The popular manga series “Ojisan wa Kawaii Mono ga Osuki.” (The Middle-Aged Man Loves Cute Things) by Tsutomu is officially receiving a TV anime adaptation, slated for broadcast in 2026. Animation studio LIDEN FILMS, known for works such as Call of the Night, will be producing the series.
Tsutomu’s Beloved Manga Heads to the Small Screen
The announcement, made via the manga’s official website and accounts, confirms that the charming slice-of-life comedy will join the growing list of anime adaptations in 2026. While details regarding the specific staff and cast for the anime are yet to be revealed, the news has already generated excitement among fans of the manga. A new teaser visual featuring the protagonist Oji Mitsukawa and the adorable “Pugtaro” character has also been released. Original author Tsutomu expressed disbelief and joy at the news, noting the manga’s varied pacing and expressing eagerness to see the characters move and speak.
The Secret World of Mitsutaka Oji
“Ojisan wa Kawaii Mono ga Osuki.” follows Mitsutaka Oji, a seemingly perfect 40-year-old office worker who is handsome, capable, and admired by his colleagues. Unbeknownst to most, Oji harbors a deep secret: an ardent obsession with all things cute, especially adorable character merchandise. His carefully maintained facade begins to crack when his college-aged nephew, Masumi, moves in with him, discovering Oji’s home filled with character dolls and other cute items. The series playfully explores Oji’s daily struggles to balance his professional image with his hidden passion, providing heartwarming and humorous insights into his life.
Manga Publication and Previous Adaptations
Tsutomu’s “Ojisan wa Kawaii Mono ga Osuki.” manga began its serialization on Flex Comics’ COMIC Polaris website in July 2017. The series has proven popular, with eleven compiled book volumes released as of February 2025.
Before its anime debut, the manga inspired a five-episode live-action TV drama adaptation, which aired on Japanese television in August 2020. The drama featured Hidekazu Mashima as the protagonist Mitsutaka Oji, bringing the “middle-aged man loves cute things” premise to a broader audience. This earlier adaptation showcased the story’s universal appeal and its potential for cross-media success.
