Beloved Comedy Manga 'Ojisan wa Kawaii Mono ga Osuki.' Gets 2026 TV Anime Adaptation from LIDENFILMS

The highly anticipated adaptation of Tsutomu's beloved manga, Ojisan wa Kawaii Mono ga Osuki. (translated as Middle-Aged Man Loves Cute Things), is officially heading to the small screen as a television anime set for a 2026 premiere. This exciting news, initially disseminated by e-book distribution giant BookLive and swiftly confirmed across official anime websites and social media platforms, marks a major milestone for the heartwarming slice-of-life comedy.

Tasked with bringing the unique story to life is the acclaimed studio LIDENFILMS, recognized globally for its high-quality productions, including the hit series Call of the Night. This selection has immediately elevated expectations for the visual quality and faithful adaptation of the source material.

Introducing Mitsutaka Oji

The narrative centers on Mitsutaka Oji, a seemingly unflappable 42-year-old section chief whose professional demeanor masks an utterly charming secret: an intense, hidden adoration for all things cute and adorable. The series masterfully blends gentle humor with relatable themes, chronicling Oji's daily life as he struggles to maintain his cool facade while secretly indulging in his passions, often navigating hilarious scenarios to keep his interests concealed from unsuspecting colleagues.

Franchise History

Since its launch on the Comic Polaris website in July 2017, the manga has cultivated a dedicated readership, resulting in 11 compiled volumes published as of February 2025. Its popularity previously led to a five-episode live-action television drama adaptation, which aired between August and September 2020. The upcoming anime represents the next evolution for this successful franchise, promising to introduce Oji's endearing dichotomy to an even broader international audience.

To commemorate the announcement, creator Tsutomu delighted fans by unveiling a special teaser visual. This stunning artwork was prominently displayed outside the Animate Ikebukuro main store, drawing immediate attention. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Pugtaro, the endearing mascot character central to the manga, made a festive appearance. While fans now have a firm release year, crucial production details including the specific staff list, voice cast, and precise broadcast schedule remain forthcoming. Enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor the official channels closely for subsequent updates as LIDENFILMS moves forward with production toward the eagerly awaited 2026 debut.