Anime ‘Yani Neko’ has revealed support illustrations for its 11th and 12th episodes, with contributions from manga artists Sakurai Gamon-sensei and Oogure Ito-sensei. The art quickly set off a wave of delighted reactions on X.
What Is Yani Neko?
Based on the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory, serialized in Kodansha’s Young Magazine, Yani Neko is a comedy about a group of not-quite-lovable scummy cats living smoke-filled daily lives. In a world where humans and beastmen coexist, the beastman Yani Neko smokes and drifts through life. With no money, no life skills, and no redeeming qualities, Yani Neko has tossed manners and morals away along with cigarette butts. Smelly, dirty, lazy, and trashy, Yani Neko smokes, exhales, chats, and burns through the day—yet somehow, Yani Neko and the other cats live surprisingly fulfilling lives. Described as ‘pretty dirty, but just a little encouraging,’ the manga went viral on social media and now has a TV anime adaptation.
Episode 11 Support Illustration by Sakurai Gamon
The support illustration for episode 11, which aired on September 17, 2026 (Thursday), came from Sakurai Gamon-sensei, known for ‘Ajin’. The anime’s official X account posted the art with the message, "Support illustration has arrived! Episode 11 is… Sakurai Gamon-sensei! (Manga ‘Ajin’)" Official post.
The illustration shows Yaniko lying on a tatami floor overflowing with cigarette butts and trash, wearing a somewhat provocative expression. Fans were thrilled by the intense image.
Comments included:
- "It’s unfair that the other Satou-san looks like he smells better."
- "You can smell it through the art lol."
- "The trash and dirty tatami are too realistic…"
- "This is a great anti-beastman special unit."
- "This might be the smelliest in Yani Neko history."
- "The way her chest is drawn is amazing; the presence is intense."
- "This person really is a monster when it comes to drawing ability."
- "She’d make any guy fall instantly, nya."
Episode 12 Support Illustration by Oogure Ito
The support illustration for episode 12, which aired on September 24, 2026 (Thursday), was drawn by Oogure Ito-sensei, known for ‘Kaijin Fugeki’. It was also shared on the anime’s official X account Official post.
The image features a slightly sexy Yaniko. Fans responded with praise:
- "She’s a total chain-smoking trash cat with terrible behavior, but her looks are seriously good."
- "Whoa! I love it."
- "As always, sexy and good."
- "This sensei is really too good at drawing."
- "Oogure-sensei!!"
- "Gure art! The best!"
- "The Ooya in the back is the best lol."
- "Nwoooo?!!"
- "Too skilled."
Broadcast and Finale
The Yani Neko anime began airing on July 2, 2026 on TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X, and concluded with episode 12.
Sato Erika
