Anime fans, brace yourselves for a wild ride! CITY: The Animation, the latest project from Nichijou creator Keiichi Arawi, is set to hit screens on July 6, 2025. Produced by the renowned Kyoto Animation, this surreal slice-of-life comedy promises to deliver the quirky humor and vibrant energy that made Nichijou a cult classic. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated anime.
What Is CITY: The Animation About?
Based on Arawi’s manga CITY, serialized from 2016 to 2021 in Kodansha’s Morning magazine, the anime follows the Mont Blanc Trio—university students Midori Nagumo, Ayumu Niikura, and Wako Izumi—as they navigate life in a bustling, eccentric city. Midori, a broke 20-year-old sophomore, juggles debt and a relentless landlady while working at Makabe’s Western Bistro. Ayumu, an 18-year-old freshman, dreams of becoming a photographer, and Wako, another sophomore, brings an airheaded charm with a knack for stalking Midori.
The city itself is a character, filled with oddball residents like family restaurant owners, wannabe photographers, and even a butler skilled in octopus impressions. Expect absurd situations, from petty theft schemes to comedic misadventures, all wrapped in Arawi’s signature surreal humor. Unlike Nichijou’s high school chaos, CITY offers a more relaxed, character-driven vibe with a focus on young adult life.
Why Is This Anime a Big Deal?
CITY: The Animation marks Kyoto Animation’s first non-sequel project in six years, following the tragic 2019 arson attack that claimed 36 lives. This milestone signals the studio’s bold return to fresh storytelling. Fans of Nichijou, which aired in 2011 and became a cult hit for its over-the-top gags and stunning animation, will find CITY a spiritual successor with a refined style. Arawi’s evolved storytelling blends quirky comedy with heartfelt moments, while Kyoto Animation’s meticulous visuals bring the manga’s bold lines to life.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
The anime is directed by Taichi Ishidate, known for Violet Evergarden and Beyond the Boundary. His energetic yet precise style is perfect for capturing CITY’s eccentric world. Tamami Tokuyama (Sound! Euphonium) serves as character designer and chief animation director, ensuring the manga’s expressive art pops on screen. The music, composed by the quartet Piranhans, features an opening theme, “Hello,” by Riho Furui, and an ending theme, “Lucky,” by TOMOO.
The voice cast includes:
- Mikako Komatsu as Midori Nagumo
- Aki Toyosaki as Ayumu Niikura
- Yui Ishikawa as Wako Izumi
- Additional voices by Yoshihisa Kawahara, Miyu Irino, and others, bringing the city’s quirky residents to life.
When and Where Can You Watch It?
CITY: The Animation premieres on July 6, 2025, on Tokyo MX at midnight JST, with airings on ABC TV, TV Aichi, and BS11 shortly after. Amazon Prime Video will stream the series worldwide starting July 7, 2025, at 12:30 a.m. JST. No U.S.-specific streaming platform has been confirmed yet, but Prime Video’s global reach makes it accessible to most fans.
Why Should You Watch?
If you loved Nichijou’s absurd humor—like wrestling deer or epic bento battles—you’ll feel right at home with CITY. The anime promises a colorful, imaginative setting and a cast of lovable weirdos. Early trailers showcase Kyoto Animation’s gorgeous animation, with dense cityscapes and expressive characters that feel like manga panels come to life. Critics have praised the manga for its smile-inducing gags, and the anime is poised to amplify that charm.
Final Thoughts
CITY: The Animation is shaping up to be one of 2025’s funniest anime, blending Keiichi Arawi’s surreal comedy with Kyoto Animation’s visual flair. Whether you’re a Nichijou fan or new to Arawi’s world, this urban adventure is worth adding to your watchlist. Mark your calendars for July 6, 2025, and get ready to dive into the chaotic, heartfelt streets of CITY.
