If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up on a farm in Japan—with all the humor, hardship, and heart that comes with it—then “Hyakusho Kizoku” (The Noble Farmer) might just be your next favorite anime. Created by Arakawa Hiromu, best known for Fullmetal Alchemist, this autobiographical essay manga blends real-life agricultural experience with dry wit and exaggerated storytelling. With the announcement of Season 3 and the release of a special 8.1 volume, it’s the perfect time to discover what makes this quirky farming saga so charming.
Who Is Behind “Hyakusho Kizoku”?
“Hyakusho Kizoku” (The Noble Farmer) is the brainchild of manga legend Arakawa Hiromu, best known internationally for her work on Fullmetal Alchemist. But before she became a world-famous manga creator, Arakawa grew up on a dairy farm in Hokkaido, Japan. This manga is her comedic and brutally honest take on that life—turning everyday agricultural work, family chaos, and rural oddities into hilarious episodes.
What Is It About?
Unlike typical anime series that follow fantasy or action-driven plots, “Hyakusho Kizoku” is an autobiographical agriculture essay manga. Think of it as a slice-of-life documentary with a strong comic twist. The series features Arakawa herself (depicted with a cow head), her eccentric parents (like her chainsaw-loving father and tough-as-nails mother), and other memorable locals. Topics include driving tractors at a young age, wrangling runaway cows, and battling nature’s harsh elements—all delivered with humor and self-deprecation.
When Is the New Content Coming?
The newly announced Season 3 of the TV anime is set to air in Fall 2025. In the meantime, fans can enjoy the just-released “Hyakusho Kizoku Vol. 8.1”, which includes a special DVD of the anime’s 2nd season (12 episodes) and exclusive bonus content. This limited edition also comes with full-color illustrations, rough sketches, and a special cross-talk session between Arakawa and voice actor Mutsumi Tamura (who plays Arakawa in the anime), along with the series director.
Where Can You Dive Into the Series?
The manga is serialized in WINGS magazine and published by Shinshokan. The anime adaptations—known for their energetic narration by Takehito Koyasu and comedic timing—are produced by Pie in the sky studio. International fans can find translated volumes and streaming platforms hosting the anime, though official availability may vary by region.
Why Is It So Popular?
Part of the charm lies in the contrast: Arakawa went from milking cows and digging ditches to creating one of the most iconic shonen anime of all time. Her grounded worldview, unfiltered wit, and deeply personal storytelling make “Hyakusho Kizoku” stand out. It’s not about glamorizing farm life—it’s about finding laughter and life lessons in the mud, manure, and mundane. For fans of slice-of-life, behind-the-scenes creative stories, or quirky autobiographies, it’s a must-watch.
How to Get Started?
If you’re new to the series, you can start with either the anime adaptation or the original manga. The anime keeps episodes short and punchy, ideal for casual viewing. Meanwhile, the manga dives deeper into agricultural facts and features more of Arakawa’s art and commentary. For collectors, the new Vol. 8.1 with the 2nd season DVD is a great entry point.
Call to Action
Whether you’re a fan of Fullmetal Alchemist curious about Arakawa’s roots, or simply looking for a refreshing, real-life comedy, “Hyakusho Kizoku” is a uniquely hilarious journey into the fields of Japan. With Season 3 on the horizon and a juicy new DVD bundle out now, there’s never been a better time to explore this noble tale of cows, chaos, and countryside wisdom.
© Arakawa Hiromu / Shinshokan / Hyakusho Kizoku Production Committee