Tōi-san: From Short Video to Anime Film – Release Date and Details Revealed

The anime adaptation of the popular short film series Tōi-san, based on a concept by creator Geru (Stropride), receives the official title Tōi-san wa Seishun Shitai! "Baka to Sumaho to Romansu to" (Eng. Tōi-san wants to live youth! "Fools, Smartphones, and Romance"). The film will open in Japanese theaters on July 18, as announced with a first teaser trailer and merchandise information.

The story follows student Tōi Akane, who is recruited by Geru into a bizarre "Youth Romance Club." Together with eccentric members like Yuri, Satan, and Momo, she searches for "things that somehow look like youth and romance." The teaser shows key scenes, including Akane in her signature orange sweater and the chaotic dynamics of the club.

Directed by Mankyū (PUI PUI Molcar), the screenplay is written by Yōichi Katō (Kimi to Idol Pretty Cure♪) and Geru himself. Character design is handled by Akemi Kobayashi (Cheese: The Cat), and animation is produced by Seven Arcs.

The opening theme, Meccha Tōi! feat. Geru & Tōi-san, was composed by Takuyo Koyama (Yaiba T-Shirt-Ya), who humorously admitted: "It was supposed to be a love song, but it somehow felt 'far away.' Hopefully, it still fits!"

The Tōi-san series, originally launched as a short video series, combines absurdly comedic school life scenes with meta-humorous references to pop culture. The film expands this concept with visual extravagance and a coming-of-age narrative that deliberately parodies genre clichés.