Tatsuki Fujimoto, the visionary behind Chainsaw Man, will see seven of his early, genre-defying one-shot manga stories adapted into a vibrant anime anthology titled Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man. This project will bring these distinctive works to life, showcasing Fujimoto’s unique storytelling and imaginative worlds. These one-shots, originally published before Chainsaw Man solidified Fujimoto’s reputation, highlight his creative range and distinct narrative style. The anthology will feature distinct directors, writers, character designers, and animation studios for each story, ensuring a diverse and visually striking adaptation.
The anthology includes the following one-shots, each with its own creative team and cast:
A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard
Director and Writer: Seiishiro Nagaya (Backflip!! series director)
Character Designer: Moaang (Garden of Remembrance)
Animation Production: ZEXCS
Cast: Kensho Ono, Shion Sakurai, Kazuki Ura, Kimiko Saito, Mitsuo IwataSasaki Stopped a Bullet
Director: Nobukage Kimura (episodes of Gatchaman Crowds Insight, Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic)
Writer: Teruko Utsumi (Sarazanmai)
Character Designer: Naho Kozono (You and I Are Polar Opposites sub-character design)
Animation Production: Lapin Track
Cast: Toshiki Kumagai, Chika Anzai, Yoichi OkanoLove is Blind
Director: Nobuyuki Takeuchi (Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom?)
Writer: Teruko Utsumi
Character Designer: Tomoko Mori (Ushio & Tora)
Animation Production: Lapin Track
Cast: Shun Horie, Shion Wakayama, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Takahiro Yamamoto, Junichi Suwabe, Mamiko NotoShikaku
Director and Writer: Naoya Ando (Paradox Live The Animation)
Character Designer: MYOUN
Animation Production: GRAPH77
Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Tomokazu SugitaMermaid Rhapsody
Director: Tetsuaki Watanabe (BLUE LOCK)
Writer: Tatsuo Kobayashi
Character Designer: Nozomu Shimazaki
Animation Production: 100studio
Cast: Chiaki Kikuta, Eri YukimuraWoke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome
Director and Writer: Kazuaki Terasawa (The Ancient Magus’ Bride)
Character Designer: Kohei Tokuoka (The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity)
Production: Studio Kafka
Cast: Yuki Sakakihara, Makai Kawase, Seiichiro YamashitaNayuta of the Prophecy
Director and Writer: Tetsuaki Watanabe
Character Designer: Hisashi Higashijima (MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES)
Animation Production: 100studio
Cast: Hitomi Sasaki, Yohei MatsuokaSisters
Director: Shu Honma (MAYONAKA PUNCH)
Writer: Yoko Yonaiyama (Skip and Loafer)
Character Designer: Haruka Sagawa (Call of the Night)
Animation Production: P.A.WORKS
Cast: Runa Nakashima, Tomo Nakai, Tomohiko Imai
Each story will retain Fujimoto’s signature blend of emotional depth, surreal humor, and unconventional narratives, brought to life by a talented array of industry professionals. The anthology format allows for a variety of animation styles and directorial visions, with studios such as ZEXCS, Lapin Track, GRAPH77, 100studio, Studio Kafka, and P.A.WORKS contributing to the project. The diverse cast includes notable voice actors like Kana Hanazawa, Tomokazu Sugita, Junichi Suwabe, and Mamiko Noto, ensuring a high-caliber performance for each segment.
This adaptation marks a significant moment for fans of Fujimoto’s work, as it brings attention to his lesser-known but equally compelling early creations. The project is expected to appeal to both longtime readers of Fujimoto’s manga and new audiences discovering his storytelling through anime. Further details regarding the release date and distribution platforms for Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man are yet to be announced, but anticipation is high for this celebration of Fujimoto’s creative origins. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, set to premiere in Japan on September 19, 2025, with international releases beginning in select Asian markets on September 24, 2025, and a wider rollout, including the United States, on October 29, 2025, distributed by Crunchyroll through Sony Pictures Releasing.
Source: Comic Natalie
