Keigo Shinzo’s peaceful slice-of-life manga Hirayasumi is getting not one, but two adaptations — an anime and a live-action TV drama.
The anime adaptation is being co-produced by VIZ Media and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions. Animation will be handled by Production +h, a studio known for its clean, soft art style, a great fit for the calm and relatable world of Hirayasumi. While we don’t know the release date or voice cast just yet, the announcement was accompanied by a cheerful illustration from Keigo Shinzo himself to celebrate the news.
At the same time, a live-action drama is also in the works. The series will air this fall on Japan’s NHK channel. Each episode will be 15 minutes long, making it a bite-sized and cozy watch, perfect for the show’s relaxed vibe.
Hirayasumi first began as a manga in April 2021 in Weekly Big Comic Spirits, a magazine known for its mature and reflective stories. As of November 2024, the manga has eight volumes, with the ninth volume releasing on July 30, 2025.
Plot & Premise
The story follows Hiroto Ikuta, a 29-year-old man without a stable job, a girlfriend, or a future plan. But unlike most people in his situation, Hiroto is happy with his slow-paced life. Surrounded by others who are also struggling with life’s ups and downs, Hirayasumi is a story about finding joy and peace in the little things.
The manga has received a lot of critical praise. It was nominated for the 15th Manga Taisho awards in 2022 and placed third. It was also nominated for the 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2023 — a big honor in the manga world.
For English-speaking fans, VIZ Media has licensed the manga, making it easier to dive into Hiroto’s story and see why this quiet series is touching so many hearts.
