Chainsmoker Cat Anime Expands Its Cast with Rina Honnizumi

We have observed many peculiar feline behaviors in our decades of following the industry, but Chainsmoker Cat, known in Japan as Yanineko, certainly takes the nicotine-stained trophy. This production, based on the original work by Nyan Nyan Factory, continues to flesh out its roster. We now know that Rina Honnizumi will provide the voice for Imoko. This character serves as a sharp contrast to our protagonist, being a model high school student and the younger sister of the titular smoke-loving catgirl.

A Contrast of Lifestyles in a Smoke-Filled World

The narrative premise places us in a reality where humans and cat-like species share the same sidewalk. However, the focus is not on epic battles but on the daily struggle of Yani. She is a catgirl whose apartment likely has a higher concentration of ash than oxygen. Statistics in our world suggest that quitting is a marathon, but for Yani, it is a sprint that ends at the first convenience store. We see her constantly failing to kick the habit, surrounded by cigarette butts and the general chaos of a slob's life. Imoko arrives as a breath of fresh air—literally—to this environment.

We find the dynamic between a delinquent-adjacent older sister and a perfect student sibling to be a classic trope, yet here it is seasoned with a heavy dose of tobacco smoke. It is like trying to keep a white shirt clean while sitting in a chimney. We expect the interactions between Rina Honnizumi and the main cast to provide the necessary friction for this dark comedy to work.

The Technical Engine Behind the Smoke

To bring this hazy world to life, the production has assembled a team that knows how to balance humor and aesthetics. Taku Kimura, whom we remember for his work on Star Wars: Visions, takes the director's chair at Bibury Animation Studio. The scripts are handled by Takashi Aoshima, a veteran who has managed the chaos of Himouto! Umaruchan. If anyone knows how to write a lovable disaster of a character, it is him.

Key Production Members

• Character Design: Riki Matsuura.
• Music Composition: Keiichi Suzuki, known for his work on Tokyo Godfathers.
• Art Direction: Yukiko Maruyama and Shōtarō Yoshino.
• Sound Direction: Takatoshi Hamano.

We also have the musical landscape confirmed. The opening theme, titled "Nanmonee", is performed by Wasureranneyo. For the closing moments, Necry Talkie brings us "Kemuri to Blue". We believe these choices reflect the messy, energetic vibe of the manga, which has already reached 12 compiled volumes in its Kodansha serialization.

Broadcast Schedule and Global Reach

The premiere is scheduled for July 2 at 24:30 JST, which technically means the early hours of July 3. It will debut on Tokyo MX and BS11, followed by a broadcast on AT-X later in the month. For those who prefer the tactile feel of paper, the manga is being handled internationally by Seven Seas, ensuring that Yani's bad habits can be read in multiple languages. We recommend keeping an eye on this series if you enjoy comedy that isn't afraid to get a little dirty.

Are you ready to enter the ash-covered apartment of Yani? Stay tuned for more updates on this unique summer premiere.