The word 'anime' (アニメ) is a Japanese shortening of the English word 'animation', a gairaigo, or foreign loanword.
The word 'anime' (アニメ) is a Japanese shortening of the English word 'animation', a gairaigo, or foreign loanword.


A prequel to Himitsu that follows Maki Tsuyoshi and his best friend Suzuki Katsushiro during their college days.
The year is 2045, when MRI technology was still in its nascent stages. A decade ago Maki's parents were killed in a fire, and since then he's been living with his legal guardian Sawamura Satoshi, who suffered severe burns while rescuing him. Though he's convinced that his parents were murdered, Maki has no clues to help him find the culprits other than the hazy memory of a certain symbol.
Upon discovering that this symbol is associated with a powerful secret society called Premium that's based in Tokyo University, Maki enters the same college, hoping his top credentials will get him an invitation to Premium. He isn't chosen, but the more socially adept Suzuki is. Maki approaches Suzuki in hopes that he'll lend him his aid, and the two embark on a hunt for the truth.
Note: On hiatus between Aug. 2021 and Oct. 2024.
These open a search for this title on each store. They’re affiliate links: AnimeSphere may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and Bookshop.org supports local independent bookstores.
AnimeSphere only links to legitimately licensed sources. Some titles may not yet be available outside Japan — the search links above will tell you for sure.