October 5 proved to be an eventful day for fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work as Hollywood set the stage for the exclusive world premiere of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, an anthology anime series adapting eight short stories created by Chainsaw Man manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto between ages 17 and 26. The anime had its exclusive world premiere as part of Global Stage Hollywood at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre, ahead of the worldwide launch on November 7 on Prime Video.
A pre-screening segment was moderated by MC Kwok-Wai Hanson and welcomed special guests from Japan, including producer Ryo Oyama and directors Seishiro Nagaya (Episode 1: A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard) and Nobuyuki Takeuchi (Episode 3: Love is Blind). Fans dressed in Chainsaw Man merchandise with copies of Fujimoto’s manga packed the theater to standing-room-only capacity. The excitement for Tatsuki Fujimoto: 17-26 continued from the pre-show to the premiere and to the very end.
Director Nagaya said, “I believe everyone here at the world premiere are the number one fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto, and I am nervous but excited to be able to screen this film in front of all of you.”
Director Takeuchi added, “I was a big fan of Detective Columbo as a kid, and I’m so excited to be in the center of Hollywood for this premiere.”
After the screening, a special talk session was held featuring Hanson, Oyama, Nagaya, and Takeuchi. The discussion gave behind-the-scenes insight into the adaptation, including creative challenges and directorial approaches in production.
Producer Oyama said “I’m pleased, and relieved that the world premiere of this film was received so well. My team and I were working on Look Back when we came up with the idea for Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, which references his other works. We’re thrilled that we could make this piece.”
Oyama commented on pitching the project to Fujimoto: “Fujimoto initially said that he’d be embarrassed if we adapted his earlier works. When I introduced Fujimoto to the directors on this project, he felt very confident in them. At first, we weren’t sure if we should connect these one-shots, or if we should keep them distinct. Ultimately, we decided to keep them as an anthology.”
When asked about the original manga, director Nagaya said, “I experienced this work after reading Chainsaw Man, and found it equally inspired despite Fujimoto being much younger when he wrote it. I found it interesting how ideas like a brother-sister relationship and transformations also appeared in Chainsaw Man, with them originating in this work.”
Director Takeuchi added, “‘Love is Blind’ was actually the last project available by the time I came to the project, so I had to take it, despite being embarrassed by these feelings from my own youth.”
Nagaya also commented on the works of the anthology, stating “‘Love is Blind’ is the most comical work of any entry. Director Takeuchi’s unique touch, made the story’s individuality shine even brighter.”
Takeuchi added, “‘A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard’ captured everyday scenery without losing the feel of Fujimoto’s original work.”
When asked about themes that resonated with the team, Oyama said, “I like ‘Boy Meets Girl’ stories so ‘Love is Blind’ resonated with me a lot.”
Takeuchi commented, “He connected with how Ibuki wanted to confess his love in an almost selfish way in ‘Love is Blind.'”
Nagaya added, “Any Fujimoto work raises the question of communication or how we communicate with other people, which is something that feels increasingly important in today’s world, as this kind of expression becomes more difficult.”
The event headed toward its conclusion with Oyama thanking everyone in attendance for filling the theater to capacity and supporting Fujimoto’s works. Nagaya noted that he’s share the audience’s applause for the work with all the staff who worked so hard alongside him. Takeuchi thanked everyone for watching and hope they’ll do the same when Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 premieres on Prime Video starting November 7. The session concluded with an audience Q&A and a celebratory photo opportunity, giving attendees a chance to commemorate the special premiere with Oyama, Nagaya and Takeuchi.
Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 will be streaming globally on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. There will two parts of four episodes, totaling at eight episodes for the series. Animation studios ZEXCS, Lapin Track, GRAPH77, 100studio, Studio Kafka, and P.A.WORKS are producing the series with FLAGSHIP LINE as production supervisor.
