If you thought a comedy about a tobacco-addicted anthropomorphic cat with no work ethic couldn’t get more bizarre, you were wrong. To the delight of the community, the rock band Wasureranneyo has just released the official music video for “Nanmo Nee,” the opening theme of the animated adaptation of Yanineko (Chainsmoker Cat). The footage is an absolute audiovisual chaos that perfectly captures the absurd and messy essence of the series.

The truly great thing about this music video, directed by veteran Mani Kato, is that it brought together several key personalities from the project in real life. Filmed in a grim underground detention facility, the footage features standout performances by seiyuu Yuko Natsuyoshi (who voices the feline protagonist) and none other than Toru Inada, the actor who portrays the demanding landlord and bears an identical physical resemblance to his animated character. This diverse group was joined by anime director Taku Kimura, the original manga author Nyannyan Factory, popular cosplayer Akaneza Chico, and comedian Kodai Ito, creating a secret party full of dark humor.

Based on the original manga published in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine, this project transports us to a world where humans and anthropomorphic cats coexist daily. The plot follows Yanineko, a lazy, cigarette-addicted, broke cat with no life skills, who, along with a group of equally disastrous felines, tries to survive a chaotic yet strangely comforting routine. The animation is produced jointly by Studio Lemon and Bibury Animation Studios, and also features the ending theme “Kemuri to Blue” performed by Nekura Itoki.

Voice Cast

• Yuko Natsuyoshi as Yanineko.
• Misato Matsuoka as Yakuneko.
• Yurie Funato as Hameneko.
• Ayaka Shimizu as Kansai Neko.
• Shiori Izawa as Aruneko.
• Riko Akechi as Ochinpo Tatsuro.
• Toru Inada as the Landlord.

Given that absurd comedies with characters with vices and questionable habits often become cult works for fans, do you think Yanineko’s irreverent humor will position it as one of the most memorable comedy anime of the year?