HIDIVE has solidified its long-term programming strategy by expanding its distribution partnership with Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS). Under this new multi-year agreement, the streaming platform gains exclusive rights to a significant portion of MBS’ upcoming slate for North America, the U.K., and several other international territories. The deal builds upon a previous collaboration established in 2023.
The partnership kicks off with the anime adaptation of Umikaze Minamino’s light novel series, Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden. The story follows a terminally ill girl whose life is transformed when a mysterious figure transplants the soul of an undefeated, god-slaying hero into her frail body, granting her a chaotic second chance at existence. Fans attending Anime NYC on August 26 will get an early look at the series during its North American premiere.
Production is being handled by KONAMI animation, with Motoki Nakanishi serving as director. The series features a script by Gigaemon Ichikawa, while Yūki Itō and Kana Tosaoka are credited with character designs. The anime is scheduled to hit Japanese airwaves on October 6, with an advance screening of the first three episodes taking place on September 22 at the esports TOKYO BAY studio.
This adaptation draws from the original light novels, which have already seen a successful manga iteration published via Square Enix's Manga UP! platform. With the series set for a fall 2026 debut, HIDIVE is expected to announce additional titles under the expanded MBS deal in the coming months.
