A new Boys-Love (BL) light anime label, “Balloon,” has officially launched, announcing its inaugural television anime adaptation slated for release in 2026. This venture marks a significant collaboration between prominent companies, aiming to expand the landscape of BL animation through an innovative “light anime” production model.
The Genesis of Balloon: A Collaborative Endeavor
The “Balloon” label is the result of a strategic partnership among publishing and anime production company IMAGICA Infos, Dai Nippon Printing (DNP), CYBIRD, and Blue Rights. This consortium brings together diverse expertise, from printing and digital content to animation production, signaling a concerted effort to cultivate a new wave of BL anime content.
First Project: “Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu!”
For its premiere project, the Balloon label is adapting Tenma Asahi’s fantasy romance light novel series, “Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu!” which translates to “In Order to Love My Most Beloved Brother-In-Law, I’ll Live a Long Life!”. The series is set to debut as a “light anime” in 2026.
Understanding “Light Anime” Production
The concept of “light anime” is a key innovation spearheaded by Dai Nippon Printing (DNP). This production method is designed to achieve animation at a lower cost and on a more expedited schedule compared to traditional animation workflows. The goal is to facilitate a more timely and efficient creation of animated content, potentially allowing for a higher volume of releases within a shorter timeframe.
The Story of “Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu!”
The narrative of “Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu!” follows Alba, a protagonist who finds himself reincarnated into a new world as the brother-in-law of Orsis, his most cherished character from his previous life. Alba’s new existence is fraught with peril as he must strive to alter his own inherently sickly and short-lived destiny, all while endeavoring to protect the smile of his beloved Orsis. This unique premise, blending fantasy, reincarnation (isekai), and romance, offers a compelling foundation for the upcoming anime.
The Light Novel and Manga Origins
Tenma Asahi originally began the “Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu!” light novel series in September 2021. AlphaPolis published the first volume with illustrations by Kazuaki in November 2022, and the series has since grown, with the fifth novel released in January 2025.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Tsujimoto Aki, commenced serialization in January 2024 under AlphaPolis’s Andarche label. The first tankoubon volume of the manga was released in August 2024, with the second volume slated for July 2, 2025.
Future Aspirations for Balloon
Beyond its initial 2026 release, the Balloon label has ambitious plans for its future in the BL anime market. The label aims to produce four new titles during the 2026 fiscal year. Looking further ahead, Balloon has set a target of establishing a production workflow capable of delivering ten or more projects annually by 2028. This strategic vision underscores the label’s commitment to becoming a prolific source of Boys-Love animated content.
