A highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Shinji Saijyo’s popular cooking manga, “Iron Wok Jan!” (Tetsunabe no Jan!), has been officially green-lit for a 2026 premiere. The series will be directed by the acclaimed Ei Aoki and produced by the animation studio TROYCA. This announcement has sparked considerable excitement among fans of the culinary action-comedy series.
A Fiery Return for “Iron Wok Jan!”
The original “Iron Wok Jan!” manga, written and illustrated by Shinji Saijyo, captivated readers with its intense culinary battles and a protagonist known for his unconventional, often ruthless, approach to cooking. The story follows Jan Akiyama, a cocky 16-year-old chef driven by a desire to surpass his grandfather’s arch-nemesis, Mutsuju Gobancho. Jan finds himself working at the Gobancho restaurant, where a fierce rivalry quickly develops between him and Mutsuju’s granddaughter, Kiriko Gobancho. Their dynamic highlights contrasting philosophies: Jan views cooking as a competition, while Kiriko believes it’s about heart.
The manga was originally serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion from June 1995 to March 2000, collected into 27 tankōbon volumes. Its unique blend of high-stakes cooking, dramatic character interactions, and shonen tropes earned it a dedicated following. A sequel, “Iron Wok Jan! R: The Summit Operations,” was also released, continuing Jan’s culinary adventures.
The Manga’s Impact and Legacy
“Iron Wok Jan!” is renowned for its over-the-top culinary techniques and the sheer intensity of its cooking duels, often bordering on martial arts. Jan Akiyama himself is a memorable protagonist, sometimes referred to as the “Empoisonneur” or “Judge Killer” due to his food being so exceptional that it incited judges to fight over it. The series’ exploration of different Chinese cuisine styles and the extreme lengths characters go to for culinary supremacy set it apart in the cooking manga genre.
Director Ei Aoki at the Helm
Taking the directorial reins for “Iron Wok Jan!” is Ei Aoki, a highly respected figure in the anime industry. Aoki is known for his distinctive visual style and ability to craft compelling narratives across various genres. He began his career at Anime International Company (AIC) and later co-founded TROYCA in 2013.
Ei Aoki’s Notable Works
Aoki’s extensive filmography includes directing critically acclaimed series such as:
- Fate/Zero
- Aldnoah.Zero
- Re:Creators
- ID:Invaded
- The Garden of Sinners: Overlooking View
His involvement suggests a visually striking and emotionally charged adaptation that will likely do justice to the manga’s dramatic flair. Aoki’s track record with action and intricate storytelling bodes well for translating “Iron Wok Jan!’s” high-octane cooking contests to the screen.
Studio Troyca’s Animation Expertise
The anime production will be handled by TROYCA, the studio co-founded by Ei Aoki himself in May 2013. The studio’s name, derived from the Russian word for “team of three,” reflects its founding by Aoki, former AIC producer Toshiyuki Nagano, and photography director Tomonori Katou. TROYCA has steadily built a reputation for producing visually polished and dynamic anime.
Key Productions from Studio Troyca
TROYCA’s portfolio includes several well-regarded titles, demonstrating their versatility and technical prowess:
- Aldnoah.Zero (co-produced with A-1 Pictures)
- Re:Creators
- Bloom Into You
- The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note
- IDOLiSH7 series
- Overtake!
The studio is particularly noted for its skilled lighting and effects work, which can significantly enhance dramatic scenes and the visual appeal of CG models. This expertise could prove crucial in vividly animating the fiery kitchens and exquisite dishes of “Iron Wok Jan!”.
Anticipation for the 2026 Premiere
The combination of Shinji Saijyo’s beloved manga, Ei Aoki’s proven directorial talent, and Studio TROYCA’s reputation for quality animation sets a high bar for the “Iron Wok Jan!” anime. Fans are eager to see how the intense culinary duels and the vibrant characters of Jan Akiyama and Kiriko Gobancho will be brought to life on screen in 2026. This adaptation marks a significant moment for both long-time devotees of the manga and new viewers discovering its unique brand of gastronomic excitement.
