Drops of God Manga Gets TV Anime in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Pony Canyon has officially confirmed that the beloved wine manga series “The Drops of God” (Kami no Shizuku) will receive its first-ever TV anime adaptation, premiering in 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the globally acclaimed manga that has captivated readers worldwide with its sophisticated wine culture narrative.

Release Date and Broadcasting Details

The Drops of God anime will air on Tokyo MX, Kansai TV, and BS NTV channels throughout Japan in 2026. While the exact premiere date remains unannounced, production is actively underway with a talented team bringing this wine-focused story to animated life.

Star-Studded Cast Returns to the Series

The anime features an impressive voice cast that connects directly to the franchise’s history:

Kazuya Kamenashi voices Shizuku Kanzaki, reprising his role from the 2009 live-action drama after 16 years
Takuya Satō brings Issei Tomine to life as the charismatic wine critic
Maaya Uchida portrays Miyabi Shinohara
Banjō Ginga voices Yutaka Kanzaki, the legendary wine critic

Kamenashi’s return marks a rare instance where an actor portrays the same character across both live-action and anime formats.

Production Team Behind the Adaptation

Studio Satelight leads the animation production in collaboration with YANCHESTER. The creative team includes:

Director: Kenji Itoso (known for Aquarion: Myth of Emotions)
Series Composition & Scriptwriter: Yū Mitsuru
Character Designer: Takehiro Suwa (also credited as Sodai Suwa)
Music Composer: Eishi Segawa
Sound Director: Chikako Yokota

This experienced team brings decades of anime production expertise to ensure the adaptation captures the manga’s essence.

What Makes Drops of God Special?

The Drops of God manga launched in 2004 in Kodansha’s Morning magazine and concluded in 2014 after 44 volumes. Created by Tadashi Agi (pen name for siblings Shin and Yuko Kibayashi) with artwork by Shū Okimoto, the series has sold over 15 million copies globally.

The Compelling Story

The narrative centers on world-renowned wine critic Yutaka Kanzaki, who passes away leaving behind a wine collection valued at over 12 billion yen. His will establishes an extraordinary challenge: his fortune will go to whoever can identify twelve selected wines called the “Twelve Apostles” and the ultimate treasure known as “The Drops of God.”

Two competitors emerge for this inheritance:

Shizuku Kanzaki – Yutaka’s biological son who received elite wine education but rebelled against his father and never drinks
Issei Tomine – A young, talented wine critic recently adopted by Yutaka

Global Impact and Cultural Phenomenon

The manga sparked a worldwide wine boom, particularly influencing wine sales in Asia and Europe. Wine producers credited the series with increasing demand for featured bottles, sometimes raising prices from $20 to thousands overnight.

Industry recognition includes:

The creators ranking #50 in Decanter’s 2009 “Power List” of wine industry influencers
2016 Asian Wine Personality award from The Drinks Business and Vinexpo
Featured multiple times on The New York Times Best Seller list

Previous Adaptations

Before this anime, Drops of God inspired multiple adaptations:

2009 Japanese live-action drama on Nippon TV starring Kazuya Kamenashi
2023 international live-action series co-produced by Japan, France, and the United States, streaming on Apple TV
Season 2 of the live-action series scheduled for January 2026 on Hulu Japan

Why 2026 Timing Matters for the Anime

The announcement coincided with Beaujolais Nouveau’s release in France, demonstrating the production’s understanding of wine culture. The 2026 premiere strategically positions the anime alongside the live-action Season 2, creating renewed interest across multiple formats.

What Fans Can Expect

The anime promises to deliver:

Educational wine knowledge presented accessibly for beginners
Family drama exploring parent-child relationships and legacy
Competition and mystery through the wine identification challenge
Stunning visuals bringing renowned wine regions and bottles to life
Character development showing personal growth through wine appreciation

Sequel Manga Series

Beyond the original 44-volume series, the Drops of God universe expanded with:

“Drops of God: Mariage” (2015-2020) – Kodansha USA publishes this digitally in English
“Drops of God deuxième” (2023-2024) – A sequel series in Morning magazine

Why This Anime Matters

The Drops of God anime adaptation represents more than entertainment it bridges Japanese manga culture with European wine heritage. The series educates viewers about wine appreciation while delivering compelling human drama about competition, family, and self-discovery.

Studio Satelight’s involvement ensures high production values, while Kamenashi’s return connects the anime to the franchise’s established history. For wine enthusiasts and anime fans alike, this 2026 premiere promises a sophisticated viewing experience.

Where to Follow Updates

Fans can track developments through:

Official Drops of God anime website
Pony Canyon’s social media channels
Anime news outlets covering the production

Conclusion

The Drops of God manga gets TV anime in 2026, bringing the internationally beloved wine series to a new medium. With an experienced production team, talented voice cast, and rich source material, this adaptation positions itself as a must-watch series for the upcoming year.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, manga reader, or anime enthusiast, the Drops of God anime offers something unique a sophisticated exploration of wine culture wrapped in compelling family drama. Mark your calendars for 2026 when this legendary manga finally arrives in animated form.