“Tatsuki Fujimoto: 17-26” Screening & Talk Session Celebrates the Roots of a Visionary Creator

Exclusive World Premiere Held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre as Part of Global Stage Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 5, 2025 – Today, fans gathered in Hollywood for the exclusive world premiere of Tatsuki Fujimoto: 17-26, an anthology of eight animated short stories adapted from the early works of Tatsuki Fujimoto, the acclaimed creator of Chainsaw Man and Look Back. As part of Global Stage Hollywood at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre, the screening celebrated the upcoming worldwide launch of the anthology on Prime Video, November 7, 2025.

Moderated by MC Kwok-Wai Hanson, the pre-screening segment welcomed special guests from Japan, including Producer Ryo Oyama and Directors Seishirō Nagaya (‘Episode 1: A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard') and Nobuyuki Takeuchi (‘Episode 3: Love is Blind’). The anthology spans genres, from cosmic romance and post-apocalyptic survival, to sibling rivalry and explorations of gender identity, marking the first time audiences worldwide experienced Fujimoto's early works in full animated form.

Fans dressed in Chainsaw Man merchandise and holding copies of Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga packed the theater, with the venue filled to standing-room-only capacity. During the preshow event and to raucous applause, Director Nagaya shared, “I believe everyone here at the world premiere are the number one fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto, and I am nervous but excited to be able to screen this film in front of all of you”. Director Takeuchi shared that, “I was a big fan of Detective Columbo as a kid, and I'm so excited to be in the center of Hollywood for this premiere.” The audience's energy continued to build as the screening began, featuring all eight distinctive short films in one sitting. The world premiere was filled with laughter, applause, and excitement as fans experienced the unique worlds of Tatsuki Fujimoto: 17-26.

Following the screening, the audience enjoyed a special talk session moderated by Kwok-Wai Hanson, featuring Producer Oyama and Directors Nagaya and Takeuchi. The discussion provided behind-the-scenes insight into adapting Fujimoto's early works for animation, including creative challenges and directorial approaches in capturing his distinctive voice. 

When asked how this piece came to be, Producer Oyama said, “I'm pleased, and relieved that the world premiere of this film was received so well. My team and I were working on Look Back when we came up with the idea for Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, which references his other works. We're thrilled that we could make this piece.”

As to how he pitched this adaptation to Fujimoto, Oyama said, “Fujimoto initially said that he'd be embarrassed if we adapted his earlier works. When I introduced Fujimoto to the directors on this project, he felt very confident in them.” Sharing behind-the-scenes production information, Oyama then revealed, “At first, we weren't sure if we should connect these one-shots, or if we should keep them distinct. Ultimately, we decided to keep them as an anthology.” 

When asked what they thought of the original manga, Director Nagaya shared, “I experienced this work after reading Chainsaw Man, and found it equally inspired despite Fujimoto being much younger when he wrote it. I found it interesting how ideas like a brother-sister relationship and transformations also appeared in Chainsaw Man, with them originating in this work.” Director Takeuchi answered by saying, “'Love is Blind' was actually the last project available by the time I came to the project, so I had to take it, despite being embarrassed by these feelings from my own youth.”

Given the chance to comment on the other works in this anthology, Nagaya noted that, “'Love is Blind' is the most comical work of any entry.Director Takeuchi's unique touch,made the story's individuality shine even brighter,” while Takeuchi was impressed with how well “'A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard' captured everyday scenery without losing the feel of Fujimoto's original work.”

When asked what themes from the anthology spoke the most to them, Oyama shared, “I like ‘Boy Meets Girl’ stories so ‘Love is Blind’ resonated with me a lot.” Takeuchi said that, “he connected with how Ibuki wanted to confess his love in an almost selfish way in 'Love is Blind.'” Nagaya added that, “any Fujimoto work raises the question of communication or how we communicate with other people, which is something that feels increasingly important in today's world, as this kind of expression becomes more difficult.”

In their closing comments, Oyama thanked everyone in attendance for filling the theater to capacity and supporting Fujimoto's works. Nagaya noted that he'd share the audience's applause for the work with all the staff who worked so hard alongside him while Takeuchi thanked everyone for watching and hope they'll do the same when Fujimoto 17-26 premieres on Prime Video in November. 

The session concluded with an audience Q&A and a celebratory photo opportunity, giving attendees a chance to commemorate the special premiere with Producer Ryo Oyama and Directors Seishirō Nagaya and Nobuyuki Takeuchi. Fans shared their excitement for the stories and asked questions about the creative process, making the world premiere an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

Tatsuki Fujimoto: 17-26 will be available exclusively on Prime Video worldwide beginning November 7, 2025. From cosmic romances to post-apocalyptic adventures and bold explorations of identity, audiences everywhere will soon be able to experience the early works that helped shape one of manga's most influential and visionary creators. Don't miss the chance to witness the imaginative beginnings of a modern manga master.