The upcoming original anime film KILLTUBE, slated for a simultaneous Japan-U.S. release in 2026, has announced its main voice cast. Yui Tsukada will star in her first leading role, joined by Kengo Kawanishi and Ayane Sakura. On July 6, the production unveiled comments from the cast, along with a new visual and the “Development in Progress Video #01,” released in both countries simultaneously.

Set in a reimagined Japan where the Edo period never ended and continues into 2026, KILLTUBE is a battle entertainment story following three outcasts from the lowest social class. Their only chance to change their status is through "duel streaming" on a platform known as KILLTUBE. Since the project was announced in April 2024 as a ¥1 billion-scale production, its teaser video has surpassed 5 million views. With Pony Canyon joining the production committee, the film is being developed as a flagship original title in Japan’s anime industry. A behind-the-scenes initiative titled “108 Experiments” will continue to reveal the creative process leading up to the film’s completion.

As part of its international promotion, KILLTUBE was featured at Anime Expo 2025—North America’s largest Japanese pop culture event—held from July 4 to 6. Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi and the producers appeared at a talk panel, drawing cheers from an audience of over 2,000 local anime fans during the simultaneous announcement.

Yui Tsukada plays the protagonist Musashi, a boy who lives freely and instinctively without being bound by societal expectations. This marks her first lead role in an anime film. Kengo Kawanishi takes on the role of Kikuchiyo, a natural-born con artist, while Ayane Sakura plays Leo (Leonardo), a genius inventor who has lost all emotion. A new collaboration image featuring these three characters was also revealed for the first time.

The newly released “Development in Progress Video #01” showcases documentary-style footage highlighting the passion and energy of the production team. A new key visual shows Musashi dashing forward, capturing the film’s intense action scenes. Several main characters from the movie also appear in the illustration.
On the same day, the official online store “KILLTUBE BACKERS’ STORE” was launched to offer exclusive merchandise. A portion of the sales will be reinvested into improving production quality and expanding promotional efforts. This initiative is part of the broader project’s mission: “co-developing the film with its fans.” Updates to the store’s offerings are planned on a rolling basis.

Cast Comments

Yui Tsukada (Musashi)

“When I got the call that I had been cast as Musashi, I was so overwhelmed with surprise and joy that I literally ran around my house.

It felt like three of my biggest dreams came true all at once—playing the protagonist, playing a boy role, and starring in a theatrical release. I knew then that this would be a life-changing experience.

From the moment I voiced Musashi in the audition, I sensed a liberating kind of honesty in the character, and that made the experience incredibly fun.

I want to keep enjoying every moment of this role all the way to the end.

Let’s aim for the top, Musashi!”

Kengo Kawanishi (Kikuchiyo)

“I’ll be voicing Kikuchiyo in KILLTUBE.

This project involves some truly unique approaches. We did promo photos for the announcement, and I had deep discussions with the director about the film’s direction.

I hope you’ll enjoy this fresh and experimental work.”

Ayane Sakura (Leo / Leonardo)

“I’ve long been a fan of Director Kuribayashi’s visual works and always kept an eye on his projects.

I never imagined I’d get to be involved in KILLTUBE.

The pilot movie already had incredible quality, and the thought of seeing that level of animation on the big screen is just thrilling.

Leo is both cool and adorable. During the audition, I kept simplifying my performance, and that minimal approach left a strong impression.

I hope many of you will support the film!”

Teaser Trailer

Source : ORICON NEWS