Fans of Keiichi Arawi’s quirky slice‑of‑life series can now secure a premium home‑video version of CITY The Animation. GKIDS has opened pre‑orders for a collector’s edition Blu‑ray that will ship on December 15, 2026, exclusively through its official online store.
The limited‑edition set is packed with extras aimed at completists. Inside the sleek slipcase you’ll find a 72‑page booklet that delves into production art and behind‑the‑scenes commentary, four high‑quality art cards, an A3‑size poster, and a series of cut‑out movie sheets covering episodes 1 through 13. Additional goodies include a team preview, a TV spot, and clean versions of both the opening and ending sequences.
Series Background and Broadcast History
CITY The Animation aired in Japan from July to September 2025, delivering a concise 13‑episode run that captured the everyday absurdities of university life in a town where “anything can happen.” The series was streamed worldwide via Amazon Prime Video, allowing international audiences to experience its blend of humor and heart.
Creative Team and Production Details
The adaptation was helmed by director Taichi Ishidate, known for his work on Violet Evergarden and as an assistant director on Nichijou. Character designs were crafted by Tamami Tokuyama, who also served as chief animation director, while color design was overseen by Kana Miyata, a veteran of Nichijou and Beyond the Boundary. Backgrounds were directed by Shiori Yamazaki, and the compositing was managed by Hiroki Ueda, recognized for Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S. The 3D elements were directed by Tatsunori Kase, and sound design was led by Yota Tsuruoka.
All animation duties were handled by the renowned Kyoto Animation studio, ensuring the series retained the studio’s signature polish and expressive character work.
Voice Cast Highlights
The series features a talented cast, including Mikako Komatsu as Midori Nagumo, Aki Toyosaki as Nikura, and Yui Ishikawa as Wako Izumi. Supporting roles are voiced by Yoshihisa Kawahara (Tsurubishi Makabe), Miyu Irino (Tatewaku Makabe), Ayaka Nanase (Matsuri Makabe), Azusa Tadokoro (Eri Amakazari), and Yu Wakui (Riko Izumi).
Manga Roots and Publication History
The anime adapts Keiichi Arawi’s CITY manga, a comedy that ran in Kodansha’s Morning magazine from September 2016 until February 2021. After a three‑year hiatus, the series returned to the same magazine in December 2024 before concluding again in October 2025. Fifteen tankōbon volumes were released in Japan by the end of 2025. Kodansha USA now publishes the English translation, previously under the Vertical imprint.
What Makes This Blu‑Ray Special?
Beyond the standard video and audio tracks, the collector’s edition offers fans a clean opening and ending, which is a rare inclusion for home‑video releases. The cut‑out movie sheets provide a nostalgic nod to the series’ episode‑by‑episode structure, allowing owners to recreate key moments on paper. The package also includes a team preview that offers insight into the collaborative effort behind the show.
GKIDS described the series as a place “where laughter, love and emotional outbursts mingle among colorful residents,” highlighting the everyday yet unpredictable lives of university students Nagumo, Niikura, and Izumi.
How to Secure Your Copy
Pre‑orders are currently available only on GKIDS’ official website, with limited stock anticipated due to the extensive bonus material. Collectors are encouraged to act quickly, as the release date of December 15, 2026 is set to coincide with the holiday season, making it an ideal gift for anime enthusiasts.
For a visual preview of the series and its promotion, see the CITY The Animation visual release article, which showcases key artwork from the show.
With GKIDS handling the North American distribution, this collector’s edition represents the most comprehensive home‑video offering for CITY The Animation to date, combining the studio’s high‑quality production values with an array of exclusive extras for fans.
Featured image: ©Keiichi Arawi, KODANSHA/CITY THE ANIMATION Production Committee
Source: AniTrendz