The popular romantic comedy manga series, “Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life” (Hanaori-san wa Tensei Shite mo Kenka ga Shitai), is officially getting a TV anime adaptation, slated to premiere in 2026. An official website and X (formerly Twitter) account were launched today, confirming the news and releasing a teaser visual for the upcoming series.
Penned and illustrated by Hekiru Hikawa, known for “Pani Poni Dash!”, the manga brings a unique twist to the reincarnation genre, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and comedy.
Reincarnation, Romance, and Rivalry: The Story of Hanaori-san
The story of “Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life” centers around Ryūsei Narukami, a self-proclaimed NEET who, in a previous life, was a powerful Demon Lord in another world. His peaceful, video-game-filled existence is disrupted by the sudden appearance of Meteor Hanaori, a high school girl who is, in fact, the reincarnation of the Hero who once defeated him.
A Former Demon Lord and a Reincarnated Hero
The core of the narrative revolves around the hilarious and often heartwarming interactions between Ryūsei and Meteor. Despite their past as fierce adversaries, the two find themselves drawn to each other in their new, more mundane lives. The dynamic further complicates when Ryūsei takes a job as a teacher at Meteor’s high school. This setup promises a blend of supernatural elements with everyday school life and romantic comedy tropes, as their former animosities slowly evolve into present affections.
The Manga’s Journey to Anime
Hekiru Hikawa’s “Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life” began its serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Morning Two magazine in August 2021. As of March 2025, the series has been compiled into seven volumes, with eight collected volumes in total. The manga has garnered a following for its sharp sense of humor and brisk storytelling, which has led to high anticipation for its animated debut.
Author Hikawa shared their excitement regarding the adaptation, jokingly stating that they initially thought the news was a “dream my stress had conjured up.” They also assured fans of their close involvement in the production, aiming to create an anime that is “true to the atmosphere of the original while also being stylish, entertaining, and cool.”
Anticipation for the 2026 Release
While specific details regarding the animation studio, staff, and voice cast are yet to be announced, the confirmation of a 2026 broadcast has already sparked considerable excitement among manga enthusiasts and anime fans. The announcement includes a teaser visual showcasing Meteor Hanaori, further fueling speculation about the visual style and character designs for the upcoming series.
Fans are eager to see how the unique blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy, along with the witty character interactions that define Hikawa’s work, will translate to the animated screen. The anime adaptation is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the popular reincarnation and romantic comedy genres.
