Exclusive: First Public Screening of ‘Hirayasumi’ Anime Set for New York City This October

IGN can exclusively reveal that the first-ever public screening of the anime adaptation of Hirayasumi will take place during a one-night event on October 7 at New York City’s Japan Society, giving fans an early look at Episode 1 before the series officially debuts in 2027. The special evening marks a significant milestone for the acclaimed manga-turned-anime as it approaches its global broadcast.

The screening will kick off at 7pm ET and feature more than just the episode itself. The night will include a dedicated panel discussion where composer Kaori Sawada, producer Junichi Katsutani, and VIZ Media’s Godswill Ugwa will discuss what it was like bringing the acclaimed manga to the screen. If you’d like to attend, you can grab tickets right here!

A Global Manga Phenomenon Comes to Screen

For those unfamiliar with the source material, Hirayasumi has been a huge global success and has been serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits since 2021. The manga has more than 1.7 million copies in circulation worldwide across ten volumes, cementing its status as one of the most popular contemporary Japanese comics.

“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.

Hirayasumi official synopsis

Beyond the Screening: A Full Evening of Content

The October event offers fans a rare opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind the adaptation before the series reaches television screens. The panel format allows attendees to gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of translating a beloved manga into animated form, with key figures from both the production team and VIZ Media’s publishing arm participating in the conversation.

The involvement of VIZ Media underscores the strong partnership between Japanese creators and Western publishers in bringing series like Hirayasumi to international audiences. As one of the largest English-language distributors of manga in North America, VIZ has played a pivotal role in growing the series’ global readership.

Limited-Time Opportunity for Fans

The screening represents a rare chance for New York-based fans—and those willing to travel—to experience Hirayasumi before its official 2027 debut. Once again, fans interested in attending the event can grab their tickets right here, and you can also watch the anime’s official teaser trailer below.