David Bridges
This year marks a significant milestone: the tenth anniversary of Studio Bones’ anime adaptation of ONE’s acclaimed supernatural coming-of-age series, Mob Psycho 100. To commemorate this occasion, the talented creators behind the anime gathered at Anime Expo to reflect on the series’ modest beginnings in 2016 and its thoughtful conclusion in 2023.
Honestly, among all the anime I’ve covered at Anime Expo this year, my personal favorite is Mob Psycho 100. In fact, in my Kotaku ranking of the best anime of the decade, Mob Psycho 100 claimed the top spot as my absolute favorite series. Many share this sentiment. The show has generated a plethora of memes, most notably featuring mentor Reigen Arataka, known as the Tumblr Sexyman, a title coined by Undertale creator Toby Fox in his fanfiction intertwining Sans and Mob Psycho. And who could forget the time Mob’s unassuming, bowl-cut appearance made headlines in the United States in the most humorous way?
Mob Psycho 100 is a multifaceted series that resonates deeply, particularly with neurodivergent individuals, while also showcasing stunning sakuga and profound themes of self-discovery. The humor is another highlight, a signature of the wonderfully absurdist mind behind One Punch Man.
It was a true privilege to celebrate the anime’s 10th anniversary at Anime Expo with director Yuzuru Tachikawa, voice actor Setsuo Ito, who portrays Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, and Takahiro Sakurai, the voice of Reigen Arataka. We discussed the significance of the series a decade later.
Isaiah Colbert, io9: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mob Psycho 100, what does this milestone signify for each of you? When did you first recognize that you were part of a series that would profoundly influence the anime community?
Yuzuru Tachikawa: My perspective has changed significantly over the years. Initially, while working on the anime adaptation, we began with a promotional video, or PV, designed to attract fans of the original manga and prospective creators to join our project.
My expectation was that viewers would see it and think, “That looks exciting; I want to be a part of that project.” However, the reality was quite different. Many who viewed the promotional video thought, “That looks challenging and daunting; I don’t think I want to work on that.” This perception made it difficult for us to recruit staff initially.
After completing the first season, we had time to grow, with merchandise launched and coverage in various magazines. By the time we reached the second season, interest had surged, and it became much easier to find people eager to work on the project. That’s when I realized the series had significant potential.
Now, a decade later, we regularly see new merchandise released every month. We receive invitations to participate in panels in the United States. I reflect on this often, but it was not always the case.
Setsuo Ito: Personally, this series has marked my journey in many ways. Prior to this, I had not worked on many projects where I was recognized as a voice actor. The moment I realized the series had a significant impact was when someone approached me and said, “Oh wow, you’re the voice of Mob?” It was a first for me, and I felt incredibly grateful to be part of something so impactful.
If I hadn’t been chosen for this role, I might have considered quitting voice acting. For me, Mob Psycho 100 is the title that reignited my passion for this profession. I am truly appreciative of that opportunity.
Takahiro Sakurai: My hope is that viewers can resonate with what I took away from this series. I approached this project after a long career, drawn in by both its visual appeal and character design. it was the dialogue and character lines that struck a chord with me, reflecting my emotions in a way I had not experienced before. I felt a deep connection to the story, as if it expressed feelings I struggled to articulate.
I want others to experience that same connection. By being involved in this title, I hope viewers can see themselves in it and think, “This resonates with me in a way that’s meaningful.”
Today, during the panel, I was reminded of the story’s profound impact, crafted by the original manga writer, ONE. His work is remarkable, and having had the opportunity to collaborate with a fantastic director on this anime has left a lasting impression on me.
Mob Psycho 100 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.
io9 is actively covering Anime Expo 2026. Stay tuned for updates on major panels, screenings, and announcements, along with exclusive interviews with the creative minds behind some of the most beloved and popular anime. You can explore all of io9’s Anime Expo coverage here.
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Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
