I’m so excited about Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26! It’s an anime series now on Amazon Prime Video, and it’s based on eight short stories by Tatsuki Fujimoto himself. What’s really cool is these stories were created throughout his teenage years and twenties – it’s like seeing his growth as a storyteller! Fujimoto is amazing at pulling you in and making each story feel really special and mysterious.
This series is unique because six different animation studios and seven directors each contributed an episode, making every one feel fresh and different. While all the episodes are distinct and bring something new, some are stronger than others. Here’s our ranking after watching them all.
8) Episode 3 – Love is Blind
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s collection of short stories, typically known for their surprising and complex plots, includes one about a high school boy determined to tell his crush how he feels. This story feels simpler than the others because, despite an alien invasion happening, the boy is focused solely on his confession.
This episode centers around a character facing several challenges, but he surprisingly doesn’t seem bothered by any of them, casually brushing them aside. Featuring pleasant animation and a cheerful mood, the episode is primarily intended as lighthearted entertainment and doesn’t offer much beyond that.
7) Episode 2 – Sasaki Stopped a Bullet
The second episode of Fujimoto’s series is a romance about a student with a crush on his teacher. But, true to Fujimoto’s style, things quickly take an unexpected turn when a distraught man enters the classroom, accusing the teacher of ruining his life after she turned him down.
A man with a gun attempts to force himself on a teacher, and Sasaki intervenes, willing to sacrifice himself to stop him. He successfully prevents the attack. Although the animation is good and the episode is enjoyable, it doesn’t quite have the same unique quality as other episodes in the series.
6) Episode 5 – Mermaid Rhapsody
The fifth episode tells a magical love story about a boy who plays the piano underwater, dreaming of mermaids. It’s based on old mermaid legends, showing them as beautiful but deadly creatures who attract sailors to their fate.
The story centers around a boy who believes he’s the son of a mermaid and, remarkably, manages to connect with these mythical creatures, ultimately leading to a charming romance. Though the story is captivating, the accompanying piano music is what really shines. If you enjoy imaginative love stories, Episode 5 of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 provides a consistently compelling and enjoyable experience.
5) Episode 4 – Shikaku
This episode focuses on Shikaku, a woman whose difficult childhood led to unusual behavior and, eventually, a life as a notorious assassin. She’s approached by an ancient vampire who wants her to fulfill a surprising request: to end his own life.
Even Shikaku, a powerful character, couldn’t bring himself to kill the vampire, and instead found himself drawn to his unique nature, eventually falling in love. This leads to a human-vampire romance that feels familiar yet well-executed, similar to other fantasy love stories. Compared to other romantic storylines in the anime, this episode is particularly strong in both its writing and visual presentation.
4) Episode 6 – Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome
This episode takes place in a world where a strange illness causes some boys to permanently transform into girls. The story focuses on Toshihide, who experiences this change and must cope with the challenges that come with it – including increased bullying and difficulties in his romantic relationship.
This episode marks a turning point for Toshihide, as he starts to discover who he really is and take charge of his destiny. With some of the most unique and mysterious animation in the series, it’s widely considered a highlight of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 17-26.
3) Episode 7 – Nayuta of the Prophecy
The second-to-last chapter of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 takes place in a magical world where people with magical powers, called mages, have predicted that a girl named Nayuta will be born with horns and ultimately destroy the world. Despite this prophecy, her brother Kenji loves and protects her like any sibling would. Nayuta has exhibited unsettling behavior from a young age, including harming and consuming small animals, but Kenji remains devoted to her.
When Nayuta goes too far, Kenji steps in and takes the blame, which makes her feel bad and finally admit she has a dangerous ability. Surprisingly, when he learns the truth, he just gently reprimands her like an older brother would. While the episode’s message is straightforward, its unique animation and strong music make it memorable. It also strongly suggests where the creator, Fujimoto, got the idea for Nayuta’s character in Chainsaw Man.
2) Episode 8 – Sisters
Episodes 17 through 26 of Tatsuki Fujimoto all include fantasy elements, with the exception of the last one. This final episode, titled “Sisters,” focuses on two sisters who are art students. The older sister, Mitsuko, faces an uncomfortable situation when her younger sister paints a nude portrait of her that becomes the main attraction at an art exhibition. As per school tradition, the painting will be displayed publicly for a year.
This episode centers on Mitsuko’s unease and how she deals with a difficult situation. With some of the most beautiful animation in the series, ‘Sisters’ is a particularly memorable installment thanks to its relatable story and the meaningful lesson it draws from a realistic scenario.
1) Episode 1 – A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard
I was immediately grabbed by the first episode of Tatsuki Fujimoto17-26 – it’s easily the strongest of the bunch, and a brilliant way to start the series. The premise is terrifying: aliens have invaded Earth, they can shapeshift, and they’re driven by a desperate need to eat people. It really sets the stage for a desperate fight for humanity’s survival.
Despite all the craziness happening around them, the story centers on two people who are disguised as chickens in a schoolyard. The episode that reveals their secret is packed with action – think of an epic showdown from an action anime – along with a surprising plot twist, smooth animation, and a fantastic musical score. According to Tatsuki Fujimoto (chapters 17-26), this episode was a perfect way to grab viewers’ attention and is arguably the best of the series.
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2025-11-10 23:11