Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man, known in Japan as Fujimoto Tatsuki Tanpenshū (藤本タツキ短編集), is a Japanese two-volume anthology collection of one-shot stories written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The two volumes, 17–21 and 22–26, were released in October and November 2021, respectively. An original net animation (ONA) adaptation of the anthology, titled Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26, was released worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in November 2025.
Overview
"A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard"
In 2019, an extraterrestrial force successfully defeated Earth, resulting in widespread devastation for humanity. To the victors, humans are no more than livestock, just as chickens once were to people. However, two human survivors, Yūto and Ami, are currently concealed in a school courtyard that has been overrun by extraterrestrial students. They have survived by disguising themselves as chickens, which are creatures that most aliens find unappealing. However, a diligent student named Yōhei discovers their secret and opposes the senseless slaughter of humans, deciding to help them survive.
"Sasaki Stopped a Bullet"
Sasaki holds his teacher, Chieko Kawaguchi, in the highest regard. She instilled in him the value of pursuing his dreams with confidence and determination, regardless of the challenges he might face. However, one day, elements of Kawaguchi's past resurface, jeopardizing her reputation and potentially impacting her professional standing among her students. Sasaki is determined to defend his idol. He puts her own teachings into practice, pushing himself to achieve the impossible in order to protect her.
"Love is Blind"
As student council president, Ibuki has achieved much, but he attributes his successes to his only fellow member, Yuri Kōnosu. As he approaches graduation and his departure for university, he resolves to confess his feelings to her. This personal objective takes precedence over all other responsibilities, including his official duties. He is resolute in his decision to proceed, undeterred by any anticipated challenges.
"Shikaku"
Shikaku is a highly skilled assassin known for her meticulous precision and her ability to show unexpected compassion. Her latest client, Yugeru, is an immortal vampire weary of endless existence. In a desperate attempt to secure his release, he offers Shikaku $100 million to bring his life to an end. When she fails, she apologizes for his suffering, and he forgives her. Their mutual empathy fosters a sense of connection. Yugeru has lost all hope, but Shikaku's resolve may become the spark that rekindles his will to live.
"Mermaid Rhapsody"
Toshihide, the son of a mermaid, has the ability to hold his breath for extended periods. He utilizes this talent to play an underwater piano. His music attracts a mermaid named Shiju, who saves him when he runs out of air. In return, he provides her with piano lessons, fostering a close bond between them. Toshihide later confronts the legend that mermaids eat humans, fearing that his friendship with Shiju may result in him becoming her prey.
"Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome"
Following a diagnosis of the irreversible "Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome", Toshihide experiences isolation and harassment from his classmates and is forced to reevaluate his relationship with his girlfriend, Rie. His situation becomes more complex as he begins to perceive Rie's brother, Akira, in a new manner. Previously prone to avoiding confrontation, Toshihide now must learn to confront his challenges directly in order to establish a new sense of normalcy and fundamentally redefine his own identity.
"Nayuta of the Prophecy"
Nayuta, a child with a horned appearance and a congenital absence of a human heart and cursed speech, was prophesied before birth to bring about the world's end. She is a figure of fear and disdain, and is held responsible for the deaths of her parents and the suffering of many. Despite the challenges she faces, her brother Kenji remains committed, working diligently to care for and protect her. While Kenji manages a variety of tasks, Nayuta spends her days reading, creating swords, and hunting rodents for food. As public concern about her existence grows, Kenji struggles with the complexity of his relationship with his sister, who could potentially be the harbinger of apocalypse.
"Sisters"
A nude portrait of Mitsuko Ebara is displayed at the entrance of her school after her sister Kyōko's painting wins the top prize in a prestigious art competition. In accordance with academic tradition, the award-winning work is exhibited for a full year, forcing Mitsuko to endure relentless teasing and humiliation from her classmates. Furious and embarrassed, she vows to make Kyōko suffer as she has.
Characters
A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard
Yūto (ユウト)
Ami (アミ)
Yōhei (陽平)
Megumi Kaneda (金田萌美)
Masatoshi Endō (遠藤マサトシ)
Sasaki Stopped a Bullet
Sasaki (佐々木くん)
Chieko Kawaguchi (川口千恵子)
Kuwano (桑野)
Love is Blind
Ibuki (伊吹)
Yuri Kōnosu (鴻巣ユリ)
Hayasaka-sensei (早坂先生)
Robber (強盗)
Alien (宇宙人)
Alien Bride (宇宙人嫁)
Shikaku
Shikaku (シカク)
Yugeru (ユゲル)
Mermaid Rhapsody
Toshihide (トシヒデ)
Shiju (シジュ)
Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome
Toshihide (トシヒデ)
Rie (リエ)
Akira (アキラ)
Nayuta of the Prophecy
Nayuta (ナユタ)
Kenji (ケンジ)
Sisters
Mitsuko Ebara (江原光子)
Kyōko Ebara (江原杏子)
Teacher (先生)
Publication
Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man consists of eight earliest one-shot stories written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto before starting his second manga series Chainsaw Man.The first volume, 17–21, includes: "A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard" (庭には二羽ニワトリがいた) (released in 2011);[10] "Sasaki Stopped a Bullet" (佐々木くんが銃弾止めた) (released in 2013);[11] "Love is Blind" (恋は盲目) (released in 2013);[12] and "Shikaku" (シカク) (released in 2014).[13] The volume was published by Shueisha on October 4, 2021.[14]
The second volume, 22–26, includes: "Mermaid Rhapsody" (人魚ラプソディ) (released in 2014);[15] "Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome" (目が覚めたら女の子になっていた病) (released in 2017);[16] "Nayuta of the Prophecy" (予言のナユタ) (released in 2015);[17] and "Sisters" (妹の姉) (released in 2018).[18] The volume was released on November 4, 2021.[19]
In North America, Viz Media announced that it had licensed both volumes in June 2022;[20] they were released on January 17 and April 18, 2023, respectively.
Volumes
Anime adaptation
In September 2025, it was announced that the eight stories would each receive an original net animation (ONA) adaptation, titled Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 (藤本タツキ 17–26), which debuted worldwide on Amazon Prime Video on November 7 of the same year.Each story was produced by a different staff and animation studio.[25] The eight-episode series had a limited two-week run in nine Japanese cinemas starting on October 17, screening in two four-episode parts.
It had a world premiere in the United States on October 5, 2025, during the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood.[26]
2.Edward Stoneguard. So thrilled to share that I am the voice of Yuto in episode 1 the English dub of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, the adaptation of 'Before Chainsaw Man'. It's amazing to see everyone enjoying the show and it was such a privilege to be a part of it! #tatsukifujimoto1726 #chainsawman retrieved November 8, 2025^
