A Pen, Handcuffs, and a Common-Law Marriage anime premieres in January 2027. See cast, staff and details from the first trailer.
The anime adaptation of A Pen, Handcuffs, and a Common-Law Marriage (Pen to Wappa to Jijitsu Kon) has released its first trailer, confirming a January 2027 premiere for the winter anime season. The series adapts the manga by Shinichi Sawaragi and Tanku Gasuyama, a title that has steadily grown in popularity since its debut.
Key Information
- Title: A Pen, Handcuffs, and a Common-Law Marriage
- Source Material: Manga by Shinichi Sawaragi and Tanku Gasuyama
- Studio: EMT Squared
- Director: Takaaki Ishiyama
- Script: Shigeru Murakoshi
- Character Design: Miyuki Nakamura
- Release Window: January 2027
- Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Romance
Who Is in the Cast?
The main cast includes:
- Tomoaki Maeno as Eiji Kirisame
- Inori Minase as Tsugumi Kuchinashi
Both actors bring strong experience in character-driven drama and comedy, aligning well with the series’ blend of mystery and emotional tension.
What Is the Story of the Manga?
The manga began publication in December 2022 in Young Animal, and its seventh volume released on April 28, 2026. It currently has 400,000 copies in circulation, reflecting its growing readership.
The story follows:
- Eiji Kirisame, a 40-year-old detective
- Tsugumi Kuchinashi, a quiet high school student who witnessed a crime
Tsugumi’s testimony is unusual. Instead of detailed statements, she provides childlike doodles in a sketchbook. Eiji, accustomed to solving cases with limited evidence, takes every drawing seriously.
The final page of her sketchbook contains a shocking message:
“Will you marry me?!”
This twist sets up a comedic and mysterious dynamic between the two characters.
What Does the First Trailer Show?
The trailer highlights:
- Eiji’s calm, methodical personality
- Tsugumi’s quiet but eccentric behavior
- EMT Squared’s soft, expressive animation style
- A mix of mystery, humor and emotional tension
- The unusual partnership forming between detective and witness
The promotional image reinforces the series’ tone, blending crime investigation with offbeat romantic comedy.
Who Is Producing the Anime?
EMT Squared
Known for titles such as:
- Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
- Urahara
- Rainy Cocoa
Takaaki Ishiyama, Director
Brings experience in character-focused storytelling.
Shigeru Murakoshi, Scriptwriter
Previously worked on:
- She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man
- Absolute Duo
- We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky
Miyuki Nakamura, Character Designer
Known for clean, expressive designs that fit comedic and dramatic tones.