A popular Japanese manga about a high school troublemaker who finds a new beginning at a library is getting not one, but two screen adaptations. The story Zeikin de Katta Hon, which roughly translates to “Books Bought with Tax,” will be turned into both a live-action drama series and a television anime. The official announcement came directly from the publisher, Kodansha, on February 27, 2026, confirming the exciting news for fans of the original comic .
The live-action version is scheduled to arrive first. It will premiere in Japan during the summer of 2026 on the public broadcaster NHK General. While the anime is also officially in the works, its release date and production details are being kept under wraps for now . This double adaptation highlights the growing popularity of the original manga, which has been a steady seller since it began in 2021.
What Is ‘Zeikin de Katta Hon’ All About?
The story is a unique mix of workplace comedy and slice-of-life drama. It centers on a high school delinquent named Kiichi Ishidaira. Ishidaira is not the type you would usually find in a library. In fact, he had not stepped foot in one for ten years. His return happens for a very specific reason: he realizes he lost a book he borrowed back in elementary school .
To pay off this decade-old debt, he starts working as a part-time employee at the very same library. What begins as a punishment turns into a journey of discovery. Working alongside senior staff members Hayasemaru and Shirai, Ishidaira learns to deal with damaged books, solve small mysteries, and help the library’s visitors. The story shows his growth from a troubled teen into a responsible young adult, all within the quiet and orderly walls of a public library .
Live-Action Drama: Summer 2025 Release on NHK
The live-action drama adaptation is the one with all the confirmed details right now. It is set to air on NHK General during the Japanese summer of 2026. The series will have a very specific time slot, broadcasting from 10:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. JST on Mondays through Thursdays . This short, 15-minute episode format is a common style for late-night dramas in Japan.
The production team behind the live-action series is filled with experienced talent. The script is being written by Riko Sakaguchi, who is known for her work on the Studio Ponoc film Mary and the Witch’s Flower . Directing the series are Hiroyuki Muramatsu and Tomoki Sakanashi . The musical score will be composed by Kei Yoshikawa, whose previous credits include the anime Love of Kill . The production is a collaboration between Tosaka Planning and NHK .
Daiken Okudaira to Play the Lead Role Kiichi Ishidaira
Taking on the main role of the delinquent-turned-librarian is Japanese actor Daiken Okudaira . Okudaira is a rising star, and this role gives him a chance to show a wide range of emotions. He is known to audiences for his part in the live-action series adaptation of the manga Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia (Insomniacs After School) . His casting brings a fresh face to the lead role, which is perfect for a story about a young person finding his place in the world.
The Original Manga: A Growing Success Story
The original Zeikin de Katta Hon manga is written by Zuino and illustrated by Kei Keiyama. It first launched digitally on Kodansha’s YanMaga Web service in August 2021 . Its popularity quickly led to a print run, and it began serialization in the weekly Young Magazine magazine in December of the same year . The series is still ongoing and has released multiple compiled volumes. The 18th volume was recently published in Japan on February 6, 2026 .
The series has not only sold well but has also been recognized critically. It has appeared on the prestigious Da Vinci manga rankings in both 2022 and 2023 . It was also nominated for the Takao Saito Award in 2022 and was featured on the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics list . These accolades show that the story has a broad appeal that goes beyond just the usual manga readers.
What We Know About the TV Anime So Far
While the live-action series is ready to go, the TV anime adaptation is still in the early planning stages. The announcement confirmed its existence, but no further details have been released . This means fans will have to wait a little longer to find out which animation studio will handle the project, who will direct it, or who will voice the characters.
Typically, when a studio is announced, it gives a good clue about the visual style of the show. Since the manga has a large following, the choice of studio will be a major topic of discussion once it is revealed. For now, the focus remains on the live-action debut.
Also Read:
When and Where to Watch
For viewers in Japan, the live-action drama will be easy to find. It will air on the free-to-air channel NHK General during the summer. For international audiences, official streaming plans have not been announced yet. However, NHK often licenses its dramas to international streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video for global release. It is likely that similar deals will be made for Zeikin de Katta Hon.
As for the TV anime, there is no release date or platform information available. Fans outside Japan will need to wait for official announcements regarding streaming rights, which could come later this year or in 2027. The global demand for anime is higher than ever, so an international simulcast is very probable once the production schedule is set.
Also Read: Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 24 Release Date and Time Confirmed for March 2026
This is an exciting time for fans of the series. Watching the quiet, funny, and thoughtful world of Kiichi Ishidaira come to life in two different formats will be a unique experience. We will keep you updated as soon as more information about the Zeikin de Katta Hon anime is released.
Source: Comic Natalie
