Pony Canyon announced on October 5 that the historical crime manga series, *Manchuria Opium Squad*, is receiving an anime adaptation. The announcement coincided with the manga's return to serialization in the 45th issue of Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine. The franchise has also surpassed 3.5 million copies in circulation across print and digital editions in Japan.

A teaser visual was released for the anime adaptation, accompanied by the tagline, “This is the story of a man who crafts the ‘Devil’s Medicine’.” Further details regarding the animation studio, staff, voice cast, format, and release date have not yet been announced. A new official website and social media accounts have been launched for future updates.

Manga Resumes Serialization

The manga, written by Tsukasa Monma, resumed serialization under new illustrator Tsurushima, following the passing of original artist Shikako in November 2025. The editorial department confirmed that this fulfills Shikako's wish. The series returned with a simultaneous two-chapter release, Chapters 216 and 217, within the Tsitsihar Arc, which is nearing its climax. Chapter 216 included the final 11 pages drawn by Shikako, along with a silent 12th page arranged by Monma with background illustrations by studio assistants. Chapter 217 marks Tsurushima's official debut as the primary illustrator.

To celebrate both the anime greenlight and the manga's resumption, Kodansha made the complete manga available for free reading on YanMaga Web and Comic DAYS until October 11, 2026.

Series Background

Set in 1937 in the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo during the Second Sino-Japanese War, *Manchuria Opium Squad* follows Isamu Higata, an 18-year-old soldier. After being blinded in one eye and reassigned, he discovers an opium poppy crop. Using his knowledge, he synthesizes opium to fund his mother's medical treatment, leading him into conflicts with underworld figures and military authorities. The manga originally debuted on Kodansha’s digital platform Comic DAYS in April 2020 before moving to Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021. Kodansha USA distributes the manga digitally in English via the K MANGA service.

Key points

  • An anime adaptation of *Manchuria Opium Squad* has been announced by Pony Canyon.
  • The manga resumed serialization under new illustrator Tsurushima.
  • The franchise has over 3.5 million copies in circulation.
  • A teaser visual and tagline for the anime have been released.
  • Further anime details are pending and will be released on official channels.

Source: Anime Hunch · Oct 5, 2026