It has been revealed that " Kagurabachi, " a manga by Takeru Hokazono currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), will be adapted into a TV anime and will begin airing in April 2027. The manga began serialization in the magazine in September 2023 and has been generating buzz, including being selected as the number one manga in the comics category of the "Next Manga Award 2024."
The anime will be directed by Tetsuya Takeuchi, who has worked as the action animation director for " Sword Art Online II" and as the storyboard artist, director, and animation director for battle scenes in "Heavenly Delusion," with character designs by Keigo Sasaki, known for "Blue Exorcist" and "The Seven Deadly Sins." It will be produced by Cypic. Taihi Kimura, who recently won the Best New Voice Actor award at the 20th Seiyu Awards, will play the main character, Chika Rokuhira.
A teaser visual has been released featuring a background of three goldfish—Aka, Kuro, and Nishiki—as Rokuhei Chikou wielding the cursed sword Enten, and a teaser PV that begins with a depiction of the blacksmith's workshop where the sword is created, hinting at the start of Chikou's revenge story.
In preparation for the anime's broadcast, a world tour will be held this summer, with the first 20 minutes of the first episode being screened at anime events around the world. The tour finale will feature a special screening of the entire first episode in Japan, the fastest worldwide screening, with a lineup of special guests. Further details will be announced in the future.
Original author Sotozono said, "Isn't the depiction of Lee vs. Gaara in 'NARUTO' incredibly cool, both in the original manga and the anime? The person who drew that is the director! Yay! The staff are all amazing people who have thoroughly read the original manga! I can't wait to see what it will look like! Watch it!" He expressed his delight at the anime adaptation.
Director Takeuchi commented, "When I was a young rookie, I was doing the original drawings for 'NARUTO,' and now I'm directing a popular Jump series. You never know what life will bring. ' Kagurabachi' is all about swords! And more swords! And cool characters and a compelling drama! I hope to create something that cherishes all of those elements. I'll do my best to make a film that both fans of the original manga and those seeing it for the first time can enjoy! The pressure is immense!"
Character designer Sasaki said, "I was simply captivated by Mr. Sotozono's cool artwork and wanted to see it come to life! That was the only feeling I had when I started the design work, but it's been a constant struggle. It's difficult... but when I manage to draw something well, I'm so happy, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this project as I work hard every day with the other staff. I'll do my best so that everyone can enjoy it."
Kimura, who plays the role of Chika Rokuhira, said, "I'm Taihi Kimura, and I'll be playing the role of Chika Rokuhira! I'm truly happy from the bottom of my heart to be able to play the main character in ' Kagurabachi,' a work that is loved by many people all over the world. A sword is strengthened by being 'forged' and repeatedly folded and tempered to increase its strength as steel. Chika is a quiet young man, but he has a belief as strong as a sword in his heart. I will do my best to portray Chika's belief and way of life with all my heart! Thank you!"
"Kagurabachi" is Sotozono's debut serialized work. The daily lives of Rokuhira Chikou, a boy aspiring to be a swordsmith, and his father, Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith, are brutally cut apart by an attack by a mysterious sorcerer organization called Hishaku. Six cursed swords with immense power capable of determining the fate of the nation, along with their gentle and warm everyday lives, are stolen from them. Left behind in a world swirling with darkness, Rokuhira Chikou takes up the seventh cursed sword, Enten, left to him by his father, and walks a blood-stained path of revenge. Ten volumes of the manga have been released so far, and with the release of the latest eleventh volume on May 1st, the total number of copies in circulation will surpass 4 million.
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Original Story: Takeru Hokazono; Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi; Character Design: Keigo Sasaki; Production: Cypic; Executive Producers: Shochiku, CyberAgent
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Rokuhira Senko: Taihi Kimura
