It has been announced that the TV anime "Killua," based on the latest work by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, known for the popular manga "Kuroko's Basketball," will begin airing on TV Tokyo in April 2026. The cast has also been announced, with Yuko Sanpei playing the protagonist, Juzo Dairou, a legendary assassin who has taken the form of a child. It has been announced that Shunsuke Takeuchi will play the 39-year-old adult version of Juzo Dairou, while Sanpei will play the child version of Juzo. This was announced at the Jump Festa 2026 event currently being held at Makuhari Messe (Mihama Ward, Chiba City).
Also appearing in the film are Fuka Izumi as Mitsuoka Noren, the daughter of a large company; Shuichiro Umeda as Nekoda Kotatsu, Juzo's partner who supports him after he has become a middle school student; Otsuka Takeo as Tendo Tenma, a second-year member of the elite organization, the Unicorn; Takeo Otsuka Atsumi Tanezaki as Shiraishi Chisato, the head of the home economics club; and Yumi Uchiyama as Wanibuchi Eri, Juzo's ex-wife.
A key visual featuring Juzo and other main characters has been released. The main promotional video has also been released, showing the legendary assassin, Ookami Juzo, suddenly disguised as a middle school student and infiltrating a junior high school. He introduces himself to his classmates by saying, "I don't have any hobbies. Special skill, hmm... sniping?", leaving everyone frozen in shock. Juzo, a 39-year-old who has experienced both the good and the bad, is also shown muttering, "Studying now is too late..." but then bursting into laughter as he exclaims, "It's fun...! Studying...!!"
Sanpei, who plays the role of Dairou Juzo, commented, "My dream of playing an older man has come true, and I'm very excited right now. I'll do my best as an older man duo with Takeuchi-kun!! I wonder what kind of anime 'KillAo' we can create together with the cast and staff. Please look forward to the peaceful? school life of an older man and these charming young people. For now, I'll slurp down my ramen."
Izumi, who plays Mitsuoka Noren, said, "Noren is really amazing... She's tough and positive, and has such a strong sense of self that it's hard to believe she's a middle school student. Thanks to Juzo, she's increasingly showing all kinds of different expressions, so I want to play the role honestly and with my own feelings! I've grown very attached to the characters' natural expressions and words and actions, so I'm looking forward to seeing them come to life in the anime!"
Umeda, who plays Nekoda Kotatsu, commented, "Kotatsu is Aniki's reliable partner, his mother who cooks meals, and a young man from Generation Z. I'm really looking forward to supporting Aniki together with him! Please look forward to it! I want to eat Kotatsu's omelet rice!"
Otsuka, who plays Tendo Tenma, said, "I was so excited about Shohei Ohtani's return to the two-sword style in Major League Baseball this year, I never imagined I'd be playing a three-sword style character in the Unicorns. I'm so happy. I wonder what kind of performance Tendo Tenma will show in the anime. I'm also really looking forward to seeing how he interacts with the other characters and the atmosphere of the show. I look forward to your continued support!!"
Tanezaki, who plays Shiraishi Chisato, said, "She's what they call 'Anego.' She's the captain of the home economics club, and she's kind of like a mother. I hope I can watch over Juzo and the others from that perspective too. Please look forward to the TV anime 'KillAo'!"
Uchiyama, who plays Wanibuchi Eri, said, "I'm honored to be involved with 'Killua' again, following the voice comic! I'm looking forward to having fun playing Wanibuchi Eri, the ex-wife of Ookami Juzo! I hope you'll look forward to not only the interesting story, but also the unique and charming characters in action and the action scenes!"
Original author Fujimaki commented, "Thank you everyone for coming to the Killuao stage at Jump Festa. Finally! That Killuao! The long-awaited anime adaptation!! That's an exaggeration, but it's an anime adaptation. Is that too casual? No, that's about it. The concept of Killuao is that it can be read quickly and easily like a snack. There's nothing to be nervous about. There are no demons or devils in it. The only thing I want to say is that a company that makes crunchy sweets doesn't make them crunchy, just like crispy Killuao isn't made quickly either. Look at this amazing staff and cast. They're giving it their all. They're putting their all into making the crispy anime Killuao. I would be happy if you could feel the same excitement as when you say, 'Apparently a new flavor of your favorite sweets is coming out next year.' I hope you enjoy the Killuao anime!"
The series is a "youth redo" action comedy that began serialization in April 2023 in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha). It concluded in September this year. One day, 39-year-old Juzo Ookami, known as the "legendary assassin," is stung by a mysterious bee and reverts to his 13-year-old form. While attending junior high school, he faces various cases and battles with assassins. The anime is directed by Hiro Kaburagi, known for the "Kimi ni Todoke" series and "GREAT PRETENDER," and produced by CUE, led by Rui Kuroki, who produced "Kuroko's Basketball."
