After the broadcast of the first two episodes of the summer anime Yani Neko, the official X (formerly Twitter) account released support illustrations from popular manga artists. The drawings of the titular nicotine-addicted cats have sparked a flurry of amused and delighted reactions online.
Yani Neko is based on the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory, serialized in Kodansha’s Young Magazine. It is a comedy about irredeemably lazy, chain-smoking cat-beasts who live in a world where humans and beast-people coexist. The cats have no money, no life skills, and no manners—they’ve thrown away all decency along with their cigarette butts. Despite their grimy, slothful existence, they somehow manage to live fulfilling days. The manga, which went viral on social media, has now been adapted into a TV anime.
To celebrate the anime’s broadcast, support illustrations were shared after episodes 1 and 2.
Episode 1: Matsumoto Kouji-sensei
The illustration for the first episode was drawn by Matsumoto Kouji-sensei, creator of the Higanjima manga series. The official X account posted: “Support illustration arrived! For episode 1… Matsumoto Kouji-sensei! (Manga Higanjima series)” along with the artwork.
Fans reacted with comments such as: “Sensei can draw in this style too? Amazing!” “That damn vampire… selling crappy booze…” “A crappy one-cup sake!” “The label on the cup looks like a crappy flag, lol” and “What sensei drew is way too funny.”
Episode 2: Yamamoto Souichirou-sensei
For the second episode, the illustration was provided by Yamamoto Souichirou-sensei, known for Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san and Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru. The official X account introduced it as: “Support illustration arrived! For episode 2… Yamamoto Souichirou-sensei! (Manga Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san, Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru).”
Reactions included: “A precious illustration that doesn’t use the forehead!” “The Teasing Master Yani Neko-san” “He made Yamamoto seal the forehead…” “So ridiculously skilled it’s ridiculous” “He showed us a real sexy cat” and “It’s strange how Yani Neko looks clean when drawn by a different artist lol.”
The TV anime Yani Neko began airing on July 2, 2026, on TOKYO MX and other stations. More support illustrations from various manga artists are expected to be released, so fans should keep an eye on the official X account alongside the broadcasts.
The anime’s non-credit opening and ending videos, as well as the much-talked-about episode 2 insert song “Nicotine Receptor Taisou” video, are now available. Enjoy them along with the opening theme “Nan mo Nee” by Wasureranee yo and the ending theme “Kemuri to Blue” by Nekra Tōkī.
Broadcast Information
TV anime Yani Neko started airing on July 2, 2026, on TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X.
TOKYO MX, BS11: Every Thursday from 24:30, starting July 2, 2026.
AT-X: Every Saturday from 24:30, starting July 25, 2026 (repeat broadcast every Thursday at 28:00).
Streaming begins on Netflix and other services every Thursday from 25:00, starting July 2, 2026.
*Schedule subject to change without notice.
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Nyan Nyan Factory (serialized in Kodansha’s Young Magazine) |
| Director | Kimura Taku (Studio Lemon) |
| Script | Aoshima Takashi |
| Character Design | Matsuura Riki |
| Art Director | Maruyama Yukiko (Atelier Moussa), Yoshino Shoutarou (Atelier Moussa) |
| Color Design | Oota Yuiwa |
| Director of Photography | Yonezawa Hisashi |
| Editor | Takemiya Mutsumi |
| Music | Suzuki Keiichi |
| Sound Director | Hamano Takanori |
| Sound Production | Magic Capsule |
| Animation Production | Vivrie Animation Studio |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Yani Neko | Natsuyoshi Yuuko |
| Yaku Neko | Matsuoka Misato |
| Hame Neko | Funato Yurie |
| Kansai Neko | Shimizu Ayaka |
| Aru Neko | Izawa Shiori |
| Miko | Motizuki Rina |
| Ochimpou Tatsurou | Akechi Riko |
| Ooya | Inada Tetsu |
Theme Songs
Opening Theme: Wasureranee yo – “Nan mo Nee”
Ending Theme: Nekra Tōkī – “Kemuri to Blue”
(C) Nyan Nyan Factory / Kodansha / Yani Neko Production Committee
