Prime Video has announced they will be releasing Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, an animated anthology based on eight of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s early short stories. The title reflects the ages when he originally created these works, between 17 and 26. The collection will premiere worldwide on Nov. 7, with a Japan-exclusive release on Nov. 8.
Fujimoto is best known as the creator of the hit manga and anime Chainsaw Man, as well as acclaimed works like Look Back and Fire Punch. His works have become highly influential today, and this new series highlights his range across romance, sci-fi, fantasy, action, and other genres.
“Having my works from my student years adapted into anime made me anxious, wondering if this was really okay, and if these works might have relied too heavily on others’ inspiration,” Fujimoto said. “However, although I haven’t seen them yet, I believe that through the work of talented directors, they have become proper, well-crafted pieces.”
Stories Across Many Genres
The series will adapt eight different works from Fujimoto’s early years, as described in the media release:
- A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard: a tale of two survivors’ bond in a post-apocalyptic world
- Sasaki Stopped a Bullet: explores the raw emotions of adolescence
- Love Is Blind: a sci-fi romantic comedy about love on a cosmic scale
- Shikaku: the twisted love story of an unhinged assassin girl
- Mermaid Rhapsody: a poignant romance between a boy and a mermaid, centered on an underwater piano
- Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome: a story of self-discovery beyond gender norms
- Nayuta of the Prophecy: chronicles siblings bound by a harsh destiny
- Sisters: depicts rivalry, conflict and growth between artistically gifted sisters
The anthology unites a strong lineup of 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).
Six different studios are behind the animation as well: ZEXCS, Lapin Track, GRAPH77, 100studio, Studio Kafka, and P.A.WORKS. Fans can expect to hear some familiar voices, including Junichi Suwabe, Toshiki Kumagai, Shun Horie, and more.
Fujimoto’s Success Across Anime, Manga, and Film
With Chainsaw Man and Look Back cementing Fujimoto’s reputation as a talented author for manga, anime, and film, Prime Video’s decision to adapt his earlier works shows an encouraging commitment to introducing more exclusive Japanese content. The Chainsaw Man manga is one of Fujimoto’s biggest successes, ending its first arc (Public Safety Arc) in December 2020. The manga is currently ongoing and the School Arc has been on Shonen Jump+ since July 2022.
Chainsaw Man’s anime adaptation premiered on TV Tokyo back in October 2022 and is still available on Crunchyroll and other worldwide streaming services today. The success doesn’t stop there – the movie sequel Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is set to premiere later this month in Japan on Sept. 19.
Fujimoto’s one-shot manga Look Back received a film adaptation that premiered in October 2024. The film won the award for Best Animation of the Year at the 34th Annual Japan Movie Critics Award in April, demonstrating its versatility in creating stories suitable for theaters.
The trailer for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 17-26 is worth watching, showcasing his unmistakable art and providing a rare glimpse into the roots of one of manga’s most inventive authors. The adaptation is set to be a great introduction to Fujimoto’s storytelling for new viewers and longtime fans will love it too. Watch the trailer now, and hang onto your excitement until the official release on Prime Video in November!
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