Netflix’s Most Surprising New Anime Is Already Impossible to Ignore

Image: MAPPA/Netflix

Following the massive success of MAPPA’s 15th-anniversary event last Friday, the animation industry is still buzzing. The studio unveiled a powerhouse lineup, including highly anticipated returns for Chainsaw Man: Assassin’s Arc and Jujutsu Kaisen season 4, alongside fresh Netflix collaborations like Beat & Motion and the Ranma ½ remake.

Amidst the high-profile sequels, one title stands out for its sheer unpredictability: Jimoto Saiko. Initially masquerading as a lighthearted, “cute girls doing cute things” comedy, the teaser abruptly pivots into a gritty display of gang warfare, illicit activities, and urban decay. This jarring tonal shift—blending whimsical aesthetics with raw crime-drama elements—has left audiences both bewildered and thoroughly captivated.

If the whirlwind of announcements left you confused about what Jimoto Saiko actually entails, here is everything you need to know about this bizarre, genre-defying production.

What is Jimoto Saiko?

Image: MAPPA/Netflix

Much like the breakout hit Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You, Jimoto Saiko originated as an indie webcomic on X (formerly Twitter) in 2021 before being picked up by publisher Saizusha. Despite its domestic success in Japan, it has yet to receive an official English-language release.

The title—translating roughly to “My Hometown is the Best!”—follows the unwavering optimism of Chanel-chan and her friends. They maintain a relentless, almost delusional love for their neighborhood, completely unfazed by the crime and chaos that permeates their daily lives. The juxtaposition is striking: it’s a “sparkling outlaw” narrative that feels like a collision between a standard school-girl comedy and a violent, Tarantino-esque crime caper.

Image: MAPPA/Netflix

When is the Jimoto Saiko release date?

MAPPA confirmed that Jimoto Saiko will stream worldwide exclusively via Netflix as part of their broader strategic partnership. While a precise premiere window hasn’t been announced, the series is currently in active development. Given the scale of MAPPA’s production schedule, a 2027 or early 2028 debut is a likely target.

Image: MAPPA/Netflix

The project marks the directorial debut for industry veteran Tokio Igarashi. Having contributed to massive hits like Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man, Igarashi is leading the creative vision, with character designs helmed by Rio Konishi. The project’s unique vibe is further cemented by the inclusion of the song “Milk” by singer-songwriter Aiko, a self-proclaimed fan of the original source material. For now, Jimoto Saiko remains a bold wildcard in MAPPA’s catalog—a surreal experiment that promises to be the studio’s most unconventional release in years.

Source: Polygon