MAPPA, the animation studio behind hits like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, has announced a new anime series titled Jimoto Saiko, set to stream exclusively on Netflix. The project, revealed during MAPPA's 15th-anniversary showcase, stands out for its peculiar blend of "cute girls doing cute things" aesthetics and a narrative steeped in gang activity, drug use, and extreme violence. This unusual premise has already generated significant buzz online, with many viewers intrigued by its unpredictable nature.
Jimoto Saiko originated as a webcomic by creator Usagi, first posted on X (formerly Twitter) in 2021. It was later picked up for publication by Saizusha and has since seen multiple volumes released in Japan. The series has not yet received an official English release. The title, "Jimoto Saiko!" (地元最高), roughly translates to "My hometown is the best!" The story follows Chanel-chan and her friends, a group of relentlessly optimistic young girls who maintain fierce devotion to their hometown despite its grim realities. Even as bizarre and dangerous events unfold around them, they remain convinced of their hometown's superiority.
The series' distinct tonal whiplash is a central element, with the artwork featuring shoujo-like character designs and slice-of-life comedy, juxtaposed against a backdrop of intense criminality. Netflix and MAPPA have described it as a "sparkling outlaw manga," a phrase that encapsulates its constant shifts between adorable and unhinged. The announcement teaser, released during MAPPA's livestream, vividly demonstrated this contrast, transitioning from a wholesome setup to scenes evoking a Quentin Tarantino film. Online reactions have drawn comparisons to cult anime like Please Tell Me! Galko-chan and Tantei Opera Milky Holmes.
While an official premiere date for Jimoto Saiko has not yet been announced, it is expected to arrive sometime in 2027 or early 2028, aligning with other projects from MAPPA's extensive partnership with Netflix. The adaptation is the directorial debut for Tokio Igarashi, who has previously worked as an episode director and storyboard artist on projects such as Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Chainsaw Man. Rio Konishi, an expert in compositing and photography at MAPPA, will handle character designs in their first series direction role. The teaser trailer features the song "Milk" by Japanese singer-songwriter Aiko, reportedly a fan of the original manga.
With its unique premise and stark tonal contrasts, Jimoto Saiko is poised to be one of MAPPA's most talked-about upcoming releases, potentially becoming one of the studio's most distinctive series to date.