Beloved Regional Comedy 'You Don't Know Gunma Yet' Announces New 'Light Anime' for January 2026 Return

Fans of the regional comedy manga, You Don’t Know Gunma Yet (Omae wa Mada Gunma o Shiranai), can anticipate a new 'Light Anime' adaptation, officially announced to premiere in January 2026. This revival aims to reintroduce viewers to the distinct charm and humor of Japan's Gunma Prefecture.

Originally created by Hiroto Ida and serialized online through Shinchosha’s Kurage Bunch, the manga gained a dedicated following among seinen readers. It is recognized for its blend of everyday scenarios with exaggerated portrayals of Gunma’s local culture and traditions.

This animation project marks a resurgence for the franchise, which previously saw a TV anime adaptation in 2018, along with a live-action TV drama and a feature film, both released in 2017. These adaptations contributed to expanding the series' fanbase and its presence in Japanese pop culture.

The forthcoming installment is categorized as a 'Light Anime,' a format in Japan known for its concise episodes and streamlined animation. This style is often suited for digital streaming platforms and targets a specific audience.

The original narrative followed Nori Kamitsuki, a teenager who moved from Chiba and discovered the local customs and community spirit of Gunma, challenging the negative online stereotypes he initially encountered. The upcoming 'Light Anime' is expected to continue this exploration of regional identity, with potential for new plotlines and characters, reflecting the manga’s ongoing serialization.

While specific details regarding the voice cast, production staff, and streaming platforms are pending, the announcement has generated excitement among fans who have followed the series across its manga, live-action, and previous anime iterations. This revival also highlights the enduring appeal of regional humor in Japanese entertainment and the industry’s use of innovative animation formats.

You Don’t Know Gunma Yet is noted for its comedic approach and homage to local pride, bringing attention to rural Japan. With the 'Light Anime' adaptation, the franchise is positioned to reach a broader international audience, as global streaming services continue to expand their libraries with diverse Japanese content. The decision to rejuvenate the series in this format reaffirms the relevance of the original manga’s themes and the creative team's confidence in its appeal.