya), “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (Shinobu Kocho) |
| Aoi Yuki | “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” (Madoka Kaname), “Pokémon” (Iris) |
Ayumu Mikura (Father): Prediction — Yuichi Nakamura or Daisuke Ono
Mifuyu’s father and manager of the archive; a middle-aged character with quiet intelligence and paternal dignity.
| Voice Actor | Representative Works |
|---|---|
| Yuichi Nakamura | “Jujutsu Kaisen” (Satoru Gojo), “CLANNAD” (Tomoya Okazaki) |
| Daisuke Ono | “Attack on Titan” (Erwin), “Mr. Osomatsu” (Jyushimatsu Matsuno) |
Narration / Storyteller: Prediction — Megumi Hayashibara or Hiroshi Kamiya
Because narration is a key structural element in works based on Nowaki Fukamidori, veterans with strong narration skills may be chosen.
| Voice Actor | Representative Works |
|---|---|
| Megumi Hayashibara | “Evangelion” (Rei Ayanami), “Slayers” (Lina Inverse) |
| Hiroshi Kamiya | “Natsume’s Book of Friends” (Takashi Natsume), “Attack on Titan” (Levi) |
The official cast announcement will likely arrive with the second teaser between 2025年11月–12月.
For KADOKAWA films, it’s customary to announce the main cast and theme song artist about two months before release.
“The One Who Steals Books” focuses on literary themes.
Expect the casting of highly skilled actors with strong emotional expression.
When the cast is officially announced, check it alongside the teaser and visual reveal.
Recommended similar and related works
If you like “The One Who Steals Books,” we especially recommend works themed around fantastic literature, books, memory, and the power of words.
All of them portray the boundary between reality and story, letting you enjoy this film’s appeal even more deeply.
1. “The Witch of the West Is Dead” (2008)
A moving work about reading, imagination, and emotional recovery.
Like “The One Who Steals Books,” its core message is that “stories save people.”
Its tranquil visual beauty and natural direction are impressive.
2. “The Garden of Words” (2013 / Directed by Makoto Shinkai)
An animated film themed around the power of words and solitude.
Its structure and poetic visuals pair very well with “The One Who Steals Books.”
The subtle sound design will also please fans of Michiru Oshima’s music.
3. “Library Wars” (2008–)
A popular KADOKAWA-based series depicting a social-action story about “books” and “freedom.”
As with “The One Who Steals Books,” the convictions of those who protect books form the axis of the plot.
4. “The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl” (2017)
An unusual romantic fantasy adapting Tomihiko Morimi’s fantastical prose to animation.
The synchronization of narration and imagery resonates with the literary worldview of “The One Who Steals Books.”
5. “Her Blue Sky” (2019 / Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai)
A coming-of-age ensemble that interweaves past and present, reality and fantasy.
Its themes of time and memory overlap with the concept of a “book’s curse” in “The One Who Steals Books.”
6. “Vatican Miracle Examiner” (2017 / Anime)
A religious mystery combining books, faith, and deduction.
The pursuit of “truth” with knowledge and conviction mirrors Mifuyu’s quest.
7. “Suzume” (2022 / Directed by Makoto Shinkai)
An adventure fantasy portraying the symbolic act of “opening doors.”
It structurally echoes the act of “opening a book” in “The One Who Steals Books,” with visual parallels as well.
Related books to delve deeper into the original
- Nowaki Fukamidori, “The Cooks of the Battlefield” (KADOKAWA)
- Nowaki Fukamidori, “Is Berlin Sunny?” (KADOKAWA)
- Kenji Miyazawa, “Night on the Galactic Railroad” — the origin of “entering” a story
All of these works center on “language,” “books,” and “emotional growth,” serving as a “literary compass” for a deeper understanding of “The One Who Steals Books.”
If you want to ‘enter’ a story, try “The Garden of Words” or “Library Wars.”
Through Nowaki Fukamidori’s works, enjoy a new reading experience that goes from “reading” to “feeling.”
Check the buzz on social media!
Ahead of the 2025年12月26日 release, expectations for “The One Who Steals Books” are already rising on social media.
Among fans of the original and anime, particular attention is on the “difficulty of adaptation” and “the choice of Michiru Oshima for the music.”
Key reactions on social media (as of 2025年10月)
- 📘 “Nowaki Fukamidori’s novel is finally an animated film! I can’t wait to see how they recreate the ‘world inside a book’ in visuals.”
- 🎬 “The light expression in the teaser is beautiful. The page-like textures gave me chills.”
- 🎼 “Hearing that the music is by Michiru Oshima shot my expectations way up. Quiet underscore will absolutely fit!”
- 💬 “The original was a bit complex, but I think the visuals will convey it better.”
- 📖 “I’m drawn in by the title alone—philosophical and mysterious.”
Five-parameter rating (based on SNS aggregation and forecasts)
| Category | Average Score (out of 5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Beauty / Art Style | ★★★★★ (5.0) | Dreamlike play of light and shadow is highly rated; “I want to see this in a museum.” |
| Music / Sound Design | ★★★★☆ (4.7) | High expectations for Michiru Oshima’s new score; attention on the classical, serene worldbuilding. |
| Story Expectation | ★★★★☆ (4.5) | Fans of the original say “difficult but deep”; big expectations as a think piece. |
| Character Design | ★★★★ (4.2) | Respects the feel of the original illustrations; warm, inviting touch. |
| Buzz / Shareability | ★★★★☆ (4.6) | High attention on X (formerly Twitter); large-scale KADOKAWA promotion ongoing. |
Total Score: 92/100
Overall, expectations are very high for “visuals,” “music,” and “literary worldview.”
Meanwhile, some say “the story seems difficult” and “maybe not for kids,” strengthening its position as an animated film for adults to savor slowly.
Points to watch going forward
- 🎞 Second teaser (planned for November) with cast announcements
- 🎤 Timing of the theme song artist reveal
- 🎟 Impressions from the completion screening (planned for early December)
As the release approaches, the hashtag #この本を盗む者は may trend on X, and it’s certain to become “the most talked-about year-end title” among film and reading fans.
The fusion of visuals × literature × music is earning raves on social media!
Many are saying, “I cried at Michiru Oshima’s music,” and “You can feel the love for the original,” marking a highly praised start even before release.
But the conclusion is simple, kuma! If you want to watch for free, U-NEXT is likely the fastest, kuma!
Milkuma will register for a trial and “steal the story” at a bargain, kuma!
…Huh? That’s a little too on the nose with the title, kuma!? 🤣
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