Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man

Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man
First tankōbon volume cover
藤本タツキ短編集
(Fujimoto Tatsuki Tanpenshū)
Genre
Manga
Written byTatsuki Fujimoto
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics+
Published
  • October 4, 2021 (#1)
  • November 4, 2021 (#2)
Volumes2
Original net animation
Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26
Directed by
  • Seishirō Nagaya (1)
  • Nobukage Kimura (2)
  • Nobuyuki Takeuchi (3)
  • Naoya Ando (4)
  • Tetsuaki Watanabe (5, 7)
  • Kazuaki Terasawa (6)
  • Shū Honma (8)
Written by
  • Seishirō Nagaya (1)
  • Teruko Utsumi (2 & 3)
  • Naoya Ando (4)
  • Tatsuo Kobayashi (5)
  • Kōhei Tokuoka (6)
  • Tetsuaki Watanabe (7)
  • Yoko Yonaiyama (8)
Music by
Studio
Licensed byAmazon Prime Video
ReleasedNovember 7, 2025
Runtime12–22 minutes
Episodes8
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Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man, known in Japan as Fujimoto Tatsuki Tanpenshū (藤本タツキ短編集; lit. 'Tatsuki Fujimoto's Short Stories'), is a Japanese two-volume anthology collection of one-shot stories written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The two volumes, 17–21 and 22–26, were released in October and November 2021, respectively. An original net animation (ONA) adaptation of the anthology, titled Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26, was released worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in November 2025.

Overview

"A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard"
In 2019, an extraterrestrial force successfully defeated Earth, resulting in widespread devastation for humanity. To the victors, humans are no more than livestock, just as chickens once were to people. However, two human survivors, Yūto and Ami, are currently concealed in a school courtyard that has been overrun by extraterrestrial students. They have survived by disguising themselves as chickens, which are creatures that most aliens find unappealing. However, a diligent student named Yōhei discovers their secret and opposes the senseless slaughter of humans, deciding to help them survive.
"Sasaki Stopped a Bullet"
Sasaki holds his teacher, Chieko Kawaguchi, in the highest regard. She instilled in him the value of pursuing his dreams with confidence and determination, regardless of the challenges he might face. However, one day, elements of Kawaguchi's past resurface, jeopardizing her reputation and potentially impacting her professional standing among her students. Sasaki is determined to defend his idol. He puts her own teachings into practice, pushing himself to achieve the impossible in order to protect her.
"Love is Blind"
As student council president, Ibuki has achieved much, but he attributes his successes to his only fellow member, Yuri Kōnosu. As he approaches graduation and his departure for university, he resolves to confess his feelings to her. This personal objective takes precedence over all other responsibilities, including his official duties. He is resolute in his decision to proceed, undeterred by any anticipated challenges.
"Shikaku"
Shikaku is a highly skilled assassin known for her meticulous precision and her ability to show unexpected compassion. Her latest client, Yugeru, is an immortal vampire weary of endless existence. In a desperate attempt to secure his release, he offers Shikaku $100 million to bring his life to an end. When she fails, she apologizes for his suffering, and he forgives her. Their mutual empathy fosters a sense of connection. Yugeru has lost all hope, but Shikaku's resolve may become the spark that rekindles his will to live.
"Mermaid Rhapsody"
Toshihide, the son of a mermaid, has the ability to hold his breath for extended periods. He utilizes this talent to play an underwater piano. His music attracts a mermaid named Shiju, who saves him when he runs out of air. In return, he provides her with piano lessons, fostering a close bond between them. Toshihide later confronts the legend that mermaids eat humans, fearing that his friendship with Shiju may result in him becoming her prey.
"Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome"
Following a diagnosis of the irreversible "Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome", Toshihide experiences isolation and harassment from his classmates and is forced to reevaluate his relationship with his girlfriend, Rie. His situation becomes more complex as he begins to perceive Rie's brother, Akira, in a new manner. Previously prone to avoiding confrontation, Toshihide now must learn to confront his challenges directly in order to establish a new sense of normalcy and fundamentally redefine his own identity.
"Nayuta of the Prophecy"
Nayuta, a child with a horned appearance and a congenital absence of a human heart and cursed speech, was prophesied before birth to bring about the world's end. She is a figure of fear and disdain, and is held responsible for the deaths of her parents and the suffering of many. Despite the challenges she faces, her brother Kenji remains committed, working diligently to care for and protect her. While Kenji manages a variety of tasks, Nayuta spends her days reading, creating swords, and hunting rodents for food. As public concern about her existence grows, Kenji struggles with the complexity of his relationship with his sister, who could potentially be the harbinger of apocalypse.
"Sisters"
A nude portrait of Mitsuko Ebara is displayed at the entrance of her school after her sister Kyōko's painting wins the top prize in a prestigious art competition. In accordance with academic tradition, the award-winning work is exhibited for a full year, forcing Mitsuko to endure relentless teasing and humiliation from her classmates. Furious and embarrassed, she vows to make Kyōko suffer as she has.

Characters

A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard

Yūto (ユウト)
Voiced by: Kensho Ono[2] (Japanese); Edward Stoneguard[3] (English)
Ami (アミ)
Voiced by: Shion Sakurai[2]
Yōhei (陽平)
Voiced by: Kazuki Ura[2]
Megumi Kaneda (金田萌美, Kaneda Megumi)
Voiced by: Kimiko Saitō[2]
Masatoshi Endō (遠藤マサトシ, Endō Masatoshi)
Voiced by: Mitsuo Iwata[2]

Sasaki Stopped a Bullet

Sasaki (佐々木くん, Sasaki-kun)
Voiced by: Toshiki Kumagai[2] (Japanese); Stephen Fu[4] (English)
Chieko Kawaguchi (川口千恵子, Kawaguchi Chieko)
Voiced by: Chika Anzai[2] (Japanese); Brittany Cox[4] (English)
Kuwano (桑野)
Voiced by: Yoichi Okano[2] (Japanese); Cory Yee[4] (English)

Love is Blind

Ibuki (伊吹)
Voiced by: Shun Horie[2] (Japanese); Nick Thurston[5] (English)
Yuri Kōnosu (鴻巣ユリ, Kōnosu Yuri)
Voiced by: Shion Wakayama[2] (Japanese); Abby Espiritu[5] (English)
Hayasaka-sensei (早坂先生)
Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa[2]
Robber (強盗, Gōtō)
Voiced by: Takahiro Yamamoto[2]
Alien (宇宙人, Uchūbito)
Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe[2]
Alien Bride (宇宙人嫁, Uchūbito yome)
Voiced by: Mamiko Noto[2]

Shikaku

Shikaku (シカク)
Voiced by: Kana Hanazawa[2] (Japanese); Madeline Dorroh[6] (English)
Yugeru (ユゲル)
Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita[2] (Japanese); Aleks Le[6] (English)

Mermaid Rhapsody

Toshihide (トシヒデ)
Voiced by: Chiaki Kikuta[2] (Japanese); Nick Carson[7] (English)
Shiju (シジュ)
Voiced by: Eri Yukimura[2] (Japanese); Cassandra Lee Morris[7] (English)

Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome

Toshihide (トシヒデ)
Voiced by: Yuki Sakakihara[2] (Japanese); Cynthia Fears[8] (English)
Rie (リエ)
Voiced by: Maki Kawase[2] (Japanese); Shelby Young[8] (English)
Akira (アキラ)
Voiced by: Seiichirō Yamashita[2] (Japanese); Brian Doe Chua[8] (English)

Nayuta of the Prophecy

Nayuta (ナユタ)
Voiced by: Hitomi Sasaki[2] (Japanese); Courtney Chu[9] (English)
Kenji (ケンジ)
Voiced by: Yōhei Matsuoka[2] (Japanese); Adam McArthur[9] (English)

Sisters

Mitsuko Ebara (江原光子, Ebara Mitsuko)
Voiced by: Runa Nakashima[2] (Japanese); Hayden Bishop[10] (English)
Kyōko Ebara (江原杏子, Ebara Kyōko)
Voiced by: Tomo Nakai[2] (Japanese); Courtney Lin[10] (English)
Teacher (先生, Sensei)
Voiced by: Tomohiko Imai[2] (Japanese); Roger Rose[10] (English)

Publication

Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man consists of eight earliest one-shot stories written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto before starting his second manga series Chainsaw Man. The first volume, 17–21, includes: "A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard" (庭には二羽ニワトリがいた, Niwa ni wa Niwa Niwatori ga ita) (released in 2011);[11] "Sasaki Stopped a Bullet" (佐々木くんが銃弾止めた, Sasaki-kun ga Juudan Tometa) (released in 2013);[12] "Love is Blind" (恋は盲目, Koi wa Moumoku) (released in 2013);[13] and "Shikaku" (シカク) (released in 2014).[14] The tankōbon volume was published by Shueisha on October 4, 2021.[15]

The second volume, 22–26, includes: "Mermaid Rhapsody" (人魚ラプソディ, Ningyo Rapusodi) (released in 2014);[16] "Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome" (目が覚めたら女の子になっていた病, Me ga Sametara Onnanoko ni Natteita Yamai) (released in 2017);[17] "Nayuta of the Prophecy" (予言のナユタ, Yogen no Nayuta) (released in 2015);[18] and "Sisters" (妹の姉, Imōto no Ane) (released in 2018).[19] The volume was released on November 4, 2021.[20]

In North America, Viz Media announced that it had licensed both volumes in June 2022;[21] they were released on January 17 and April 18, 2023, respectively.[22][23]

Volumes

No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1October 4, 2021[24]978-4-08-882803-9January 17, 2023[22]978-1-9747-3477-1
  1. "A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard" (庭には二羽ニワトリがいた, Niwa ni wa Niwa Niwatori ga ita)
  2. "Sasaki Stopped a Bullet" (佐々木くんが銃弾止めた, Sasaki-kun ga Juudan Tometa)
  3. "Love is Blind" (恋は盲目, Koi wa Moumoku)
  4. "Shikaku" (シカク)
2November 4, 2021[25]978-4-08-882822-0April 18, 2023[23]978-1-9747-3478-8
  1. "Mermaid Rhapsody" (人魚ラプソディ, Ningyo Rhapsody)
  2. "Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome" (目が覚めたら女の子になっていた病, Me ga Sametara Onnanoko ni Natteita Yamai)
  3. "Nayuta of the Prophecy" (予言のナユタ, Yogen no Nayuta)
  4. "Sisters" (妹の姉, Imōto no Ane)

Anime adaptation

In September 2025, it was announced that the eight stories would each receive an original net animation (ONA) adaptation, titled Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 (藤本タツキ 17–26), which debuted worldwide on Amazon Prime Video on November 7 of the same year. Each story was produced by a different staff and animation studio.[2] The eight-episode series had a limited two-week run in nine Japanese cinemas starting on October 17, screening in two four-episode parts.[26]

It had a world premiere in the United States on October 5, 2025, during the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood.[26]

References

  1. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa Cayanan, Joanna (September 2, 2025). "Chainsaw Man Creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's 8 Short Stories Get Anthology Anime Series on Prime Video on November 7 (Updated With Trailer)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 2, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  3. ^ Edward Stoneguard [@EddieStoneguard] (November 7, 2025). "So thrilled to share that I am the voice of Yuto in episode 1 the English dub of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, the adaptation of 'Before Chainsaw Man'. It's amazing to see everyone enjoying the show and it was such a privilege to be a part of it! #tatsukifujimoto1726 #chainsawman" (Tweet). Retrieved November 8, 2025 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ a b c "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Sasaki Stopped a Bullet English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Love is Blind English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Shihaku English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Mermaid Rhapsody Stopped a Bullet English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  8. ^ a b c "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Nayuta of the Prophecy English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Sisters English Credits". Imgur. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  11. ^ 【第66回】担当作家 藤本タツキ先生Q&A！ [[66] Writer Tatsuki Fujimoto Q&A]. Jump Rookie! (in Japanese). Shueisha. July 2, 2020. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  12. ^ ジャンプSQ.［クラウン新人漫画賞 結果発表］第5回. jumpsq.shueisha.co.jp (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on October 1, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  13. ^ ジャンプSQ.［クラウン新人漫画賞 結果発表］第9回. jumpsq.shueisha.co.jp (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  14. ^ ジャンプＳＱ．（ジャンプスクエア）増刊 （２０１４年７月号）. Kinokuniya (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  15. ^ 藤本タツキ初の短編集発売、作品を作者＆担当で振り返る小冊子当たるキャンペーンも. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 4, 2021. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  16. ^ ジャンプＳＱ．（ジャンプスクエア）増刊 （２０１５年１月号）. Kinokuniya (in Japanese). Retrieved June 19, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  17. ^ ジャンプSQ.編集部 [@jump_sq] (April 23, 2017). 『ファイアパンチ』藤本タツキ先生が連載前に執筆した作品『目が覚めたら女の子になっていた病』期間限定掲載！ (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved June 19, 2022 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ ジャンプSQ.8月号 7月4日. Jump SQ. (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on June 27, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  19. ^ マイナーな四国妖怪が通う学校を舞台にした学園コメディがSQ.で. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 2, 2018. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  20. ^ 「チェンソーマン」初の小説版発売、「藤本タツキ短編集 22-26」も. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. November 4, 2021. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  21. ^ Mateo, Alex (June 17, 2022). "Viz Media Announces Spring 2023 Book Releases Including Nine Dragons' Ball Parade, Choujin X, Helck, Tista, More Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  22. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17–21". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  23. ^ a b "Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22–26". Viz Media. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  24. ^ 藤本タツキ短編集 17–21 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  25. ^ 藤本タツキ短編集 22–26 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on November 24, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Cayanan, Joanna (September 10, 2025). "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Anime Reveals October 5 World Premiere in U.S., 2-Week Screenings in Japan, S. Korea". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.

Further reading

allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatsuki_Fujimoto_Before_Chainsaw_Man