Quitting a dead-end job for a better life is everyone’s dream, but accidentally ending up at a hitman agency and discovering you’re a natural at dispatching people is another level. The fun franchise Happy Kanako’s Killer Life (Shiawase Kanako no Koroshiya Seikatsu) has officially confirmed it will get its own anime adaptation, set to premiere in April 2027.

The announcement came with its first trailer and a promotional image released by TOHO animation, which had earlier intrigued fans by posting an image of otters with the phrase “Otter Agent.” The story follows Kanako Nishino, a girl with low self-esteem who quits her job due to workplace exploitation. However, when she goes to an interview for a new position, she discovers the company handles target elimination contracts and is surprisingly good at assassination while trying to earn the respect of Sakurai, her attractive but grumpy coworker.

In the voice cast, the production confirmed Hana Tamegai to voice the protagonist Kanako Nishino. Joining her is Ryota Suzuki (known for voicing Yu Ishigami in Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Ryuu Enjin in WIND BREAKER) as the picky Sakurai, while veteran Junichi Suwabe (famous for playing Shota Aizawa in My Hero Academia and Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen) will portray the enigmatic President of the agency.

Behind the scenes, the project is handled by studio Drive with direction and script supervision by legendary Shinji Takamatsu, known for his impeccable work on cult comedies like Gintama and Grand Blue. Meanwhile, Yoshiyuki Okubo takes charge of character design and main animation direction after his work on productions like Teppen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

About Happy Kanako’s Killer Life

Happy Kanako’s Killer Life is an action comedy and slice-of-life manga written and illustrated by Toshiya Wakabayashi, the acclaimed creator of the popular romance Tsurezure Children. The story began its online serialization in a four-panel format in October 2012, later moving to publisher Seikaisha for compiled volumes.

The franchise has been well-received in Japan, having previously inspired two live-action series adaptations released in February 2025 and September 2026. Now, the work finally gets the animated treatment fans have long awaited.

What do you think of this assassin comedy and the choice of Shinji Takamatsu to direct it?