Image: Naoki Fujita/Shueisha, BEAT&MOTION Production Committee
AMBot | 06/19/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
As part of the celebrations for MAPPA’s 15th anniversary—the studio behind hit series like “Chainsaw Man” and “Jujutsu Kaisen”—an extensive lineup was unveiled on June 19, 2026. Alongside new seasons of “JIMOTO SAIKO!” and “Ranma 1/2,” the spotlight was on the anime adaptation of Naoki Fujita’s manga “BEAT & MOTION.” The series will be released worldwide exclusively on Netflix in 2027, as confirmed by the platform in an official blog post. This is one of the first productions to emerge from the strategic partnership between Netflix and MAPPA, agreed upon in January 2026.
“BEAT & MOTION” tells the story of Tatsuhiko Hirayama, a young man who has given up his dream of becoming an animator, and indie musician Nico Kashiwagi, who steadfastly pursues her artistic path. After a chance encounter, the two begin to inspire each other and work together on an animated music video—a creative journey that changes their lives. The manga was originally developed as part of Shueisha’s talent competition “MILLION TAG,” where aspiring manga artists competed alongside experienced editors. Naoki Fujita won the Grand Prix and received, among other prizes, a serialization on the “Shonen Jump+” platform (from February 2023 to January 2025) and a commitment for an anime adaptation. The manga spans six volumes.
For the anime adaptation, a teaser visual, the first promotional video, and the main cast have now been revealed. The role of Tatsuhiko Hirayama is voiced by Shuichiro Umeda (known from “Make Heroine ga Oosugiru!”), while Aya Gomazuru (known from “Hanyo no Yashahime”) takes on the role of Nico Kashiwagi. In their comments, both voice actors emphasized the emotional depth of the story: Umeda hopes the series reaches everyone who is struggling to express themselves or fighting, while Gomazuru promises to embody Nico with all her heart. Manga author and former “MILLION TAG” judge Yuji Kaku contributed a congratulatory illustration, highlighting that the work showcases the raw, honest feelings of creatives.
The animation is directed by Yuki Komada. The series concept and scripts are handled by Misaki Morie, while character design and chief animation direction are overseen by Kazunori Aoki. Other key positions include Izumi Takizawa (assistant director), Megumi Soga (chief episode director), and Haruna Sakamoto (background art). Music and sound production are managed by Studio dugout under the direction of Yasushi Nagura. Animation production is supervised by Takahiro Ogawa.
The first teaser trailer offers a glimpse of the dynamic staging, showing the two main characters—Nico with a guitar on her back, Tatsuhiko with a surprised expression—working together on their project.
“BEAT & MOTION” will stream worldwide on Netflix starting in 2027. An exact release date has yet to be announced.
“BEAT & MOTION” tells the story of Tatsuhiko Hirayama, a young man who has given up his dream of becoming an animator, and indie musician Nico Kashiwagi, who steadfastly pursues her artistic path. After a chance encounter, the two begin to inspire each other and work together on an animated music video—a creative journey that changes their lives. The manga was originally developed as part of Shueisha’s talent competition “MILLION TAG,” where aspiring manga artists competed alongside experienced editors. Naoki Fujita won the Grand Prix and received, among other prizes, a serialization on the “Shonen Jump+” platform (from February 2023 to January 2025) and a commitment for an anime adaptation. The manga spans six volumes.
For the anime adaptation, a teaser visual, the first promotional video, and the main cast have now been revealed. The role of Tatsuhiko Hirayama is voiced by Shuichiro Umeda (known from “Make Heroine ga Oosugiru!”), while Aya Gomazuru (known from “Hanyo no Yashahime”) takes on the role of Nico Kashiwagi. In their comments, both voice actors emphasized the emotional depth of the story: Umeda hopes the series reaches everyone who is struggling to express themselves or fighting, while Gomazuru promises to embody Nico with all her heart. Manga author and former “MILLION TAG” judge Yuji Kaku contributed a congratulatory illustration, highlighting that the work showcases the raw, honest feelings of creatives.
The animation is directed by Yuki Komada. The series concept and scripts are handled by Misaki Morie, while character design and chief animation direction are overseen by Kazunori Aoki. Other key positions include Izumi Takizawa (assistant director), Megumi Soga (chief episode director), and Haruna Sakamoto (background art). Music and sound production are managed by Studio dugout under the direction of Yasushi Nagura. Animation production is supervised by Takahiro Ogawa.
The first teaser trailer offers a glimpse of the dynamic staging, showing the two main characters—Nico with a guitar on her back, Tatsuhiko with a surprised expression—working together on their project.
“BEAT & MOTION” will stream worldwide on Netflix starting in 2027. An exact release date has yet to be announced.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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