The anime anthology Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 held its world premiere at the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival 2025 in Los Angeles, drawing a passionate crowd of fans wearing Chainsaw Man and Look Back merchandise. The screening was so packed that standing room was the only option for many.

This anthology adapts eight short stories created by Tatsuki Fujimoto between the ages of 17 and 26, including A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard and Love Is Blind. Each episode is directed by a different filmmaker and produced by a separate studio, giving every story a distinct animation style. The film will open in Japanese theaters for a limited two-week run starting October 17, 2025, followed by an exclusive worldwide release on Prime Video from November 8.

The premiere took place at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Directors Seishiro Nagaya (A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard), Noriyuki Takeuchi (Love Is Blind), and Avex Animation Labels producer Ryo Oyama, who planned and produced the project, appeared on stage for a talk session.

Nagaya greeted the audience, saying, “Anyone attending this world premiere must be among the biggest Fujimoto fans in America. I’m nervous but deeply honored to present our work before you.” Takeuchi followed, remarking, “I’ve loved Columbo since childhood, so it’s a true joy to have this premiere right here in the heart of Hollywood,” prompting enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

A special talk session after the screening revealed behind-the-scenes stories. Oyama reflected, “Following Look Back, I’m thrilled to see this project take shape as Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26.” He also shared Fujimoto’s initial reaction to the proposal: “He said he felt embarrassed to have his early works adapted, but he encouraged us to ‘prioritize what’s interesting and create freely.’”

Nagaya spoke about A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard: “I first read it after Chainsaw Man, and even though Fujimoto created it at a young age, I noticed clear similarities—such as sibling relationships and transformation motifs that later appear in Chainsaw Man. I found it fascinating to see those early traces.” He added, “Though the story features many aliens, their behavior mirrors human life. I wanted the audience to feel that these characters could be reflections of themselves.”

Meanwhile, Takeuchi revealed that Love Is Blind was the last unassigned story when he joined the project. “Though embarrassed, I imagined what it feels like to fall in love while creating it,” he said. “I poured 100 percent of myself into the protagonist, Ibuki. It may go unnoticed, but in the confession scene, I even animated his earlobes turning red along with his cheeks.”

The directors also praised each other’s works. Nagaya commented, “Love Is Blind is the most comedic of the anthology, and Takeuchi’s direction amplifies that charm.” Takeuchi responded, “A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' retains the essence of Fujimoto’s storytelling while beautifully portraying the quiet grace of everyday Japanese life.”

When asked about common themes across the anthology, Oyama said, “I love boy-meets-girl stories, so I resonated strongly with the emotional confession scene in Love Is Blind.” Takeuchi added, “I empathized with Ibuki’s one-sided but earnest way of expressing his feelings.” Nagaya concluded, “Fujimoto’s stories always explore communication between people, a theme that feels increasingly vital in today’s world.”

In closing, Oyama expressed his gratitude: “It means so much to share this film with a full house of supporters.” Nagaya added, “I can’t wait to tell the staff how much everyone enjoyed it.” Takeuchi finished by saying, “Thank you so much for watching. Please look forward to the theatrical release in Japan on October 17 and the global Prime Video debut on November 8.”

With Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 set for its October theatrical run and worldwide streaming launch in November, fans around the globe will soon experience the roots of Fujimoto’s creative world. The anthology—brought to life by a diverse lineup of directors, voice actors, and studios—offers a rare glimpse into the essence of Fujimoto’s artistry that would later culminate in his acclaimed works.