The upcoming television anime adaptation of Yani Neko (also known as Chainsmoker Cat) is rapidly taking shape, with its official website unveiling a vibrant promotional video, a slate of additional staff members, and the theme song performers. The series, based on the comedy manga by creator Nyannyan Factory, is now set to premiere on July 3, airing at 12:30 a.m. on Tokyo MX and BS11, with a subsequent broadcast on AT-X.
Yani Neko Anime Production Team and Staff Details
The production team at Bibury Animation Studios is helmed by director Taku Kimura of Studio Lemon, known for his work on the Star Wars: Visions short “Tatooine Rhapsody.” The series composition and script are being handled by Takashi Aoshima, whose credits include Kakushigoto. Character design is led by Riki Matsuura, a designer who contributed to creature designs for the upcoming Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze-hen, while the music score is composed by the veteran Keiichi Suzuki, celebrated for his work on Tokyo Godfathers.
The newly announced department heads add further depth to the production’s creative foundation. The art direction is a joint effort by Yukiko Maruyama and Shoutaro Yoshino from Atelier Musa, whose collective portfolio includes major series like Boku no Hero Academia and background art for Yakusoku no Neverland. Yuiha Oota is serving as the color designer, a role she previously filled for Witch Watch. Cinematography is in the hands of Hisashi Yonezawa, an industry veteran whose work includes Princess Connect! Re:Dive, and editing is managed by Mutsumi Takemiya, known for Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo. Sound direction is being handled by Takatoshi Hamano, with sound production by Magic Capsule.
Theme Song Performers and Musical Direction
The anime’s opening theme, titled “Nanmonee,” is performed by the rock band Wasureranneyo, known for their work on Hajime no Ippo: Rising. The song is previewed in the newly released promotional video, offering fans a first taste of the show’s energetic musical identity. The ending theme, “Kemuri to Blue,” is performed by Necry Talkie, a band whose recent anime credits include Kanojo mo Kanojo.
What is the Yani Neko Manga About and Where Can You Read It?
Yani Neko is a comedy manga that originally debuted on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2022. Its popularity led to a serialization deal in Weekly Young Magazine in February 2023. The story revolves around a seemingly ordinary cat who has a distinct and humorous habit: chain-smoking. The manga’s absurdist premise and character-driven comedy have resonated with readers, leading to a rapid publication schedule. Kodansha released the twelfth compiled volume on May 20, demonstrating the series’ sustained popularity in its home market.
For English-speaking audiences, Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the manga and is actively publishing it. The second volume was released on March 17, and the third volume is scheduled for release on June 16, allowing new readers to catch up quickly before the anime’s premiere.
Promotional Video and Premiere Date
The two-minute promotional video on the official site provides a substantial look at the anime’s visual style and character movement. It showcases the comedic timing that is central to the manga’s appeal, set against the opening theme by Wasureranneyo. With the premiere locked for early July, the anime adaptation of Yani Neko is poised to bring its quirky, smoke-blowing feline protagonist to a global audience, introducing a fresh and distinctly offbeat entry into the summer 2025 anime season.
