The popular anime series Chainsmoker Cat (also known as Yani Neko) has hit a roadblock. The show’s ninth episode was supposed to arrive this week, but fans will have to wait a little longer. The official announcement came as a surprise to many viewers who were eagerly waiting for the next chapter of Yani’s story.
The delay is not the only issue surrounding the series. The show has also been removed from several streaming platforms in Asia because of its content. Here is everything you need to know about the schedule change, the new release date, and why the anime is facing these problems.
Episode 9 Gets Pushed Back by One Week
The production team behind Chainsmoker Cat confirmed that the ninth episode will not air on its original date. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the anime made the announcement, letting viewers know about the schedule change.
Originally scheduled for August 27, 2026, the episode has been moved to a new slot. A special program will take its place during the regular broadcast time. This special will feature the voice cast members.
第9話は9月3日（木）放送予定です。お詫びして訂正します。
— 「ヤニねこ」TVアニメ公式 (@yanineko_anime)
The show’s official account initially made a mistake with the date but quickly corrected it. The delay means fans in different regions will see the episode at slightly different times.
Different Release Dates for Different Regions
The new release date for Chainsmoker Cat episode 9 depends on where you live. In Japan, the episode will air on September 2, 2026. For viewers in other parts of the world, the episode will be available on September 3, 2026.
This one-day difference is normal for anime broadcasts. Japanese television airs the episode first, and international streaming services add it shortly after. The series is available on Netflix for global audiences. However, Netflix viewers may not see the new episode on the same day as the Japanese broadcast. Netflix usually adds weekly anime episodes after they finish airing in Japan.
| Region | New Release Date |
|---|---|
| Japan | September 2, 2026 |
| Global (Netflix) | September 3, 2026 |
Why Was the Episode Delayed?
The production committee did not give a specific reason for the delay. However, the timing lines up with other issues the show is facing. The series has been removed from multiple streaming platforms in Asia because of its smoking content.
Chainsmoker Cat features heavy smoking and real-life cigarette brands. The show prominently displays the Japanese cigarette brand Mevius. Several countries have laws against promoting tobacco products online.
Hong Kong’s Department of Health sent a letter to streaming service Bahamut Animation Crazy. The letter stated that the show violated Hong Kong’s Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. This law prohibits placing smoking product advertisements on the internet.
Streaming Services Remove the Anime
The problems started on August 17, 2026, when Bahamut Animation Crazy removed the anime for Hong Kong users. The streaming service took this action after receiving the letter from Hong Kong’s Department of Health.
A few days later, Ani-One Asia also removed Chainsmoker Cat from its lineup. Ani-One Asia is a streaming service operated by Medialink Entertainment. The company posted a notice explaining the removal.
To comply with local government regulations in relevant markets, Chainsmoker Cat will no longer be available on Ani-One YouTube channels.
Medialink is based in Hong Kong. The company removed the anime from all regions where it was available on Ani-One Asia. This includes several countries in Southeast Asia.
The Taiwanese government also raised concerns. Lo Su-ying, the head of the Tobacco Control Division of Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration, stated that images from the anime might violate the country’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. This act bans the promotion of tobacco products through television, movies, recordings, the Internet, and other methods.
Related:
What Is Chainsmoker Cat About?
Chainsmoker Cat is based on a manga series by Nyan Nyan Factory. The manga began in 2023 and has eleven volumes so far. Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the manga for English release.
The story follows Yani, a catgirl with a serious smoking habit. She struggles to pay her rent and keep a job while spending her money on cigarettes. Her apartment smells like ash and is filled with cigarette butts and trash. Every time she tries to quit, she gives in to her cravings almost instantly. Her loved ones grow increasingly worried about her.
The anime adaptation was announced in February 2026. It premiered on July 2, 2026, on Tokyo MX and BS11 channels. The series has 12 episodes in its first season.
Production Team and Cast
Taku Kimura is directing the anime at Bibury Animation Studio. Takashi Aoshima is handling the series scripts. Riki Matsuura is designing the characters. Keiichi Suzuki is composing the music.
The main cast includes:
- Yūko Natsuyoshi as Yani
- Tetsu Inada as the Landlord
- Riko Akechi as Tatsurō Ochinpo
- Misato Matsuoka as Yaku Neko
- Rina Honnizumi as Imoko
- Shiori Izawa as Al Neko
- Yurie Funato as Hame Neko
- Ayaka Shimizu as Kansai Neko
The opening song is “Nanmonee” by Wasureranneyo. The ending theme is “Kemuri to Blue” by Necry Talkie.
Two Versions of the Anime
Chainsmoker Cat has two versions. The “On-Air” version is made for terrestrial television broadcast. The “Evil Dragon Unleashed” version is an uncut version that “respects the work’s directorial intent”. This version is available on the AT-X premium subscription channel and platforms like AnimeFesta and DMM TV.
What This Means for Viewers
Fans outside Asia may not be affected by the streaming removals. Netflix continues to carry the series in most regions. However, viewers in Hong Kong and parts of Southeast Asia have lost access to the show on certain platforms.
The episode delay is a minor setback. The show is still ongoing, and the production team has confirmed a new date. There is no indication that the delay is related to production problems. When a show does not reveal a specific date, it often means there are issues behind the scenes. In this case, the quick announcement of a new date suggests the delay is just a scheduling change.
Also Read: Chainsmoker Cat Episode 8 Recap: Imoko Throws a Surprise Birthday Party for Yani
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