An anime adaptation for the historical crime drama manga, Manchuria Opium Squad, has been announced. This news coincides with the manga's return to serialization in Kodansha's Young Magazine. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser art reveal, though further details regarding the anime's production, such as cast, crew, or release date, have not yet been disclosed.
About Manchuria Opium Squad
Manchuria Opium Squad is written by Tsukasa Monma. The manga originally began serialization in Kodansha's Comic Days in April 2020 before moving to Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021. The series has accumulated 22 volumes published in Japan to date. The original illustrator, Shikako, passed away in November 2025, and Tsurushima has now taken over as the illustrator for the series.
The story is set in the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo, a region characterized by corruption and conflict. It follows Isamu Higata, a young man who, in an effort to save his family, enters the illegal opium trade. His botanical knowledge allows him to produce potent opium, leading him down a dangerous path. Kodansha USA publishes an English-language version of the manga.
Key points
- An anime adaptation of Manchuria Opium Squad has been announced.
- The announcement was made as the manga resumed serialization in Young Magazine.
- Tsukasa Monma is the writer of the manga.
- Tsurushima is the new illustrator for the series.
- Kodansha USA publishes the English-language version of the manga.
Source: Crunchyroll News · Oct 4, 2026
