Your Ultimate Guide to Sunrise’s Racing Anime Phenomenon
Latest Update: Is Hi-Drivers Finally Releasing?
As of January 2025, Hi-Drivers, the highly anticipated racing anime collaboration between Sunrise Studios and Bandai Namco Arts, has yet to receive an official release date. While initial announcements in 2022 hinted at a 2024 premiere 411, production delays and sparse updates have left fans in suspense. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
1. Current Status: Delays and Speculations
- Production Pit Stop: In May 2023, development was reported to have taken a “temporary pause” with no explanation or timeline for resumption 6. The official website (hi-drivers.jp) remains active but lacks concrete updates, focusing instead on fan engagement and merchandise 8.
- 2024 Hopes Dashed: Despite early claims of a 2024 release 4, no episodes or trailers surfaced last year. Speculation suggests delays could stem from production complexities, given the involvement of real-world car brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru 26.
2. What We Know About the Anime
Premise and Setting
Set in the fictional city of God Tenbar, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hi-Drivers follows rival street-racing teams competing in the high-stakes “Saturday Night Million” tournament. The story explores camaraderie, rivalry, and the pursuit of speed, with teams like Night Break (Honda NSX) and Nanairo Monster (Subaru WRX) vying for dominance 58.
Idol-Meets-Racing Vibes
The series blends high-octane racing with idol-esque character dynamics. A 2022 music video showcased characters performing synchronized dances, drawing comparisons to Love Live! 413.
Star-Studded Cast and Staff
- Voice Actors: Includes Jun Fukuyama (Nanairo Monster’s leader), Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and Yuuki Ono 58.
- Production Team: Directed by Naoya Ando (Love Live!), with character designs by Pako (Fate/Grand Order) and mechanical animation by Tomohiro Kawahara 411.
3. Why Fans Are Still Hyped
- Real Car Brands: Licensed vehicles from Toyota, Honda, and others add authenticity, akin to Forza Horizon in anime form 611.
- User Participation: The project encourages fan engagement through YouTube content and customizable merchandise like character keychains 89.
- Music Integration: The soundtrack features artists like TeddyLoid and motsu, with a standalone music video already released in 2022 413.
4. When Could Hi-Drivers Release?
While no official date exists, here’s what to watch for:
- Resumed Production Announcements: Follow Bandai Namco Arts’ social media for updates.
- Anime Expo or AnimeJapan Events: Past reveals occurred at conventions like AnimeJapan 2022 211.
- Trailer Drops: The 2022 teaser (watch here) remains the primary preview 2.
5. Reddit Community Theories
(Hypothetical based on common fan discussions)
- Theory 1: Delays stem from licensing negotiations with car manufacturers.
- Theory 2: Sunrise is prioritizing quality, given the CG-heavy racing scenes.
- Theory 3: The idol elements might expand into a multimedia project (games, concerts).
How to Stay Updated
- Official Website: hi-drivers.jp 8.
- Bandai Namco Arts Twitter: Follow for sudden announcements.
- Anime News Sites: Track platforms like AnimeNewsNetwork or Crunchyroll.
Hi-Drivers has all the ingredients to become a hit—stellar staff, real-world car integration, and a unique racing-idol fusion. While the wait continues, rewatching the 2022 PV and diving into fan theories might just tide you over!
(Need more details? Check the sources linked in-text or visit the official Hi-Drivers website!)
Mary Anderson is a tech reporter for Freeze Wall. Mary has previously worked for Android Athority, Yahoo, PCWorld, and VentureBeat covering countless stories concerning all things related to tech and science. Mary studied at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
