The much anticipated anime adaptation of Hekiru Hikawa’s Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life (Hanaori-san wa Tensei Shite mo Kenka ga Shitai) is officially set to premiere on July 11, 2026, at 26:00 JST (effectively 2:00 AM on July 12) in Japan’s “ANiMAZiNG!!!” programming block. The production committee confirmed the launch date on June 9, stirring excitement among fans of the reverse isekai rom com.
A Twist on the Isekai Formula
Since its manga serialization debut in 2021, Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life has captivated readers with its unique blend of action, romance, and comedy. The story follows Ryusei Narukami, a reclusive NEET who is secretly the reincarnated Demon King. His ordinary life is upended with the return of his former nemesis “the Hero who once defeated him” now reincarnated as high schooler Meteor Hanaori. Together, the former rivals must navigate the challenges of modern life, with lingering tensions from their previous lives adding a fresh twist to the genre.
International Simulcast Confirmed
Animation studio LIDEN FILMS leads the adaptation, with direction by Hideyo Yamamoto (Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka) and series composition by Yukie Sugawara. Akira Sekine (Meteor Hanaori) and Jun Fukuyama (Ryusei Narukami) headline the voice cast, a detail heavily promoted in recent trailers.
In a move signaling strong global interest, Crunchyroll has secured international simulcast rights, ensuring that fans in North America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and other territories can follow the series as it airs in Japan. The anime joins a competitive summer 2026 lineup and is expected to draw both long time manga readers and new viewers alike.
With its inventive premise and seasoned production team, Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life is poised to be one of the season’s standout debuts, further strengthening the international profile of Japanese anime storytelling.