The TV anime adaptation of the manga Chainsmoker Cat (Japanese: Yani Neko, literally "Tar Cat") has dropped its main promotional video, revealing theme song artists and additional staff ahead of its July 2, 2026 premiere. The anime, produced by Bibury Animation Studio, brings Nyan Nyan Factory's popular seinen comedy manga to screens this summer.
The first main PV offers a look at the anime's rough-around-the-edges catgirl heroine Yani and her equally disreputable feline friends, set to the show's new opening theme.
Key Announcement Details
- Premiere Date: July 2, 2026 at 24:30 JST (effectively July 3, 12:30 a.m.)
- Broadcast: TOKYO MX, BS11; AT-X starts July 25
- Animation Studio: Bibury Animation Studio
- Director: Taku Kimura (Star Wars: Visions "Tattooine Rhapsody")
- Series Composition / Scripts: Takashi Aoshima (The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You)
- Character Design: Riki Matsuura
- Music: Keiichi Suzuki (Saint Young Men, Tokyo Godfathers)
- Studio Lemon (production cooperation)
Cast
- Yūko Natsuyoshi as Yani Neko
- Misato Matsuoka as Yaku Neko
- Yurie Funato as Hame Neko
- Ayaka Shimizu as Kansai Neko
- Shiori Izawa as Al Neko
- Riko Akechi as Tatsurō Ochinpo
- Tetsu Inada as Landlord
Theme Songs
- Opening Theme: "Nanmonee" by rock band Wasureranneyo
- Ending Theme: "Kemuri to Blue" (Smoke and Blue) by Necry Talkie
Community Reception
The main PV has garnered over 136,000 views within 23 hours of upload on the official anime YouTube channel Hame-chan Channel, with the earlier teaser PV having accumulated 796,000 views over three months — impressive numbers for a niche seinen comedy title. The main PV previews the opening theme "Nanmonee" by Wasureranneyo, a rising rock band known for their energetic sound that matches the show's chaotic comedic tone.
On MyAnimeList, the series has attracted 14,131 members with 42 favorites, reflecting growing interest. The English-language manga release by Seven Seas Entertainment has helped build an international audience ahead of the anime premiere. Reddit discussion has been light but positive, with fans of the manga expressing excitement about the cast choices, particularly Tetsu Inada as the Landlord.
Visual/Video
What This Means
Chainsmoker Cat is a prime example of the growing trend of anthropomorphic character comedies with an adult twist, following in the footsteps of hits like Aggretsuko. The casting of Tetsu Inada (a veteran known for powerful character voices) as the Landlord and the involvement of Takashi Aoshima (The 100 Girlfriends) on series composition signal a production aimed at broad comedic appeal. The July 2 premiere positions the series as an early entrant in the competitive Summer 2026 season, potentially capitalizing on the post-Spring season lull to build an audience.