The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Kappi’s acclaimed web manga, Hidarikiki no Eren (Eren the Southpaw), is officially slated for an April 2026 premiere. A recent teaser trailer not only confirmed the broadcast window but also unveiled the main voice cast and additional production staff, building excitement among fans who have been awaiting the animation of this popular series.
April 2026 Airing Set with Esteemed Animation Studios
The Eren the Southpaw anime will hit screens in April 2026, marking a significant milestone for the series. Animation production will be a collaborative effort between two well-regarded studios: Signal.MD and Production I.G. This joint venture suggests a commitment to high-quality visuals and storytelling, aiming to faithfully bring the intricate narrative of the manga to life. The series is expected to air on TV Tokyo and its affiliates.
Main Cast Bringing Key Characters to Life
The teaser trailer provided a glimpse into the voices behind the protagonists, confirming two prominent voice actors for the lead roles:
- Shoya Chiba will voice Koichi Asakura. Chiba is known for his roles in various popular anime, including Nirei in WIND BREAKER.
- Yumi Uchiyama has been cast as Eren Yamagishi. Uchiyama is recognized for her extensive work, such as voicing Rudeus in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.
These casting choices aim to capture the nuanced personalities of the designer striving for recognition and the genius artist grappling with her talent.
A Look at the Production Team
Beyond the main cast, several key staff members have been announced, promising an experienced team at the helm of the adaptation:
- Director: Toshimasa Suzuki
- Series Composition: Taku Kishimoto
- Character Designers/Chief Animation Directors: Yuka Fukuchi and Akane Tamai
- Music: Pasocom Music Club
Additional production credits include Mitsuko Sekimoto as Color Designer, Takeshi Sato as Art Director, Kazuhiro Obata as Art Designer, Shun Arimura as Director of Photography, Junichi Masunaga as Editor, and Jin Aketagawa as Sound Director. This comprehensive team highlights the extensive effort being put into the anime’s production.
The Gripping Story of “Hidarikiki no Eren”
Hidarikiki no Eren, translated as Eren the Southpaw, tells an ensemble drama following two distinct individuals. The story centers on Koichi Asakura, a designer working at an advertising agency who struggles for recognition despite his hard work. Frustrated by his circumstances, he revisits a place from his past where he first encountered Eren Yamagishi.
Eren Yamagishi, known as “The Southpaw,” is a left-handed graffiti artist recognized as a genius in New York. Despite her overwhelming talent, she grapples with the agony and solitude that often accompany genius. The narrative explores their individual setbacks and journeys of self-discovery, delving into themes of talent versus hard work and the challenges faced by creatives.
Manga Origins and Prior Adaptations
The source material, Hidarikiki no Eren, originated as a web manga written and illustrated by Kappi, serialized on the cakes web manga service from March 2016 to September 2017. A remake version, featuring illustrations by nifuni, was later published on Shueisha’s online platform Shōnen Jump+ from October 2017 to October 2022, collected into 24 tankōbon volumes.
Prior to the upcoming anime, the series received a 10-episode live-action television drama adaptation, which aired in Japan from October to December 2019. The drama further cemented the series’ popularity and laid the groundwork for its expansion into animation. With a dedicated fanbase and a compelling narrative, the Eren the Southpaw anime is poised to be a significant release in April 2026.
