Crunchyroll News confirmed on August 12, 2026 that Yumi Hara will join the cast of the Chainsmoker Cat anime as Shizue Sato, Yani’s mother. Her first appearance is scheduled for episode 7.
Confirmed series announcements are also collected in the latest news. The central information here is precise: Yumi Hara has been cast as Shizue Sato, while the episode’s release details remain undisclosed.
The casting is set for episode 7
Crunchyroll News’ official publication identifies Yumi Hara as Shizue Sato and presents the character as Yani’s mother.
Her first appearance will take place in episode 7. Viewers may recognize Yumi Hara for her role as Albedo in OVERLORD, among other productions.
Chainsmoker Cat is a TV anime adapted from the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory. The manga has been published in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine since February 2023.
Taku Kimura directs the series at Bibury Animation Studios. Takashi Aoshima writes the scripts, Riki Matsuura creates the designs and Keichi Suzuki composes the music.
Yani’s mother enters a tense family story
The synopsis places Yani in a difficult situation: she has to pay her rent, keep a job and fund her smoking habit. Her loved ones are becoming increasingly concerned, while she must also think about her future.
Shizue Sato therefore arrives in an already tense family setting. The announcement does not describe her scenes or explain how she will influence Yani, so it would be premature to present her arrival as a confirmed plot twist.
A casting detail, not a revealed plot twist
The announcement adds a clearly defined family connection to a series focused on Yani’s everyday difficulties. It confirms a new voice in the cast, but not a complete new storyline. Shizue Sato could offer another angle on Yani’s choices; the available details do not yet establish what that angle will be.
For viewers following the series, episode 7 becomes a concrete point at which to observe Yani with her mother. Yumi Hara’s name also offers an initial vocal clue before the full scene is revealed. Netflix is mentioned as the platform releasing episodes as the series progresses, but this announcement gives no details about French access or conditions specific to each territory. Episode 7 is therefore one to watch, not an episode that can already be considered available.
The preview puts a voice to Shizue
The official preview mentioned by Crunchyroll News offers a first look at Yani’s Mom and lets viewers hear Yumi Hara’s voice.
For a voice role, the clip provides an initial clue about the tone of the character. It does not offer a detailed episode summary.
The publication confirms neither a specific conflict, nor a family revelation, nor any particular development for Yani. Those elements will have to be discovered in the episode itself.
Episode 7 still has no release details
The official page confirms the episode concerned, but not its release date or broadcast time. Presenting episode 7 as available today would therefore be incorrect.
Netflix is cited as the platform for Chainsmoker Cat as it airs. French access and conditions specific to each territory are not detailed.
To avoid confusing casting information with release information, the news section sorts confirmed announcements. Related topics are also collected in the gaming culture articles.
The confirmed fact is straightforward: Yumi Hara joins Chainsmoker Cat as Shizue Sato, Yani’s mother. Episode 7 will reveal what place she actually occupies in Yani’s story.
Frequently asked questions
When will episode 7 of Chainsmoker Cat air ?
The official announcement gives neither a release date nor a broadcast time.
Who voices Shizue Sato ?
Yumi Hara voices Shizue Sato, Yani’s mother.
What does the official episode 7 preview show ?
It offers a first look at Shizue Sato and lets viewers hear Yumi Hara’s voice.
Which platform is Chainsmoker Cat airing on ?
Netflix is releasing the series as it airs. Specific availability in France is not detailed in the announcement.
Where can you follow new information about episode 7 ?
The official Crunchyroll News page is the source to consult for this announcement.
To keep following the topic, also read our article on I Became a Legend: Naoto Kobayashi will voice Garbh in, our article on Chainsmoker Cat: the official opening clip “なんもねえ”.
To check the information at its source, consult the official source.
Verified sources
These links can be used to verify the key information used in this article.
- crunchyroll.com: Official Crunchyroll News source: https : //crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2026/8/12/chainsmoker-cat-anime-casts-yumi-hara, published on 2026-08-12. It confirms Yumi Hara as Shizue Sato and her first appearance in the anime.
- a.storyblok.com: Official cover image: https : //a.storyblok.com/f/178900/1280x720/833671b90a/chainsmoker-cat-mom.png. No separate publication date is indicated for this asset.
