Hinasho’s action-packed school bodyguard series is breaking the mold with a streaming strategy that bypasses traditional broadcast entirely. SHION, the manga that’s been turning heads since its debut in Monthly Coro Coro Comics earlier this year, is officially getting the anime treatment—and it’s coming straight to YouTube.
This isn’t your typical simulcast situation. The entire production is being handled as a web anime (Net Anime), with BitStar Anime taking the reins on both production and distribution. For a series that blends high-stakes protection detail with high school drama, the direct-to-digital approach feels surprisingly fitting.
What’s the story about?
At the center of SHION is Shion Hiiragi, a seemingly ordinary high school student hiding an extraordinary secret: he’s actually an elite bodyguard. His assignment? Protect Emi Zaiin, his classmate who just happens to be the president of a major corporation—and a magnet for assassins.
The twist comes when Emi discovers who’s really been keeping her alive. Rather than complicate things further, the two form an unlikely partnership, working together to maintain some semblance of a normal school life while dodging literal death threats. It’s the kind of premise that practically writes itself into action sequences and tense character moments.
When and where to watch
Mark your calendars for December 1st. That’s when the official YouTube channel launches alongside the first episode. BitStar Anime, the influencer marketing platform’s entertainment division, is running the show from top to bottom, which suggests they’re betting big on the creator economy model for anime distribution.
The manga itself launched in Monthly Coro Coro Comics at the start of 2024, with Shogakukan releasing the first compiled volume just this past Friday. If you want to get ahead of the anime, the series is also available through Weekly Coro Coro’s web platform.
What makes this particularly interesting is the choice to go YouTube-exclusive from day one. While plenty of anime eventually make their way to the platform, launching there as the primary distribution method signals a shift in how studios are thinking about reaching audiences—especially younger ones who already live on the platform.
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