by It has been officially announced that the popular manga Hotaru no Yomeiri will be adapted into a TV anime, scheduled to air nationwide on Fuji TV’s late-night anime block Noitamina starting October 2026. Alongside the announcement, a striking teaser visual capturing the series’ dark and romantic worldview has also been unveiled, immediately drawing attention from fans.
This marks the first anime adaptation of the series and one of the most talked-about Noitamina projects announced for 2026.
About “Hotaru no Yomeiri”: A Dangerous Love Story Set in the Meiji Era
Hotaru no Yomeiri, created by manga artist Oreco Tachibana, is a mad love romance set in Japan’s Meiji era—a time of social upheaval, modernization, and hidden violence beneath traditional values.
The story centers on:
- Satoko Kirigaya – the refined and strong-willed daughter of a prestigious family
- Shinpei Goto – a cold-blooded assassin who becomes obsessively devoted to her
Their relationship begins as a contract marriage, but quickly spirals into a dangerous, obsessive bond that blurs the line between love, survival, and madness. Combining historical atmosphere with psychological tension, the series explores themes of possession, devotion, and freedom in a society bound by rigid class and gender roles.
Massive Popularity and Awards Before Anime Adaptation
Originally serialized on Shogakukan’s comic app Manga One, Hotaru no Yomeiri concluded with its final chapter in January 2026. By the time of its conclusion, the manga had:
- Surpassed 3.5 million copies in circulation
- Won the Grand Prize at the Digital Comic Awards 2024 (Comic Seymour)
- Built a strong readership among fans of dark romance and historical drama
Its consistent popularity and completed storyline made it a strong candidate for anime adaptation—especially within Noitamina’s tradition of mature, story-driven works.
Anime Production Staff: High Expectations for Visual Impact
The anime will be produced by david production, the acclaimed studio behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and other visually distinctive action series.
Key staff members include:
- Director: Takahiro Kamei
- Character Design: Yukiko Aike
The choice of david production has raised expectations, particularly for how the studio will handle violent action scenes, intense facial expressions, and the emotional extremes that define Shinpei’s character.
Original Author’s Comment: “I Can’t Contain My Excitement”
Original author Oreco Tachibana shared her enthusiasm regarding the adaptation, stating:
“I’m truly looking forward to seeing how the characters I created will move and breathe on screen. David production’s action is incredibly captivating, and I can’t contain my excitement thinking about how Shinpei and Satoko’s story will be brought to life.”
Her comment reflects both trust in the production team and anticipation for how the manga’s emotional intensity will translate into animation.
Teaser Visual Analysis: Fireflies, Blood, and Fate
The newly released teaser visual specially illustrated by character designer Yukiko Aike—has already sparked discussion online.
- Shinpei Goto is depicted covered in blood, wearing a fearless and seductive smile
- Satoko Kirigaya stands calmly beside him, radiating quiet resolve
- Fireflies illuminate the scene, symbolizing fleeting life, forbidden love, and inevitability
The visual strongly hints at the anime’s core themes: beauty intertwined with violence, and a love that cannot exist peacefully.
Why “Hotaru no Yomeiri” Fits Noitamina Perfectly
Noitamina is known for anime aimed at older audiences, often featuring:
- Psychological depth
- Social commentary
- Complex romantic relationships
Hotaru no Yomeiri fits squarely into this tradition, alongside past Noitamina titles that challenged conventional romance narratives. Its Meiji-era setting also adds historical richness rarely seen in mainstream romance anime.
What New Viewers Can Expect
For beginners unfamiliar with the manga, the anime is expected to offer:
- A complete, tightly written story (the manga has already concluded)
- A balance of romance, suspense, and action
- Strong character development rather than light comedy
- A darker tone compared to typical romance anim
Broadcast Information (Confirmed)
- Title: Hotaru no Yomeiri
- Broadcast Block: Noitamina (Fuji TV network)
- Start Date: October 2026
- Animation Studio: david production
Additional details such as voice cast, opening/ending themes, and exact broadcast dates are expected to be announced in the coming months
Final Thoughts
With its intense love story, historical setting, and top-tier production team, “Hotaru no Yomeiri” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime of Fall 2026. Fans of dark romance, psychological drama, and beautifully tragic stories should keep this title firmly on their watchlist.
As more information is released, this anime is likely to become a major talking point—not just among manga fans, but across the broader anime community.
