Directed by Tetsuya Takeuchi and starring Taihi Kimura, the adaptation of Takeru Hokazono’s manga follows a young man out to avenge his father, a renowned swordsmith whose life is destroyed by a sorcerer organization; from CyberAgent and Shochiku, with animation by Cypic.
The all-new TV anime Kagurabachi is set to broadcast and stream in April 2027, in partnership with MUSE and SMG HOLDINGS, with CyberAgent and Shochiku serving as co-chief production partners and Cypic handling animation production. The series is directed by Tetsuya Takeuchi with character design by Keigo Sasaki. Taihi Kimura stars as the show’s lead, Chihiro Rokuhira. A teaser trailer and images are shared below.
Kagurabachi is based on the manga of the same name by Takeru Hokazono, serialized in Shueisha’s “Weekly Shonen Jump” and approaching 4 million copies in circulation with the upcoming release of Volume 11 in Japan on May 1. The story follows Chihiro Rokuhira, a young man who trained under his father, a renowned swordsmith, before his life is destroyed by the sorcerer organization Hishaku, which steals six Enchanted Blades capable of shaping the nation's fate. Armed with the seventh blade, Enten, left by his father, Chihiro embarks on a blood-soaked path of revenge in a world engulfed in darkness.
The anime's teaser visual depicts Chihiro poised with his enchanted blade, set against three goldfish — Aka, Kuro and Nishiki — blending stillness and motion, signaling the start of an “epic saga.” Set in a Japan where “modern landscapes and timeless Japanese aesthetics converge,” the trailer vividly brings to life the opening of Chihiro’s revenge story.
Regarding the series, Hokazono said, “You know the Rock Lee vs. Gaara fight in Naruto? The manga version is great of course, but isn't the anime's version just incredibly cool? Well, the very person who brought that scene to life is our director! Woo! The staff is full of amazing people who really know the manga inside and out. I can't wait to see how the animation turns out! Definitely a must-watch!”
“Who would've thought that I'd be directing a popular Shonen Jump anime after working as a key animator on Naruto back when I was just a newbie... you really never know what life has in store,” noted Takeuchi. “When you think of Kagurabachi, you think of swords! And more swords! Plus, cool characters and intense drama! I'll work hard to capture all those elements and aim to make a show that both long-time fans of the manga and first-time viewers alike can enjoy! There's a lot of pressure!”
A Kagurabachi World Tour is planned to begin in summer 2026, featuring exclusive, 20-minute preview screenings of Episode 1 in multiple locations around the world. The tour will conclude in Japan in spring 2027 with the first full-length screening of Episode 1 ahead of the official broadcast. Dates and venues have not been announced.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
