by TV Asahi will broadcast the new anime ” A Country Old Man Becomes a Sword Saint ” on 24 TV Asahi-affiliated stations nationwide starting today, Saturday, April 5th, in the “IMAnimation” slot. This slot, established in October 2024, is an 11 pm anime broadcast slot, and it will be the first time that a light novel has been adapted into an anime.
The official title of this work, “A Country Old Man Becomes a Sword Saint ~I was just a country sword master, but my accomplished students won’t let me go~” began serialization on the novel submission site “Let’s Become a Novelist” in November 2020, and was later published as a book by Square Enix’s SQEX Novel.
The series has sold over 7 million copies. The story begins with the protagonist, Beryl Gardenant, who runs a sword-fighting dojo in the countryside. Her former students ask her to go to the royal capital, where she eventually comes to be known by them as the “countryside sword saint.”
The story depicts Beryl, unaware of her abilities, gaining recognition from those around her through reunions with her students and new encounters. The series ranked third in our magazine’s “Notable Media Adaptations Ranking,” published on the 4th. Readers commented, “He’s a humble old man, but the moment he holds a sword, he’s so cool! It’s refreshing and heartwarming. I’m looking forward to the anime!” and “As an old man, I admire this situation. I wish I had trained from a young age.”
The broadcast schedule is as follows: on 24 TV Asahi affiliates nationwide, every Saturday from 11:30 p.m. starting April 5th (Saturday); on AT-X, every Sunday from 11 p.m. starting April 6th (Sunday); and on BS Asahi, every Sunday from 11:30 p.m. starting April 6th (Sunday). In addition, it will be exclusively distributed worldwide on Amazon Prime Video from midnight on April 6th (Sunday) in over 240 countries and regions.
Episode 1: “A Countryside Old Man Goes to the Capital”
Beryl lives a peaceful life as a swordsmanship instructor in the countryside and is visited by his former student, Allusia. Allusia has now risen to the head of the Kingdom’s Knights and tells Beryl that she has recommended him as a special instructor for the Knights. Although hesitant, Beryl accepts the role. However, Vice-Captain Henbritz, suspicious of the situation, challenges Beryl to a duel.
