NEW YORK, NY — September 18, 2026 — VIZ Media and Japan Society will host the first-ever public screening of Hirayasumi Episode 1 on October 7 in New York City, offering fans the first look at the highly anticipated anime ahead of its 2027 launch. The one-night event will also feature composer Kaori Sawada, producer Junichi Katsutani and VIZ Media’s Godswill Ugwa for a special discussion on bringing the acclaimed manga to the screen.
WHY:
Serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits since 2021, Hirayasumi has become an international critical success, with more than 1.7 million copies in circulation worldwide across ten volumes.
The acclaimed series is the recipient of the 71st Shogakukan Manga Award and was named Best Serial Comic at Lucca Comics & Games 2024.
Now, ahead of the anime’s 2027 launch, New York fans will get the first look at its next chapter.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT:
Hirayasumi Anime – Exclusive Early Look at Episode 1
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
7:00 PM ET
WHERE:
Japan Society
333 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017
FEATURING:
Kaori Sawada — Composer
Junichi Katsutani — Producer
Godswill Ugwa — VIZ Media Community Manager & Panel Host
EVENT:
Screening of Episode One and special Hirayasumi discussion.
TICKETS:
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn’t have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for the future—and he couldn’t be happier. Hiroto’s breezy attitude isn’t easy for everyone to understand, though. In a world filled with anxiety, confusion, and grief, Hiroto and the people around him are all just doing their best to figure out this thing called life.
To keep up with the latest news on Hirayasumi and more from VIZ Media follow all the action on VIZ Media’s social media platforms:
ABOUT KAORI SAWADA
Born in Seattle and raised in Suginami, Tokyo, Kaori Sawada is a singer-songwriter and composer. After graduating from the Department of Composition at Toho Gakuen Music High School, she moved to the United States and completed her studies in composition at the Berklee College of Music.
Upon returning to Japan, she gained widespread attention as a backing vocalist and keyboardist on national tours for prominent artists such as MISIA and Yosui Inoue. In addition to serving as a keyboard conductor for major musical productions by Shiki Theatre Company and Toho, she made her major debut in 2015 with the single "Shiawase no Tane." As a singer-songwriter, she has actively released albums and embarked on a 47-prefecture solo vocal-and-piano tour.
In parallel with her artist career, Sawada has established a prolific profile as a media composer. Her extensive scoring credits include original soundtracks for popular television drama series like What Did You Eat Yesterday? and numerous high-profile TV commercial campaigns, including JR Central’s Let's Go to Nara series. She is also well known for composing and supplying songs for major artists including MISIA and Kiyotaka Sugiyama.
ABOUT JUNICHI KATSUTANI
Joined Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions in 2010. Producer credits include Hirayasumi, BLACK TORCH, AOASHI, Zo Zo Zombie, and B RAPPERS STREET. Based in: Suginami, Tokyo, Japan
About VIZ Media:
Wherever manga and anime fans are, we are! VIZ Media is No. 1 in Japanese pop culture, introducing fans to what’s now, new, and next. Home to the world’s most influential and groundbreaking storytellers and artists, who today drive multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. If it’s big in Japan, you can find it at VIZ.
VIZ Media is proudly certified as a Most Loved Workplace® in America and Inc Magazine’s Best Workplace. For more information on VIZ Media visit: https://www.viz.com/
About Japan Society:
Japan Society is the premier organization connecting Japanese arts, culture, business and society with audiences in New York and around the world. At Japan Society, we are inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna (絆)–forging deep connections to bind people together. We are committed to telling the story of Japan while strengthening connections within New York City and building new bridges beyond. In over 100 years of work, we’ve inspired generations by establishing ourselves as pioneers in supporting international exchanges in arts and culture, business and policy, as well as education between Japan and the U.S. We strive to convene important conversations on topics that bind our two countries together, champion the next generation of innovative creators, promote mutual understanding and serve as a trusted guide for people everywhere who seek to more fully appreciate the rich complexities and abundance of Japan. From our New York headquarters, a landmark building designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura that opened to the public in 1971, we look forward to the years ahead, which will be defined by our digital and ideational impact through the kizuna that we build. Our future can only be enhanced by learning from our peers and engaging with our audiences, both near and afar.
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