Kodansha Reconsiders Production of Mii-chan and Miss Yamada Anime After Criticism

The future of the anime adaptation of Mii-chan and Miss Yamada is under discussion. Kodansha informed Japanese advocacy organizations on October 30 that the production committee is evaluating whether to move forward with the project, announced in July with a planned 2027 premiere.

The Association for the Protection of Vulnerable Children and Adults submitted an official petition on October 5. The document argues that the narrative reinforces a framework in which people with intellectual disabilities are perceived as prone to causing problems and easy to exploit sexually. The official acrylic stands showing the protagonist crying and half-naked were also questioned for commodifying the character's suffering.

In its response, Kodansha assured that it will not proceed with the adaptation without first addressing the requests submitted. The publisher is organizing conversations with external organizations, including foster care networks, people affected by mental illness, and psychiatric care institutions. So far there is no final decision on whether the anime will be produced, revised, or canceled.

Nene Azuki's manga follows Mii-chan, a new employee at a hostess club in Tokyo's red-light district, and her coworker Yamada. Due to her disability, Mii-chan cannot read and makes mistakes that draw mockery from customers and staff. The story moves toward a dark conclusion that includes violence and sexual exploitation.

Originally published on Anitsu by Marcos López. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.