Fan-Favorite Slice-of-Life Manga Thunder 3 Makes Its North American Anime Premiere at Anime Expo 2026

Director Hiroyuki Seshita and Series Composer Hiroshi Seko Join Anime Expo to Premiere Episodes 1 & 2 on Saturday July 4

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2026 — Fuji TV today announced the creative team appearing at the North American premiere of its new anime Thunder 3 at Anime Expo 2026. The "Thunder 3" Premiere Panel with Production Staff begins at 3:15 PM PT on Saturday, July 4, in Room 408AB, where attendees will be among the first in North America to screen Episodes 1 and 2 ahead of the series' exclusive Netflix debut on July 8.

Leading the panel is director Hiroyuki Seshita, known for CG animation works including Knights of Sidonia, Ajin - Demi-Human, BLAME!, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, and Gamera -Rebirth-. He is joined by series composer Hiroshi Seko, whose credits include Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Gachiakuta, Inuyashiki, and Ajin. More than a guest reveal, the panel marks the first time Thunder 3's production staff has been announced at all, and throughout the session, Seshita and Seko will discuss their work on the anime, animated by UNEDN, the studio led by director Seshita, and its distinctive production approach.

Thunder 3 follows Pyontaro, an ordinary middle schooler whose everyday life is upended when his spirited little sister, Futaba, suddenly goes missing. Determined to find her, he joins forces with his two closest friends, Tsubame and Hiroshi, together known as the "Small 3." Written and illustrated by Yuki Ikeda, the manga was serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Magazine, quickly drawing an online following for its plot twists and artwork and earning a Next Manga Awards 2022 nomination shortly after its debut.

A promotional video for Thunder 3, featuring the ending theme "Shururerira" by -otoha--otoha-, can be viewed: HERE

Beyond the North American premiere and behind-the-scenes commentary, every attendee will receive a limited-edition Thunder 3 uchiwa (Japanese fan), with additional special giveaways planned. The panel will also feature exclusive reveals and surprise announcements debuting only at Anime Expo. Join the Thunder 3 production team in Room 408AB on Saturday, July 4 at 3:15 PM PT. For the latest news and updates, follow Thunder 3 on its official X account at https://x.com/thunder3_pyon.

About THUNDER 3
Written and illustrated by Yuki Ikeda, THUNDER 3 began its serialization in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Magazine in 2022. It instantly took social media by storm, with fans raving about its mind-blowing plot twists and stunning artwork. This gripping series generated massive waves of excitement, leading to an exceptionally rapid nomination for the "Next Manga Awards 2022" shortly after its debut.

STORY
This is the story of a trio of close middle school friends searching for a little sister—Pyontaro, an ordinary middle school boy, is part of a trio nicknamed the "Small 3," alongside his best classmates, Tsubame and Hiroshi. Today is just like any other day for Pyontaro, who finds himself constantly wrapped around the finger of Futaba—his energetic, mischievous little sister who adores him. But one day, Futaba goes missing...! Will the Small 3 be able to work together and find her?!