The TV anime Eren the Southpaw is set to air on TV Tokyo starting April 2026. Alongside the announcement, details on the main staff and cast, as well as a teaser visual and teaser PV, were unveiled. Shoya Chiba will voice the protagonist Koichi Asakura, while Yumi Uchiyama will play Eren Yamagishi.

The anime is a co-production between Signal MD (Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop) and Production I.G (PSYCHO-PASS series). Directed by Toshimasa Suzuki (Fafner in the Azure: Heaven and Earth), the series composition is handled by Taku Kishimoto (Haikyu!!). Character design concepts are by Takayuki Goto (Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG), while Yuka Fukuchi and Akane Tamai serve as character designers and chief animation directors, both known for their work on Platinum End.

The teaser visual captures the iconic scene of Eren spraying paint under the moonlight—an image that embodies her fierce creative spirit. The teaser PV depicts the emotional contrast between the “ordinary” Koichi and the “genius” Eren, hinting at a youthful drama of ambition, frustration, and artistic awakening that unfolds over more than a decade.

The story follows Koichi Asakura, a young man who struggles with the limits of his own talent but dreams of becoming “someone,” and Eren Yamagishi, a painter blessed with overwhelming artistic genius yet burdened by the loneliness of her gift. Their intertwined paths explore what it means to discover one’s true self through failure and perseverance.

The tagline reads, “To all those who couldn’t become geniuses.” Meeting by chance in high school, Koichi eventually becomes a designer at a major advertising agency, while Eren pursues her art career in New York. Through moments of defeat and conflict, both come to terms with their own identities in this powerful coming-of-age story.
Originally created by Kappy, the series began as a serialized novel on cakes in 2016. A manga adaptation illustrated by nifuni launched on Shonen Jump+ in 2017, followed by a live-action drama adaptation in 2019 starring Fuma Kamio and Elaiza Ikeda. The manga has since surpassed 3.9 million copies in circulation.

Director Toshimasa Suzuki commented

“Though I’ve been in animation for a long time, this is the first time I’ve directed a story set in the modern day. The original work’s portrayal of young people struggling to create something resonated deeply with me—it’s vivid and painfully real. Every viewer will find a character they can empathize with. With the art and design world as the setting, it naturally fits the medium of animation. Kappy has been actively involved, offering invaluable advice as we work with our talented young staff and cast. Please look forward to it.”

Shoya Chiba (Koichi Asakura)

“This work is both sharp and endlessly kind. I was struck by Koichi’s coexistence of hope and despair, and I knew I had to play him. I voiced every line from the original before my audition, so being part of this project means the world to me. The production team’s passion for both the source material and the advertising world is palpable—I’m sure viewers of all ages will feel the same realism and romance. Please enjoy it!”

Yumi Uchiyama (Eren Yamagishi)

“It’s an honor to play Eren Yamagishi. The story captures raw human emotions—conflict, pain, and hope. I’ll do my best to bring Eren’s struggles and brilliance to life. Thank you for your support.”

Source : ORICON NEWS