Global manga and anime producer Viz Media has announced its co-production of an anime adaptation for Keigo Shinzo’s highly praised slice-of-life manga series, Hirayasumi. This marks a significant step in Viz Media’s expanding role in anime production, partnering with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. for the project. Animation duties will be handled by Production +h., known for their work on titles such as The Orbital Children and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.
A New Chapter for Hirayasumi
The announcement was made on Monday, July 21, 2025, confirming the beloved manga’s transition to the animated screen. Creator Keigo Shinzo expressed his excitement, 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!” Shinzo also released a celebratory illustration to commemorate the news.
The Story of Hiroto Ikuta
Hirayasumi centers on 29-year-old Hiroto Ikuta, a carefree individual with no girlfriend, a part-time job, or a definitive plan for the future, yet he finds contentment in his laid-back existence. His easygoing demeanor, however, can be perplexing to those around him. The narrative follows Hiroto and the people in his orbit as they navigate life’s anxieties, confusions, and grief, each striving to make the best of their circumstances.
The plot further develops when Hiroto inherits an old house from an elderly woman he befriended, Hanae Wada, after her sudden passing. Subsequently, his 18-year-old cousin, Natsumi Kobayashi, an aspiring art student, moves in with him, becoming his ward in the inherited residence. Their contrasting personalities lead to a unique cohabitation as they face the seemingly mundane aspects of their daily lives.
Manga’s Critical Acclaim and Background
Keigo Shinzo first launched Hirayasumi in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine in April 2021. The series quickly garnered widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant artwork and elegantly crafted slice-of-life storytelling. As of July 2025, the manga has over 1.1 million copies in circulation worldwide. Shogakukan is set to publish the ninth compiled volume on July 30, 2025.
Awards and Recognition
Hirayasumi has received numerous accolades since its debut:
- Grand Prizes from the 2021 Kagayake! Bros. Comic Awards.
- Recipient of the 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
- Ranked 3rd at the Manga Taisho in 2022 and 9th in 2024.
- Named Best Ongoing Comic at Lucca Comics & Games 2024 (Italy).
- Ranked third on “The Best Manga 2022 Kono Manga wo Yome!” by Freestyle magazine.
- Ranked sixth on Publisher Comics’ Recommended Comics of 2022.
- Ranked eighteenth in the 2023 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook for male readers.
- Nominated for Best Continuing Manga Series at the second American Manga Awards by the Japan Society and Anime NYC in 2025.
Viz Media began publishing the English-language version of Hirayasumi in May 2024, with six volumes currently available.
Viz Media’s Growing Anime Presence
This co-production signifies Viz Media’s continued expansion beyond just licensing and distribution into actively participating in the production of Japanese anime. While Viz has historically focused on publishing manga and distributing and licensing Japanese anime in Western markets, this venture, alongside Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, highlights a strategic shift towards being a global creative partner. It underscores their commitment to bringing acclaimed Japanese narratives to a worldwide audience.
In addition to the anime, a live-action television drama adaptation of Hirayasumi has also been announced. The 15-minute live-action series is slated to begin broadcasting on the NHK channel in Fall 2025, airing Monday through Thursday. Further details regarding the anime’s format, main staff, and voice cast are yet to be revealed.
