Exciting news for fans of artistic and poetic storytelling! The
beloved manga by Aki Irie, titled Go with the Clouds,
North by Northwest (Hokuhokusei ni Kumo to Yuke), has
been officially announced to receive a television anime series
adaptation.
The announcement came alongside the launch of the project’s
official website, which also shared a special illustration from
the mangaka herself to celebrate the milestone.
Synopsis: A Young Detective with Unique Secrets in the Land of Iceland
Unlike your typical detective story, this anime is set in
Iceland — a land at the edge of the world, at coordinates
64ºN. The story follows Kei Miyama, a 17-year-old working
as a private detective. But Kei is far from ordinary. He carries
three major secrets:
- He can talk to cars.
- He becomes extremely nervous and flustered around beautiful girls.
- He is on a personal mission to find his missing younger brother.
The story takes viewers on a journey through Iceland’s breathtaking
landscapes while unraveling a variety of mysteries — from searching
for a missing dog to cases that cut deep into the emotional core
of human experience.
What sets Go with the Clouds, North by Northwest apart
from other mystery series is its atmosphere. Iceland serves not
just as a backdrop but as a living part of the narrative — its
vast open skies, volcanic terrain, and isolated communities all
feeding into the mood of each case Kei takes on. It is the kind
of series where the journey matters just as much as the
destination.
Kei himself is a quietly compelling protagonist. His ability
to communicate with cars adds a surreal, almost magical-realist
quality to the story, while his search for his brother gives
the series an emotional through-line that keeps readers
invested beyond each individual case.
From the Creator of Ran and the Gray World
Aki Irie is widely recognized for her extraordinary
work on Ran and the Gray World, a fantasy manga praised
for its intricate artwork and dreamlike storytelling. Her signature
style — detailed, atmospheric, and quietly mysterious — has earned
her a dedicated international following.
Go with the Clouds, North by Northwest first launched
in 2016 and has since received significant critical praise,
particularly for its remarkably accurate depiction of Icelandic
landscapes and culture. Irie’s attention to geographical and
cultural detail gives the manga an authenticity rarely seen
in the medium, making it a standout work even before the
anime announcement.
Published under Kadokawa, the manga has been running for
nearly a decade and built a loyal readership that has long
hoped for an anime adaptation. That wait is finally coming
to an end.
What We Know So Far
While details regarding the animation studio and exact
release date have not yet been revealed, the opening of
the official website signals that production is well
underway. The special illustration shared by Aki Irie
to mark the announcement has already generated significant
buzz among fans on social media.
Given the visual richness of the source material,
the choice of animation studio will be one of the
most anticipated pieces of news. The manga’s landscapes,
character expressions, and overall aesthetic present
both an exciting opportunity and a genuine challenge
for any studio taking on the project.
Final Thoughts
The anime adaptation of Go with the Clouds, North by
Northwest is shaping up to be one of the more distinctive
upcoming titles — a detective story set in Iceland, drawn
with rare artistic care, from one of manga’s most
thoughtful creators.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Aki Irie’s work or
discovering this series for the first time, now is the
perfect moment to pick up the manga before the anime
arrives. Keep an eye on the official website for further
updates on cast, studio, and release date.
