by A brand-new original TV anime, “Candy Caries,” directed by acclaimed stop-motion creator Tomoki Misato and produced by WIT STUDIO’s stop-motion division TORUKU, is officially set to premiere on April 15, 2026, on TBS’s late-night programming block “Night Branch.” Alongside the announcement, a second teaser promotional video (PV) has been released, offering fans a deeper look at the show’s unique world and handcrafted animation style.
The series has already attracted significant attention due to Misato’s previous successes, including the global phenomenon PUI PUI Molcar and the Netflix project My Melody & Kuromi. With its distinctive materials, whimsical tone, and unusual premise, “Candy Caries” is shaping up to be one of the most original anime releases of Spring 2026.
A Viral Short Film Expanded Into a Full TV Anime
Originally released as a short stop-motion animation on YouTube in March 2021, “Candy Caries” quickly gained traction worldwide, surpassing 1.75 million views. Its blend of cute character design, quirky humor, and slightly dark themes resonated strongly with both domestic and international audiences.
The TV anime version expands the original concept into a full narrative series, promising:
- A richer story and character development
- Enhanced production quality
- A brighter, more pop-styled aesthetic
- Expanded world-building
Unlike traditional anime, the series is animated frame-by-frame using physical materials such as plastic boards and acrylic sheets, giving it a tactile, handcrafted look rarely seen on television.
Story: A Sweet Yet Slightly Painful Fantasy
Set in a colorful “pukuchuru” world made from transparent and glossy materials, the story centers on:
- Ame — a cheerful girl with adorable chubby cheeks and a love for sweets
- Caries — a mischievous cavity creature living inside Ame’s mouth
Together, they navigate chaotic daily life filled with humor, danger, and unexpected emotional moments. The concept cleverly mixes childlike cuteness with themes of health, responsibility, and growing up.
The tone is described as “incredibly sweet yet slightly painful,” suggesting a balance between light comedy and deeper storytelling.
Second Teaser PV Highlights Stop-Motion Craftsmanship
The newly released teaser showcases the painstaking process behind the animation. Viewers can see layers of plastic and acrylic assembled to form characters, environments, and props before being animated through incremental movements.
Key highlights from the teaser include:
- Ame and Caries moving fluidly in stop-motion
- Vibrant candy-colored environments
- Dynamic lighting through transparent materials
- A playful yet mysterious atmosphere
The craftsmanship emphasizes physical depth and texture—qualities that digital animation cannot easily replicate.
Theme Song “Telepathy” by IS:SUE
The anime’s theme song, “Telepathy,” will be performed by rising girl group IS:SUE, formed from finalists of the popular audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS.
According to member NANO:
“It’s a cute song that shows a new side of IS:SUE. We hope listeners will find themselves humming it and enjoying it alongside the anime.”
The title “Telepathy” reflects the intimate connection between Ame and Caries, who coexist in the same body yet often have conflicting desires.
Main Cast and Characters
The voice cast features both experienced actors and notable personalities:
- Miyuki Sato as Ame — the sweet-loving protagonist
- Hana Takeda as Caries — a free-spirited cavity creature
- Jin Katagiri as the Mad Dentist — a sinister figure who captures children to forcibly treat cavities
- Ryogo Matsumaru as Harold — Caries’ boyfriend, charming but secretly selfish
- Kayo Noro as Ame’s Mother
Supporting roles include characters such as Mikan, Beef, and Shark, adding to the surreal tone of the series.
Creator Comments: Passion for Stop-Motion Innovation
Cast members expressed excitement about the project’s unconventional production style.
Katagiri Jin described Misato as:
“An incredible person who has dedicated his life to stop-motion animation.”
Matsumaru Ryogo noted that his character appears kind but is secretly unpleasant, requiring careful voice work to balance charm and insincerity.
Kayo Noro highlighted the enormous effort behind the production, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of stop-motion filmmaking.
Produced by WIT STUDIO’s TORUKU Division
Animation is handled by TORUKU, WIT STUDIO’s specialized stop-motion unit. WIT STUDIO is widely known for producing high-profile anime such as Attack on Titan (early seasons) and Spy × Family, making this project particularly notable as a departure from their usual digital style.
The production team includes:
- Director: Tomoki Misato
- Assistant Director: Kenshiro Morii
- Screenplay: Chiaki Nishinaka
- Music: Keigo Hoashi
- Sound Director: Yasunori Ebina
Broadcast and Streaming Details
- TV Premiere: April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Network: TBS “Night Branch” block
- Streaming: All episodes will be released free on YouTube
This hybrid distribution model is expected to boost global accessibility and viral potential
Why “Candy Caries” Could Be a Breakout Hit
Several factors position the series for success:
- Unique stop-motion aesthetic rarely seen in TV anime
- Proven creative team behind viral hits
- Accessible free streaming worldwide
- Strong merchandising potential due to cute character designs
- Appeal to both children and adult animation fans
In an era dominated by digital animation, the handcrafted charm of stop-motion offers a refreshing alternative.
Final Thoughts
“Candy Caries” stands out as one of Spring 2026’s most distinctive anime projects. Combining adorable visuals, unconventional storytelling, and painstaking craftsmanship, the series promises a viewing experience unlike anything currently on television.
Whether you’re a fan of stop-motion animation, experimental anime, or simply looking for something fresh and visually captivating, this sugary-sweet yet slightly bittersweet tale is worth keeping on your watchlist.
Mark your calendar for April 15, 2026 and prepare to enter a colorful world where candy, cavities, and chaos collide.
