Summer 2026 anime Thunder 3 has released a synopsis and preview scenes for its first episode, titled “Small 3,” which will begin airing on July 8, 2026 (Wednesday).
Based on the manga by Ikeda Yuuki, Thunder 3 first launched in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine in 2022. The story follows a trio of close middle school friends as they search for a young lost sister. The manga’s narrative and artwork quickly became a sensation on social media, earning it an unusually fast nomination for the “Next Manga Award 2022.”
The protagonist is Pyontarou, an unremarkable middle school boy who, along with his friends Tsubame and Hiroshi, is known as the “Small 3.” Pyontarou is constantly being doted on and run ragged by his energetic and mischievous little sister Futaba. One day, Futaba goes missing, and the Small 3 must work together to find her.
Episode 1 “Small 3” Synopsis
Pyontarou is an ordinary middle schooler who, together with his classmates Tsubame and Hiroshi, is called the Small 3. Although he has no luck with girls, his little sister Futaba is attached to him and keeps him on his toes, making for a rather dull daily life.
Then one day, Futaba gets lost, and the Small 3 join forces to try and find her—but will they succeed?
The first episode of the summer anime Thunder 3 will air on Fuji TV’s “+Ultra” and other networks starting July 8 (Wednesday).
Broadcast Information
TV anime Thunder 3 begins airing from July 8 on Fuji TV “+Ultra” and elsewhere every Wednesday at 24:45 (first episode at 24:50).
Kansai TV: from July 9 every Thursday 26:15 (first episode 26:19)
Animax: from July 11 every Saturday 22:00
Tokai TV: from July 11 every Saturday 25:45
BS Fuji: from July 12 every Sunday 25:30
Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting: from July 16 every Thursday 24:55
TV Nishinippon: from July 16 every Thursday 26:15
* Broadcast times may change.
Worldwide exclusive streaming on Netflix from July 8.
Staff & Cast
Original story: Ikeda Yuuki (serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine)
Staff: Story by Hiroyuki, Text by Hiroshi, Art by Naoyuki
Ending theme: Otoha “Shururerira”
Cast: Pyontarou: Sayumi, Tsubame: Natsumi, Hiroshi: Eri, Futaba: Honoka
