A new Boys-Love (BL) specific “light anime” label, “Balloon,” has officially launched, with its inaugural television anime adaptation slated for 2026. This initiative aims to streamline anime production for the burgeoning Boys-Love market, focusing on cost-efficiency and accelerated timelines.
Formation of the Balloon Label
The “Balloon” label is a collaborative venture between several key players in publishing and anime production. IMAGICA Infos announced its partnership with Dai Nippon Printing (DNP), CYBIRD, and Blue Rights to establish this dedicated Boys-Love imprint. This strategic alliance brings together diverse expertise to cater specifically to the BL genre, promising a new wave of animated content.
The “Light Anime” Concept
Central to the “Balloon” project is the concept of “light anime,” spearheaded by Dai Nippon Printing (DNP). This production model is designed to create animation at a lower cost and on a more “timely” schedule compared to traditional anime production workflows. By optimizing the production process, “light anime” seeks to deliver engaging content more quickly and efficiently. The label’s ambitious goals include producing four new titles in the 2026 fiscal year, with an ultimate aim of establishing a workflow capable of delivering ten or more projects annually by 2028.
First Anime Adaptation: Saioshi no Gikei Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu!
The debut project for the “Balloon” label is a “light anime” adaptation of Tenma Asahi’s light novel series, Saioshi no Gikei Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu! (translated as In Order to Love My Most Beloved Brother-In-Law, I’ll Live a Long Life!). This series is currently in production and targeting a 2026 broadcast. Production of this first anime project will be handled by Animation ID, a joint venture between DNP and IMAGICA Infos.
Plot Overview
Saioshi no Gikei Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu! is an isekai reincarnation fantasy. The story follows a player who, in an effort to protect their favorite character in a simulation raising game, is unexpectedly reincarnated. The twist lies in their new existence: the player is reborn as the older brother-in-law of their beloved character, while the original hero is reincarnated as the younger brother who was destined to die. The narrative then explores the protagonist’s struggle to alter their own frail and short-lived destiny, driven by the desire to protect the cherished smile of their favorite character, Orsys.
Original Works
The light novel series, penned by Tenma Asahi, began its serialization in September 2021. AlphaPolis published the first volume of the light novel in September 2021, and the fifth compiled book volume was released on January 20, 2025. A manga adaptation of the series, illustrated by Aki Tsujimoto, launched on the AlphaPolis platform under the Andarche label in January 2025. The first compiled volume of the manga was shipped on August 1, 2025, with the second volume scheduled for release on July 2, 2025.
