#Gag Manga Biyori Director Akitaro Daichi on the Anime’s Return

In a surprising twist, the comedy series Gag Manga Biyori GO anime is returning in 2025 since the last series in 15 years. The fifth series will be released by REMOW and we had the opportunity to talk to anime series director Akitaro Daichi during Jump FEST 2024.

How did you feel when you heard that the anime of the Gag Manga Biyori series was coming back for a 5th season after 15 years?

Akitaro Daichi: I thought, oh, I don’t feel like it’s been 15 years! So I was more accepting of it, like ‘oh, let’s do it’!

As it’s been a while since the last series, did it feel weird or a little strange to return to production?

Of course it did! First of all, the original staff were hard to reach out to. Although I asked for as much of the same staff as possible, the reality is that some of the key animators and animation staff have gone their separate ways.

Although I was able to secure some of the old staff and the same cast as the previous series, the people who knew the old working scene are gone.

I see. So it was like starting fresh, but with some of the same members too?

Yes.

Was there any difference in the production process compared to the previous series？

Although I tried to keep the same creative process, I needed to explain a lot to the new staff who joined from the newest series. For example, the lines from Gag Manga Biyori are recorded before the animation. (The process is called “Pre-sco”, short for “Pre-Scoring”)

So it was hard for the new staff to understand that lines were ready before the animation. Explaining these processes was quite difficult.

Were there any notable episodes during “Pre-sco” or the creation of “Gag Manga Biyori GO” that you can share with us?

As the recording was quite a while ago… I really should start remembering things. There’s no one episode that I can point to, but it was a lot of fun to record with the usual cast reunited for the first time in a while.

Having some of the new cast in the mix was also quite refreshing.  

Who is your favorite character from the series?

I don’t really have one. I’m often asked this question, but I’ve never been able to say who I like best. As a director, you must pay attention to all of them. I occasionally have an “oshi” for the anime I am not involved in, but I never have a favorite from the anime I am working on. I like them all!

Please leave a comment for the fans of the Gag Manga Biyori series!

I’m just amazed that there are fans outside of Japan. People from overseas have embraced the series…

I am so happy that Gag Manga Biyori GO can be watched from abroad. I look forward to receiving comments from you. Thank you for supporting the series!

Gag Manga Biyori GO is scheduled for release in 2025 from REMOW. Additional details will be revealed by It’s Anime powered by REMOW official YouTube channel.