The highly anticipated anime anthology series, Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, is set to make its world premiere in the U.S. on October 5, 2025, at the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival. Following this, the series will receive limited two-week theatrical screenings in Japan and South Korea before its global streaming debut on Prime Video in November.
Global Stage Hollywood to Host U.S. World Premiere
Fans in the United States will get the first glimpse of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 on October 5, 2025. The world premiere will take place at the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival 2025, held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood. This special event marks the beginning of the anime’s journey to screens worldwide, offering an early viewing of the anthology based on the early works of the acclaimed mangaka behind Chainsaw Man.
Theatrical Screenings Across Asia
Following its U.S. debut, the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime will head to theaters in Japan and South Korea for exclusive limited engagements.
Two-Week Theatrical Run in Japan
Beginning October 17, the anthology will have a two-week screening run across nine cinemas in Japan. The eight-episode anime will be presented in two distinct parts, each comprising four episodes, both launching on the same date. The first part will feature stories such as “A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard,” “Sasaki Stopped a Bullet,” “Love is Blind,” and “Shikaku.” The second part will include “Mermaid Rhapsody,” “Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome,” “Nayuta of the Prophecy,” and “Sisters.”
South Korean Premiere at MEGABOX Theaters
South Korean audiences will have their opportunity to experience the anthology starting October 24. A two-week limited screening is scheduled to take place at MEGABOX theaters throughout the country. These theatrical runs in Japan and South Korea precede the global streaming release, offering a unique opportunity for fans to see the series on the big screen.
Global Streaming Debut on Prime Video
For a broader audience, Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 will be exclusively available for streaming on Prime Video. The series is slated to launch globally on November 7, 2025, with a release date of November 8 in Japan due to time zone differences. This exclusive global premiere on Prime Video will make the anthology accessible to members in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
A Deep Dive into Fujimoto’s Early Works
The Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime adapts eight one-shot stories penned by Tatsuki Fujimoto during his formative years, specifically between the ages of 17 and 26. These early works are crucial for understanding the creative origins and diverse storytelling style of the artist who would later captivate the world with Chainsaw Man and Look Back. The anthology promises a wide range of genres and themes, showcasing Fujimoto’s unique blend of the absurd, emotional, and provocative.
The production of the series involves a collaborative effort, with seven acclaimed directors and six leading animation studios bringing each distinctive story to life. This approach ensures that each short story maintains its unique visual style and narrative voice. Some of the notable studios involved include ZEXCS, Lapin Track, GRAPH77, 100studio, Studio Kafka, and P.A.WORKS.
Festival Recognition for Select Titles
Adding to its anticipation, two of the titles from the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 series have already garnered festival recognition. “A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard” and “Shikaku” have been nominated in the Short Film category of the Bucheon International Animation Festival. These nominated titles are scheduled to be screened during the festival on October 25, further highlighting the artistic merit of Fujimoto’s early narrative explorations.
