Osamu Akimoto’s long-running spy action-comedy manga, Mr. Clice, is set to receive an anime adaptation, an announcement made at the Jump Festa ’26 event on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The anime project is part of a broader celebration marking the manga’s 40th anniversary, exciting fans of the veteran mangaka.
A Classic Spy Saga Comes to the Screen
The newly announced anime will bring the unique premise of Mr. Clice to life. The manga follows the adventures of Jim Clice (also known as Jin Kurisu), a top-tier super A-class spy who faces an unexpected twist of fate. After being mortally wounded during a mission, his agency, having heavily invested in him, decides to resurrect him. However, his brain is controversially transplanted into the body of a recently deceased woman.
Determined to regain his original male body and earn the approval of his superiors, Clice embarks on a series of dangerous missions around the globe, navigating the complexities and challenges of his new female form. The series is known for its blend of fast-paced spy action and sharp gag comedy.
Mr. Clice Manga: A Rich History
Osamu Akimoto, best known for his record-breaking Kochikame manga, launched Mr. Clice in Monthly Shonen Jump in 1985. The series ran irregularly until the magazine ceased publication in 2007. It later resumed serialization in Jump SQ. from 2017 to 2018 before moving to its current home in Jump SQ. RISE in 2018, where it continues to be published.
To further commemorate the 40th anniversary, a new chapter of the Mr. Clice manga is slated for publication in the Jump SQ. RISE 2026 Winter issue, expected to ship in late January 2026.
What We Know About the Anime Adaptation
As of the announcement at Jump Festa ’26, specific details regarding the Mr. Clice anime, such as its release date, format (e.g., TV series, OVA, film), cast, or production staff, remain undisclosed. A promotional video was released in conjunction with the announcement, teasing the upcoming adaptation. Further information is anticipated to be revealed at a later date.
Osamu Akimoto’s Enduring Legacy: More Than Just Mr. Clice
The anime announcement for Mr. Clice comes alongside other significant news concerning Akimoto’s works. At the same Jump Festa ’26 event, a new anime project for his iconic Kochikame manga, titled Shin Kochikame: Tokyo Beat Cops, was also revealed. This new Kochikame anime will feature a refreshed approach and a brand-new cast, with animation production handled by Studio Gallop. Details about the new Kochikame cast are expected in September 2026, and an anniversary website for the series will open in spring 2026. Additionally, a new Kochikame city-builder sim game, KochiKame: Ryo-san’s Billion-yen Beat, is in development by Shueisha Games and Kairosoft for multiple platforms.
Akimoto’s Kochikame is renowned for its immense longevity, having run for 40 years before concluding in 2016, though he has published several extra chapters since then. Its impact extends beyond manga, inspiring a television anime series, films, specials, live-action adaptations, and stage plays. The original Kochikame anime aired for over 300 episodes between 1996 and 2004.
