VIZ Media Announces Landmark Anime Co-Production of Critically Acclaimed Manga Hirayasumi
San Francisco, CA – July 21, 2025—Leading global manga and anime producer VIZ Media is proud to announce its latest and most critically celebrated anime co-production to date: Hirayasumi, the widely acclaimed manga series by Keigo Shinzo.
The Hirayasumi anime will be a joint production between VIZ Media and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. This co-production marks a milestone in VIZ Media's anime slate, underscoring its role as a global creative partner and champion of Japan's most acclaimed storytellers on the world stage. Animation will be handled by Production +h., the studio behind a string of high-profile works including The Orbital Children and Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction.
Originally serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits in April 2021, Hirayasumi made its English-language debut through VIZ in May 2024, and has since earned widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant artwork and elegantly crafted slice-of-life storytelling. Striking a deep chord with both fans and critics, the series has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary manga. With over 1.1 million copies in circulation worldwide and six volumes currently published by VIZ, Hirayasumi is fast becoming a modern classic of the graphic novel category.
Adding to its remarkable run, the live-action adaptation of Hirayasumi has been announced – reinforcing the manga's artistic prestige and global resonance.
Creator's message:
“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!” said Keigo Shinzo
Official Synopsis:
At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn't have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for the future—and he couldn't be happier. Hiroto's breezy attitude isn't easy for everyone to understand, though. In a world filled with anxiety, confusion, and grief, Hiroto and the people around him are all just doing their best to figure out this thing called life.
Awards & Recognition:
Hirayasumi has earned some of the highest honors in the manga world:
Grand Prize, 2021 Kagayake! Bros Comic Awards
Grand Prize, 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize
3rd Place Nominee, Manga Taisho 2022
Best Ongoing Comic, Lucca Comics & Games 2024 (Italy)
Further details regarding the Hirayasumi anime, including its release schedule and international distribution plans, will be announced soon.
About Keigo Shinzo:
Keigo Shinzo debuted as a manga creator in 2008 with Nankin, and has since created several award-winning works, including Bokura no Funkasai (Our Eruption Festival). His 2016 series Moriyamachuu Kyoushuujo (Moriyamachu Driving School) was adapted into a feature film, followed by a live-action adaptation of Tokyo Alien Bros. in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shinzo chronicled his recovery from lymphoma in the autobiographical one-shot Akusei Rinpashu de Nyuuin shita Toki no Koto (About the Time I Was Hospitalized for Malignant Lymphoma), which also inspired the creation of Hirayasumi.
About VIZ Media:
Wherever manga and anime fans are, we are! VIZ Media is No. 1 in Japanese pop culture, introducing fans to what's now, new, and next. Home to the world's most influential and groundbreaking storytellers and artists, who today drive multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. If it's big in Japan, you can find it at VIZ.
VIZ Media is proudly certified as a Most Loved Workplace® in America and Inc Magazine's Best Workplace. For more information on VIZ Media visit: https://www.viz.com/
The Hirayasumi anime will be a joint production between VIZ Media and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. This co-production marks a milestone in VIZ Media's anime slate, underscoring its role as a global creative partner and champion of Japan's most acclaimed storytellers on the world stage. Animation will be handled by Production +h., the studio behind a string of high-profile works including The Orbital Children and Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction.
Originally serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits in April 2021, Hirayasumi made its English-language debut through VIZ in May 2024, and has since earned widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant artwork and elegantly crafted slice-of-life storytelling. Striking a deep chord with both fans and critics, the series has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary manga. With over 1.1 million copies in circulation worldwide and six volumes currently published by VIZ, Hirayasumi is fast becoming a modern classic of the graphic novel category.
Adding to its remarkable run, the live-action adaptation of Hirayasumi has been announced – reinforcing the manga's artistic prestige and global resonance.
Creator's message:
“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!” said Keigo Shinzo
Official Synopsis:
At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn't have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for the future—and he couldn't be happier. Hiroto's breezy attitude isn't easy for everyone to understand, though. In a world filled with anxiety, confusion, and grief, Hiroto and the people around him are all just doing their best to figure out this thing called life.
Awards & Recognition:
Hirayasumi has earned some of the highest honors in the manga world:
Grand Prize, 2021 Kagayake! Bros Comic Awards
Grand Prize, 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize
3rd Place Nominee, Manga Taisho 2022
Best Ongoing Comic, Lucca Comics & Games 2024 (Italy)
Further details regarding the Hirayasumi anime, including its release schedule and international distribution plans, will be announced soon.
About Keigo Shinzo:
Keigo Shinzo debuted as a manga creator in 2008 with Nankin, and has since created several award-winning works, including Bokura no Funkasai (Our Eruption Festival). His 2016 series Moriyamachuu Kyoushuujo (Moriyamachu Driving School) was adapted into a feature film, followed by a live-action adaptation of Tokyo Alien Bros. in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shinzo chronicled his recovery from lymphoma in the autobiographical one-shot Akusei Rinpashu de Nyuuin shita Toki no Koto (About the Time I Was Hospitalized for Malignant Lymphoma), which also inspired the creation of Hirayasumi.
About VIZ Media:
Wherever manga and anime fans are, we are! VIZ Media is No. 1 in Japanese pop culture, introducing fans to what's now, new, and next. Home to the world's most influential and groundbreaking storytellers and artists, who today drive multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. If it's big in Japan, you can find it at VIZ.
VIZ Media is proudly certified as a Most Loved Workplace® in America and Inc Magazine's Best Workplace. For more information on VIZ Media visit: https://www.viz.com/
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