MAPPA has officially revealed a new anime adaptation of Jimoto Saikō! (Hometown is the Best!), confirming that the series will stream globally on Netflix. The announcement came during the studio’s 15th Anniversary Lineup Reveal ">livestream via MAPPA’s YouTube Channel on June 19, signaling another major addition to its growing international catalog.
The project is based on the manga by Usagi and will bring a darker, more grounded narrative compared to many mainstream anime titles.
A Gritty Story Set in a Harsh Hometown
Unlike traditional school or slice-of-life anime, Jimoto Saiko! centers on a group of girls steering life in a troubled environment. The story follows Chanel and her friend Chihiro as they grow up in a hometown marked by violence, drugs, poverty, and discrimination.
The narrative presents a stark portrayal of youth caught in difficult circumstances, with older students depicted as heavily tattooed, aggressive, and immersed in risky behavior. This setting establishes a tone that is far more intense than typical coming-of-age anime.
By focusing on survival and resilience, the series is expected to explore themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle to overcome one’s surroundings.
The original manga gained attention after being launched on X (formerly Twitter), where it steadily built a following. Its raw storytelling and unfiltered depiction of urban life helped it stand out in a crowded manga terrain.
Published by Saizusha, the series released its first compiled volume in 2022 and has since expanded to multiple volumes, reflecting growing reader interest. The upcoming anime adaptation marks a significant step forward, bringing the story to a much wider global audience.
MAPPA’s involvement also signals confidence in the project’s potential, given the studio’s reputation for producing high-profile anime titles.
Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
The anime will be directed by Tokio Igarashi, with scripts handled by Ryō Takata. Character design is led by Rio, while Naoki Takada serves as art director.
Additional staff includes Yukiko Kakita as color designer, Yōsei Sawai overseeing 3DCG, and Kaori Yoneda as director of photography. Editing will be handled by Tomoki Nagasaka, with Takahiro Ogawa serving as animation producer.
This team combines experienced creatives across multiple departments, suggesting a strong production foundation for the series.
MAPPA Expands Its Global Streaming Strategy
The decision to release Jimoto Saiko! on Netflix reflects MAPPA’s continued push toward international audiences. Streaming platforms have become a key avenue for anime distribution, allowing studios to reach viewers far beyond Japan.
By choosing Netflix, MAPPA ensures that the series will have immediate global accessibility, which is particularly important for a story that tackles universal social issues.
The announcement also highlights how studios are diversifying their portfolios, moving beyond action-heavy titles to include more grounded, character-driven narratives.