The legendary 1980s gag manga High School! Kimengumi (JP: ハイスクール! 奇面組) is making a comeback as a brand-new TV anime in the Reiwa era. The series will air nationwide in Japan on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block starting in January 2026, every Friday at 11:30 p.m. The teaser visual shows the five Kimengumi members peering through a smartphone screen with comical, exaggerated expressions that highlight each of their “unique faces.”

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The new adaptation is directed by Kazuaki Seki, known for his work on the film Kakukaku Shikajika and music videos for artists like Perfume and Gen Hoshino. This marks his first time directing an animated production. Takashi Nishikawa serves as animation director, Shigeru Murakoshi handles series composition, and Yuka Abe designs the characters.

Star-Studded Cast Brings Kimengumi Back to Life

The five members of the Kimengumi are voiced by Tomokazu Seki (Rei Ichido), Shunsuke Takeuchi (Go Reietsu), Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Kiyoshi Shusse), Chiaki Kobayashi (Jin Daima), and Kikunosuke Toya (Dai Monohoshi). The heroines Yui Kawa and Chie Uru are voiced by Haruka Shiraishi and Ikumi Hasegawa, respectively.

Each cast member shared comments about their connection to the series and what they would do if they could relive their school days—reflecting the nostalgic, youthful tone of the original story.

Classic Theme Song Revived in City-Pop Style

To commemorate the TV adaptation, an image music video was released featuring a new cover of the original theme song Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, performed by Yui (CV: Shiraishi) and Chie (CV: Hasegawa). The arrangement was handled by Night Tempo, a leading figure in Japan’s city-pop revival, giving the song a sleek, modern sound.

Kimengumi: From the 1980s Jump

Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1980 as Third-Year Kimengumi, the manga was retitled High School! Kimengumi when the characters advanced in grade, later receiving a TV anime adaptation in 1985. Its fast-paced humor and quirky characters made it a sensation among readers of the era.

Series creator Motoei Shinzawa expressed excitement about how younger viewers will perceive the new version, while director Kazuaki Seki invited audiences to enjoy the antics of “five characters who make you forget your worries.” Shigeru Murakoshi commented that the show “reminds us of the power of laughing through our troubles,” and character designer Yuka Abe reflected, “Even after 45 years since its serialization began, the series hasn’t lost its charm.”

In addition to the Kimengumi, familiar groups such as Iro’otokogumi, Bangumi, Udegumi, and Omegumi will also appear, ensuring plenty of nostalgia and surprises for long-time fans.

[Image] Kimengumi MV (9 photos)

Kimengumi Story

Rei Ichido, Go Reietsu, Kiyoshi Shusse, Jin Daima, and Dai Monohoshi are five mischievous boys attending Ichio Junior High. Each of them has repeated a grade and possesses an eccentric personality, earning them the reputation of the school’s legendary oddball group, the Kimengumi.

One day, a transfer student named Yui Kawa witnesses the Kimengumi’s antics together with her classmate Chie Uru. Though puzzled at first, Yui soon finds herself intrigued and begins spending time with them.

Ichio Junior High is also home to several other unique groups: the Iro’otokogumi, a team of handsome boys led by Sho Kiridashi; the Bangumi, a delinquent gang led by Yo Nihiruda; the Udegumi, a group of athletic students led by Kai Undokai; and the Omegumi, a tough all-girl squad led by Jako Amano.

Time passes quickly since their first encounter, and the Kimengumi soon find themselves welcoming a new spring filled with more laughter, mischief, and unforgettable friendships.

Source : Kimengumi Official Web Site