The next-gen flagship of Weekly Shonen Jump, Takeru Hokazono’s "Kagurabachi", is officially taking the leap to the screen! With the release of Volume 11 on Friday, May 1st, the series has officially surpassed a staggering 4 million copies in circulation (including digital versions). To celebrate this massive milestone, it has been announced that an anime adaptation, produced by the animation studio Cypic, is set to premiere in April 2027.

Alongside the announcement, a striking teaser visual and a high-octane teaser PV have been unleashed. We’ve also received a celebratory illustration and message from creator Takeru Hokazono, as well as comments from Director Tetsuya Takeuchi, Character Designer Keigo Sasaki, and the voice of Chihiro Rokuhira, Taihi Kimura.

The hype doesn’t stop there! A World Tour has been confirmed, featuring screenings of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 across the globe. The tour will culminate in a grand finale in Japan, where the full-length premiere of Episode 1 will be showcased for the first time ever.

 


 

A Teaser Visual Cutting Through the Dark & A PV Signaling the Start of Revenge

 



The newly released teaser visual features our protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, wielding his enchanted blade Enten. Set against a backdrop where the three goldfish—Aka, Kuro, and Nishiki—dance through the air, Chihiro stares ahead with a sharp, determined gaze. The composition masterfully balances stillness and motion, creating a dynamic visual that perfectly sets the stage for the story to come.

 

©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project


The accompanying teaser PV opens with a haunting look at the forge where the legendary blades are born. The footage brilliantly captures a Japan where modern life intersects with a classic, vividly illustrating the beginning of Chihiro’s quest for vengeance. The heavy atmosphere and palpable tension pull viewers straight into the unique world of "Kagurabachi." Furthermore, Taihi Kimura, winner of the New Actor Award at the 20th Seiyu Awards (2025), has been cast in the lead role of Chihiro Rokuhira.

Watch on YouTube:

 

PV Cuts

 

©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project

 

 


 

Celebratory Illustration & Comment from Takeru Hokazono!

 


 


Original creator Takeru Hokazono has shared a special illustration featuring Chihiro’s piercing gaze alongside a dynamic "Anime Adaptation" lettering, accompanied by a message full of excitement.

 

©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project


Original Creator: Takeru Hokazono (Full Comment)


"You know that Rock Lee vs. Gaara fight in NARUTO? The animation for that was incredibly cool, right?
Well, the person who directed that is our director! HELL YES!
The rest of the staff are also amazing creators who have really dived deep into the original manga!
I can’t wait to see how the footage turns out! Let’s watch it together!"

 


 

Main Staff Announced! Comments from the Team

 



The project has assembled a powerhouse creative team: Director Tetsuya Takeuchi (Action Animation Director for Sword Art Online II, Storyboard/Unit Director/Animation Director for Heavenly Delusion) and Character Designer Keigo Sasaki (Blue Exorcist, The Seven Deadly Sins). Here are their thoughts:

 

Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi (Full Comment)

"Back when I was a total rookie, I worked on the key animation for NARUTO. I never could have imagined that one day I’d be directing a popular Jump title myself. You really never know where life will take you.
When people think of Kagurabachi, they think of swords! Swords and more swords! Plus, those incredibly cool characters and that heavy, gripping drama.
I want to make sure we treat all of those elements with the utmost care.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or coming in fresh, I’m giving it my all to make something everyone will love!
The pressure is definitely on!"

 

Character Design: Keigo Sasaki (Full Comment)

"Hokazono-sensei’s art is just so inherently cool—I jumped into this thinking, 'I just want to see these drawings move!'
However, the design process has been a constant battle. It’s difficult... but that makes it all the more rewarding when a drawing finally clicks.
I feel truly happy to be part of this project and I’m fighting the good fight alongside the rest of the staff every day.
I’ll do my absolute best to make sure you all enjoy it!"

 


 

Taihi Kimura Cast as Chihiro Rokuhira! Lead Actor’s Comment

 



The role of the protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, will be voiced by Taihi Kimura, the breakout talent who took home the New Actor Award at the 20th Seiyu Awards (2025). He shared his passionate thoughts on the role.

 

Character Profile: Chihiro Rokuhira

A boy of few words. He embarks on a journey to avenge his father, who was murdered by the "Hishaku," and to reclaim the six stolen enchanted blades. Wielding the seventh and final blade left behind by his father, he treads a blood-soaked path.

 

Voice of Chihiro Rokuhira: Taihi Kimura

 

 

"I’m Taihi Kimura, and I’ll be voicing Chihiro Rokuhira!
Being able to play the protagonist in a series like Kagurabachi, which is loved by so many people around the world, makes me happy from the bottom of my heart.
A sword is forged through 'tempering'—it is folded and hammered over and over to increase the strength of the steel.
Chihiro is a man of few words, but inside his heart, he carries a conviction as unshakable as a blade.
I will give this performance my everything to make sure Chihiro’s conviction and way of life reach all of you!
Please look forward to it!"

 


 

World Tour Confirmed: See the First 20 Minutes!

 



A massive World Tour for the Kagurabachi anime has been announced. Starting this summer, the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 will be screened at major anime events across various countries. For the grand finale, the tour will return to Japan for a special event featuring guest appearances and the world’s fastest screening of the full-length Episode 1. Stay tuned for more details on the official website and social media!

 


 

Follow & Repost Campaign Now Live!

 



To celebrate the anime announcement, the official X account is hosting a Follow & Repost campaign. Ten lucky winners will receive a "Teaser Visual Poster (Not for Sale)." Make sure to check it out!

 


 

Series Overview

 


 

©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project


Broadcast Information


Scheduled to begin April 2027

 

Synopsis

A boy fuels his hatred and ignites the flames of resolve in his heart.
Chihiro Rokuhira is a young boy who dreams of becoming a master swordsmith like his father, the legendary Kunishige.
Their peaceful days filled with laughter are brutally shattered by a sudden attack from the "Hishaku," a mysterious organization of sorcerers.
What was stolen was their warm, gentle daily life and six "Enchanted Blades," weapons with power so immense they can decide the fate of a nation.
Since that fateful day, the boy left behind in a world swirling with darkness takes up "Enten," the seventh enchanted blade left by his father, and begins a blood-stained path of revenge.

 

Staff

Original Creator: Takeru Hokazono (Serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump)
Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi
Character Design: Keigo Sasaki
Animation Production: Cypic
Production Management: Shochiku / CyberAgent

 

Cast

Chihiro Rokuhira: Taihi Kimura

■Official Website
https://anime.kagurabachi.jp/

 


 

Manga Information

 



With the release of Volume 11 on Friday, May 1st, Kagurabachi has surpassed 4 million copies in circulation (including digital)!

 

Kagurabachi Volume 11

Release Date in Japan: Friday, May 1st
Price: 572 yen (tax incl.)

 

©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha


Chapters 1–17 are currently available for free on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA for a limited time!
URL: https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/titles/100274

©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha
©Takeru Hokazono/Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project

© Animate Times

*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation

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