An exciting announcement has surfaced in the world of anime, revealing that a complete adaptation of eight short stories from the acclaimed creator of “Chainsaw Man” and “Look Back,” Tatsuki Fujimoto, is in the works. This new project, titled “Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26,” aims to bring to life the stories compiled in his short story collections, “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17-21” and “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22-26.” These collections feature one-shot stories that Fujimoto crafted between the ages of 17 and 26, showcasing his development as a storyteller and artist. The anime is set to premiere globally on Amazon Prime on November 8, 2025.
This anthology will feature adaptations of eight unique works, each entrusted to a different creative team, allowing for a rich variety of artistic interpretations. The titles of these adaptations and their respective production details have been revealed, generating excitement among fans and newcomers alike.
The first story, “A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard,” will be directed and scripted by Seishiro Nagaya, with character designs by Moaang. The animation for this segment will be produced by ZEXCS. The voice cast includes notable talents such as Kensho Ono, Shion Sakurai, Kazuki Ura, Kimiko Saito, and Mitsuo Iwata, promising a dynamic audio experience.
Next up is “Sasaki Stopped a Bullet,” directed by Nobukage Kimura and penned by Teruko Utsumi. Naho Kozono will handle character design, while Lapin Track takes on the animation. The voice cast for this short includes Toshiki Kumagai, Chika Anzai, and Yoichi Okano, among others.
“Love is Blind,” another intriguing story in this anthology, will be brought to life under the direction of Nobuyuki Takeuchi, also written by Teruko Utsumi. Character design will be managed by Tomoko Mori, with Lapin Track again lending their animation expertise. The voice cast features Shun Horie, Shion Wakayama, and a variety of other talented actors, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
The fourth adaptation, titled “Shikaku,” will be directed and written by Naoya Ando, with character designs by MYOUN. This segment will be animated by GRAPH77, and the voice cast will include prominent figures such as Kana Hanazawa and Tomokazu Sugita, known for their impressive contributions to the anime industry.
In “Mermaid Rhapsody,” directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe and scripted by Tatsuo Kobayashi, viewers will be treated to a visually stunning experience. Character designs will come from Nozomi Shimazaki, and 100studio will handle the animation. The voice cast for this segment includes Chiaki Kikuta and Eri Yukimura, promising a captivating audiovisual experience.
“Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome” will be directed and scripted by Kazuaki Terasawa, with character designs by Kohei Tokuoka. Studio Kafka is set to animate this unique story, with a voice cast featuring Yuki Sakakihara, Maki Kawase, and Seiichiro Yamashita, who are sure to bring the characters to life in an engaging manner.
“Nayuta of the Prophecy” is another anticipated adaptation, directed and scripted by Tetsuaki Watanabe with character designs by Hisashi Higashijima. This segment will also be animated by 100studio, and the voice cast will include Hitomi Sasaki and Yohei Matsuoka, promising an enthralling performance that resonates with viewers.
Lastly, “Sisters,” directed by Osamu Honma and scripted by Yoko Yonaiyama, rounds out the anthology. Character design will be handled by Haruka Sagawa, and P.A. WORKS will be responsible for the animation. The voice cast includes Runa Nakashima, Tomo Nakai, and Tomohiko Imai, ensuring that this story will stand out within the collection.
The production of this anthology is being overseen by FLAGSHIP LINE, collaborating with several animation studios, including ZEXCS, Lapin Track, GRAPH77, 100studio, Studio Kafka, and P.A. WORKS. This diverse range of studios and directors promises a variety of styles and perspectives, ensuring that each short film offers a unique take on Fujimoto’s earlier works.
For those unfamiliar with Tatsuki Fujimoto’s creations, VIZ Media has licensed the short story collections in English. They describe “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17–21” as an engaging compilation that includes tales of alien invasions, high school romances, and intense vampire action. These narratives provide insight into the beginnings of Tatsuki Fujimoto, the imaginative mind behind the popular series “Chainsaw Man.”
The second collection, “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22–26,” continues this exploration with themes of killer mermaids, gender-swapping scenarios, and a mischievous sister capable of world-ending powers. These stories highlight Fujimoto’s versatility and creativity as he delves into various genres and themes that resonate with a wide audience.
Overall, the anticipation surrounding “Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26” is palpable, as fans eagerly await the chance to see these beloved stories animated. With a talented roster of directors, writers, and voice actors, this anthology promises to showcase the unique storytelling style of Tatsuki Fujimoto while providing fresh interpretations that cater to both existing fans and newcomers to his work. The blend of various animation studios ensures that the adaptation will be visually diverse and rich in narrative depth, making it a highly awaited release in the anime community.
As the premiere date approaches, the excitement will undoubtedly continue to build. Fans can look forward to the opportunity to experience the early works of Tatsuki Fujimoto in a new light, exploring the themes and characters that laid the groundwork for his later successes. The adaptation of these eight short stories marks a significant milestone in Fujimoto’s career, celebrating his journey as a creator while inviting viewers to engage with his imaginative world.