Viz Media has announced its co-production of an anime adaptation for Keigo Shinzo’s critically acclaimed slice-of-life manga series, Hirayasumi. The anime project is a joint effort between Viz Media and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd., with animation helmed by Production +h. This development marks a significant step in Viz Media’s expanding role in anime production, following its successful English-language publication of the manga.
The announcement also revealed that Hirayasumi will receive a live-action television drama adaptation, set to air on the NHK channel this fall.
A New Chapter for the Acclaimed Manga
Hirayasumi, which began serialization in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine in April 2021, has garnered widespread praise for its emotionally resonant artwork and elegantly crafted storytelling. The series quickly became a fan favorite, boasting over 1.1 million copies in circulation worldwide. Viz Media launched the English-language version of the manga in May 2024, publishing six volumes to date. The ninth compiled book volume from Shogakukan is slated for release on July 30, 2025.
The Story of Hiroto Ikuta
The slice-of-life narrative centers on Hiroto Ikuta, a carefree 29-year-old freelance worker without a clear plan for his future. His amiable nature leads to frequent interactions, particularly with elderly individuals. The plot takes a turn when Hiroto inherits a house from an 83-year-old retired school cook, Hanae Wada, whom he frequently visited. Following Hanae’s sudden passing, Hiroto becomes the guardian to his 18-year-old cousin, Natsumi Kobayashi, an aspiring art student who moves into the inherited residence. The series explores Hiroto’s breezy attitude and the various anxieties, confusions, and grief experienced by the characters around him as they navigate life.
Accolades and Recognition
Hirayasumi has received numerous accolades, reinforcing its critical acclaim. It won the Tokyo News Services’ TV Bros magazine Bros. Comic Award 2021. The manga was nominated for the 15th Manga Taisho in 2022, placing third, and was again nominated for the 17th edition in 2024, placing ninth. It was also nominated for the 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2023. Additionally, the series ranked third on “The Best Manga 2022 Kono Manga wo Yome!” by Freestyle magazine and sixth on Publisher Comics’ Recommended Comics of 2022. It also placed eighteenth in the 2023 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list for male readers.
Viz Media’s Growing Role in Anime Production
Viz Media, headquartered in San Francisco, California, has long been a leading force in publishing manga and distributing and licensing Japanese anime in English-speaking markets. Their co-production of Hirayasumi highlights a strategic move to deepen their involvement in the anime production pipeline. This co-production with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. and animation by Production +h (known for works like The Orbital Children and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction) signifies a commitment to bringing high-quality adaptations to a global audience.
Viz Media‘s role in anime production often involves overseeing localization, including subtitling and dubbing, and managing the overall production process to ensure timely delivery of localized content. This expanded co-production initiative aligns with their mission to champion acclaimed Japanese storytellers on the world stage. Keigo Shinzo himself expressed excitement about both the anime and drama adaptations, stating, “I’m so happy to hear it’s being adapted into an anime and a drama! I’m really looking forward to seeing both shows!”
