Summer 2026 Anime ‘Yani Neko’ Episode 1 Preview: The Greatest Crisis Begins

The summer 2026 anime Yani Neko has released the synopsis and preview cuts for its first episode, titled “Nyaa ga Yani Neko Nya,” which begins airing on July 2, 2026 (Thursday).

The anime is based on the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory, serialized in Kodansha’s Young Magazine. It is a comedy depicting the nicotine-stained daily lives of irredeemably lazy cat-beastmen. In a world where humans and beastmen coexist, the beastman Yani Neko smokes cigarettes and loafs around. No money, no life skills, no good. He’s thrown away manners and morals along with his cigarette butts. Stinking of smoke, dirty, lazy, and trashy—he smokes, exhales, chats, and burns out, yet somehow lives a fulfilling life. The manga, which went viral on social media as “pretty dirty but somehow encouraging,” is now getting a TV anime adaptation.

Staff and Cast

Directed by Kimura Taku (Studio Lemon), the anime is produced by Bibury Animation Studio. The cast includes:

• Yani Neko: Natsuyoshi Yuko
• Yaku Neko: Matsuoka Misato
• Hame Neko: Funato Yurie
• Kansai Neko: Shimizu Ayaka
• Aru Neko: Izawa Shiori
• Imoko: Honizumi Rina
• Ochimpotarou: Akechi Riko
• Ooya: Inada Tetsu

Opening theme: “Nann mo nee” by Wasurelanneyo. Ending theme: “Kemuri to Blue” by Nekuraito-ki.

Episode 1 Synopsis

Yani Neko is a beastman who loves cigarettes, alcohol, and laziness. A heavy smoker, he picks up cigarette butts, suffers withdrawal symptoms during his part-time job, and spends his last pennies on nicotine. The landlord is at his wit’s end with the cat-eared tenant who doesn’t pay rent and melts it all on tobacco. One day, his responsible younger sister Imoko contacts him, asking for a photo of his room. Thus begins Yani Neko’s greatest crisis—how pathetic.

Broadcast Information

The first episode of Yani Neko will air on July 2, 2026 (Thursday) on TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X. Broadcast times: TOKYO MX and BS11 every Thursday at 24:30, AT-X from July 25 every Saturday at 24:30 (with repeats every Thursday at 28:00). Streaming will begin on Netflix and other platforms from July 2, every Thursday at 25:00. (Schedule subject to change without notice.)

Manga Volumes

Work Information

Title: TV Anime “Yani Neko”
Broadcast: Starting July 2, 2026 on TOKYO MX, BS11, AT-X
Staff:
Original: Nyan Nyan Factory (serialized in Kodansha “Young Magazine”)
Director: Kimura Taku (Studio Lemon)
Script: Aoshima Takashi
Character Design: Matsuura Riki
Art Director: Maruyama Yukiko (Atelier Mussa), Yoshino Shoutarou (Atelier Mussa)
Color Design: Ota Yui
Photography Director: Yonezawa Hisashi
Editing: Takemiya Mutsumi
Music: Suzuki Keiichi
Sound Director: Hamano Takanori
Sound Production: Magic Capsule
Animation Production: Bibury Animation Studio

Cast: (as above)

Opening Theme: Wasurelanneyo “Nann mo nee”
Ending Theme: Nekuraito-ki “Kemuri to Blue”

© Nyan Nyan Factory・Kodansha / Yani Neko Production Committee