City the Animation (2025) is one of the most anticipated Japanese‑language anime series of 2025, blending surreal slice‑of‑life comedy, ensemble absurdist humor, and heartfelt emotional moments. Directed by Taichi Ishidate, and starring Mikako Komatsu, Aki Toyosaki, and Yui Ishikawa, this Japanese‑language series is scheduled for release on July 7, 2025.
Movie Overview
“City the Animation” adapts the acclaimed seinen manga **CITY** by Keiichi Arawi, serialized in Kodansha’s *Morning* magazine since September 2016 and covering thirteen volumes as of early 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Produced by **Kyoto Animation**, it marks the studio’s **first original, non‑sequel TV anime** since the tragic 2019 arson attack :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. The series is a surreal, ensemble slice‑of‑life comedy centered on the chaotic and unpredictable everyday lives of dozens of interconnected characters living in a surreal yet familiar urban setting.
The narrative follows **Midori Nagumo**, a penniless college sophomore drowning in debt, who moves to “The City,” survives by juggling odd jobs, and navigates absurd hijinks alongside friends Niikura and Wako. Its comedic tone channels the spirit of *Nichijou*, but expands into a broader ensemble and evolving arcs :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Expect exaggerated visual gags, emotional undertones, and character overlap reminiscent of Arawi’s signature style.
Season 1 is planned for **13 episodes**, launching July 7, 2025 on **Tokyo MX and other Japanese networks**, followed by **global streaming on Amazon Prime Video** :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. The anime’s creative team includes character designer and chief animation director **Tamami Tokuyama**, art director **Shiori Yamazaki**, color designer **Kana Miyata**, and music by **Piranhans**. The opening theme “Hello” is performed by **Furui Riho**, and the ending theme “Lucky” by **TOMOO** :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Attribute Details
| Title | City the Animation |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy, Surreal Ensemble |
| Language | Japanese (subtitled/dubbed versions TBD) |
| Release Date | July 7, 2025 (Japan premiere on Tokyo MX; global streaming via Amazon Prime Video) |
| Director | Taichi Ishidate |
| Writer | Manga by Keiichi Arawi (adaptation by studio team) |
Title
City the Animation
Genre
Slice of Life, Comedy, Surreal Ensemble – an absurd, character‑driven show blending stand‑alone gags with interconnected storylines across a bustling cityscape.
Language
The original Japanese audio; subtitled or dubbed versions for international audiences have not yet been confirmed but are expected via Amazon Prime Video :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Release Date
The anime officially premieres **July 7, 2025** on Tokyo MX (effectively 24:00 July 6 JST) and other regional networks in Japan, with global streaming on Amazon Prime Video following shortly after :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Director
**Taichi Ishidate** serves as series director. Known for his work on *Violet Evergarden*, Ishidate makes his solo directorial debut leading the first original series from Kyoto Animation post‑2019 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Writer
The series is based on the original manga by **Keiichi Arawi**, featuring adaptation by the Kyoto Animation staff under studio scripts. Arawi retains creative oversight while supporting serialized adaptation process :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Plot & Themes
City the Animation is set in an overwhelmingly ordinary yet bizarre urban environment where multiple stories run in parallel. The plot spotlights **Midori Nagumo**, a second‑year college student struggling with unpaid rent and debt. Forced to take a job at Makabe’s Western Bistro, she juggles her chaotic lifestyle with makeshift friendships and odd encounters with characters across the City :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Other main characters include **Niikura**, an aspiring photographer and Midori’s friend; **Wako Izumi**, another classmate with contrasting personality; and members of the Makabe family (Tsurubishi, Tatewaku, Matsuri) among dozens of eccentric residents who become part of interconnected daily episodes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. The series emphasizes themes like community, absurdism in routine life, financial struggles, and spontaneous friendship in an urban ensemble context.
Cast & Characters
- Midori Nagumo – voiced by Mikako Komatsu
- Niikura – voiced by Aki Toyosaki
- Wako Izumi – voiced by Yui Ishikawa
- Tsurubishi Makabe – voiced by Yoshihisa Kawahara
- Tatewaku Makabe – voiced by Miyu Irino
- Matsuri Makabe – voiced by Ayaka Nanase
- Eri Amakazari – voiced by Azusa Tadokoro
- Riko Izumi – voiced by Yū Wakui
- Dr. Adatara / Mr. Adatara – Takehito Koyasu; Mrs. Adatara – Mayumi Asano; Tats
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