Keiichi Arawi’s beloved urban comedy manga CITY The Animation is finally getting the anime treatment from Kyoto Animation, and fans couldn’t be more excited. The upcoming adaptation promises to deliver the same quirky humor that made Nichijou a cult classic. Image: Kyoto Animation
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The Announcement We’ve Been Waiting For
After years of anticipation, fans of absurdist comedy anime can finally celebrate—CITY The Animation has officially been announced, bringing Keiichi Arawi’s urban comedy manga to vibrant animated life. For those unfamiliar with Arawi’s work, he’s the creative mastermind behind the cult-favorite series Nichijou, which earned widespread acclaim for its distinctive blend of everyday scenarios and wildly unpredictable humor.
CITY, which has been running in Weekly Morning magazine since 2016, follows a colorful cast of eccentric characters navigating the chaotic landscape of a bustling Japanese city. Where Nichijou focused primarily on school life, CITY expands Arawi’s comedic universe to encompass the broader urban environment, introducing viewers to a whole new playground for his signature brand of visual gags and absurdist humor.
Trailer Breakdown: First Look at CITY’s Animated World
The first trailer for the anime dropped on March 23, 2025, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be one of the standout comedy anime of the year. The two-minute preview showcases Arawi’s unmistakable art style—clean, expressive, and bursting with personality—now brought to life through fluid animation.
The trailer highlights several key characters from the manga, including the perpetually broke college student Midori Nagumo and the mischievous troublemaker Wako Izumi. From what we’ve seen, the adaptation remains faithful to the source material’s visual aesthetic while adding the dynamic movement and timing that made Nichijou’s animated adaptation so memorable.
What stands out most is how the trailer emphasizes the series’ masterful tonal shifts—seamlessly transitioning from serene slice-of-life moments to explosive comedy sequences that defy both logic and physics. This balance of mundane and absurd has long been Arawi’s trademark, and the preview suggests CITY will continue this tradition with even more ambitious visual comedy.
Kyoto Animation Takes the Helm
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this announcement is the confirmation that Kyoto Animation will be producing this awesomw anime. This prestigious studio needs little introduction to anime enthusiasts, having built their reputation on meticulously crafted productions like Violet Evergarden, A Silent Voice, and indeed, the anime adaptation of Nichijou itself.
The project will be directed by Taichi Ishidate, whose previous work on Violet Evergarden demonstrated his exceptional ability to balance emotional nuance with visual spectacle. Under his direction and Kyoto Animation’s renowned attention to detail, CITY is positioned to be a technical marvel that enhances Arawi’s comedic vision rather than simply translating it.
Kyoto Animation’s involvement is particularly significant given their history with Arawi’s work. Their adaptation of Nichijou in 2011 is widely regarded as a masterclass in comedic timing and expressive animation, transforming an already beloved manga into an even more dynamic visual experience. Their return to Arawi’s world suggests a deep appreciation for his unique comedic sensibilities.
Release Date and What to Expect
Mark your calendars for July 6, 2025—CITY The Animation is set to premiere as part of the Summer 2025 anime season. According to the official announcement, the series will initially run for 12 episodes, covering roughly the first four volumes of the manga.
For fans of comedy anime, CITY promises to deliver a refreshing take on urban life filtered through Arawi’s distinctly offbeat perspective. If Nichijou’s legacy is any indication, we can expect a series that combines observational humor with surreal tangents, creating a viewing experience that’s both relatable and wonderfully unpredictable.
From Manga to Animation: The CITY Journey
The original CITY manga has garnered a dedicated following since its 2016 debut, with fans praising its expanded scope compared to Nichijou. Where Arawi’s previous work focused primarily on school life, CITY explores a broader canvas, examining the humorous intricacies of urban living through its diverse cast of characters.
“CITY represents the natural evolution of Arawi’s comedic style,” notes manga critic Takashi Yamada in a recent analysis for Anime News Network. “It maintains his surrealist sensibilities while expanding into new territory, both literally and thematically.”
For those looking to familiarize themselves with the source material before the anime premieres, Kodansha Comics has published the English translation of CITY in North America, with digital versions available through most major e-book platforms.
Are you excited to see this new comedy master peice? Have you read the original manga? Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below! And if you’re new to Keiichi Arawi’s work, now might be the perfect time to check out Nichijou to get a taste of what’s in store.
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