Tokyo, Japan – Fans eagerly awaiting the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime anthology were treated to a substantial preview today, as a 17-minute, 26-second video was released, offering glimpses into all eight short films. The anthology, which adapts early one-shot manga stories by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, is set to premiere globally on Prime Video on November 7, 2025.
This extensive preview provides an unprecedented look at the diverse animation styles and narratives that comprise the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 project, highlighting the unique visions of the seven acclaimed directors and six animation studios involved.
Unveiling Fujimoto’s Formative Years in Anime
The Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime series brings to life eight short stories penned by Fujimoto between the ages of 17 and 26, predating his massive successes with Fire Punch and Chainsaw Man. These works are compiled from his manga anthologies, Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17-21 and Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22-26. The anthology aims to showcase the raw emotions, surreal storytelling, and wild imagination that characterized Fujimoto’s early artistic development.
Prime Video announced its acquisition of exclusive global streaming rights for the series, making it available to members in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. Prior to its global streaming debut, the anthology had a limited theatrical run in Japan starting October 17, and premiered in the U.S. at the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival on October 5, 2025.
A Look at the Diverse Shorts and Creative Teams
The 17-minute preview offers a comprehensive tour of the eight distinct short stories, each handled by a different director and animation studio, ensuring a wide range of artistic interpretations. This collaborative approach underscores the experimental edge of the project, mirroring Fujimoto’s own diverse storytelling.
Here’s a breakdown of the shorts featured in the anthology:
“A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard”
This short tells the tale of two survivors’ bond in a post-apocalyptic world. It is directed and scripted by Seishiro Nagaya, with character design by Moaang and animation by ZEXCS. Kenshō Ono and Shion Sakurai voice the main characters.
“Sasaki Stopped a Bullet”
Exploring the intense emotions of adolescence, this short is directed by Nobukage Kimura, with Teruko Utsumi handling the script and Naho Kozono on character design. Lapin Track is responsible for the animation, and features Toshiki Kumagai as Sasaki and Chika Anzai as Chieko Kawaguchi.
“Love is Blind”
A sci-fi romantic comedy where love takes on a cosmic scale. Nobuyuki Takeuchi directs, with Teruko Utsumi also scripting, and Tomoko Mori as the character designer. Lapin Track is the animation studio.
“Shikaku”
This short delves into the twisted love story of an unhinged assassin girl. Naoya Ando serves as both director and scriptwriter, with MYOUN designing the characters and GRAPH77 on animation. Kana Hanazawa and Tomokazu Sugita are among the cast.
“Mermaid Rhapsody”
A touching romance between a boy and a mermaid, centered around an underwater piano. Tetsuaki Watanabe directs this piece, with Tatsuo Kobayashi scripting and Nozomi Shimazaki as character designer. 100studio is the animation house.
“Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome”
This story explores themes of self-discovery and finding one’s identity beyond gender norms. Kazuaki Terasawa directs and scripts, Kohei Tokuoka is the character designer, and Studio Kafka handles animation.
“Nayuta of the Prophecy”
Chronicles the journey of siblings bound by a harsh destiny. Directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe with Hisashi Higashijima as character designer, and animated by 100studio. This work is considered one of the prototypes for Fujimoto’s later successes.
“Sisters”
This short depicts rivalry, conflict, and growth between artistically inclined sisters. Osamu Honma directs, with Yoko Yonaiyama on script and Haruka Sagawa for character design, animated by P.A.WORKS. Like “Nayuta,” “Sisters” is seen as a foundational work for Fujimoto’s unique narrative style.
The anthology brings together seven acclaimed directors, including Tetsuaki Watanabe (Blue Lock), Nobuyuki Takeuchi (Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?), and Kazuaki Terasawa (The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2). The participating animation studios include ZEXCS, Lapin Track, GRAPH77, 100studio, Studio Kafka, and P.A.WORKS, with FLAGSHIP LINE overseeing production.
The release of this extensive preview video serves as a final exciting look before the global streaming launch, promising a diverse and captivating experience for fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s unique storytelling.
