The television anime DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION has been confirmed for broadcast on Fuji TV in 2026. The newly released promotional video highlights the series’ futuristic setting and introduces its main cast, featuring Kensho Ono, Koki Uchiyama, Riho Sugiyama, Miyuki Sawashiro, Saya Aizawa and Yuichi Nakamura.

The project will be developed simultaneously with a global esports-focused game, presenting a new expression of esports anime centered on themes of team growth and innovation in competition. DARK MACHINE originates from the fully original game and anime initiative by Project Carbuncle. Set in a near-future Japan, the story follows a young man who enters the competitive world of the esports game DARK MACHINE in search of purpose and survival, ultimately finding new companions and a new place to belong.

The teaser PV showcases the protagonist Kairi racing through a near-future Japan before logging in to DARK MACHINE and fighting alongside his teammates. The video also features voice clips from cast members including Ono, Uchiyama and Sugiyama. The key visual depicts Kairi, his team members and the mechs operated within the game.

The production brings together a notable creative team. Goro Taniguchi serves as creative producer, with mechanical designs by Hidetaka Tenjin and direction by Kazuo Terada. Animation is handled by Production +h, known for The Orbital Children and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction. The series’ score is composed by rock musician and producer SUGIZO, whose powerful soundscapes and delicate melodies enhance the emotional resonance between humans and machines.

PV

Character Profiles

Kairi (Voiced by Kensho Ono)
A young man who once lived with his grandfather on a remote island in Chiba. After losing his grandfather, he is left completely alone and begins playing DARK MACHINE to survive. Through the game, he finds new companions and discovers purpose. Gifted with exceptional dynamic vision, reflexes and intuition, he also shows strong adaptability and learning ability.

Rudra (Voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro)
Owner of the café ship Carbuncle and trainer of the DARK MACHINE team Carbuncle. As the team’s founder, she is the one who brings Kairi into the game and invites him to join her team.

Shin (Voiced by Koki Uchiyama)
A cool, sharp-tongued genius and handsome player. Though he initially finds the eager newcomer Kairi annoying, they gradually develop a strong bond. Despite his quiet and competitive personality, he is prone to nerves at crucial moments. He excels at overwhelming opponents with high-speed close-range combat. Shin also carries a deep grudge against Ajima’s elite team Gandil.

Blanc (Voiced by Riho Sugiyama)
The stabilizer of the trio. Cool-headed and observant, she often mediates between Kairi and Shin when their clashes escalate. Intelligent and meticulous, she struggles to fully trust her teammates due to past experiences. In the game, she uses her concentration to perform as a sniper and plays best when paired with Kairi.

Isana (Voiced by Saya Aizawa)
The cook aboard the café ship Carbuncle, known for her delicious dishes that draw regular customers. She is a supportive presence for Kairi and a motherly figure to the entire Carbuncle team.

Ajima (Voiced by Yuichi Nakamura)
The seventh “Senki,” leader of the strongest team Gandil, inheriting the prestigious title that marks the most powerful DARK MACHINE player. He stands as Kairi’s greatest rival.

Staff Comments

Goro Taniguchi (Creative Producer)
“At times light, at times intense. Please look forward to the story woven by Director Terada and the many talents behind this esports-themed work.”

Hidetaka Tenjin (Mechanical Designer)
“I believe DARK MACHINE has become the project in my career where I created the most robots. Before I knew it, I was designing robots daily for years. Each has its own personality, and I’m sure one will resonate with you. Our entire staff is giving this project everything we have, so please enjoy its world.”

Kazuo Terada (Director)
“Cool machines, fierce battles, barrages and explosions, teamwork, effort and growth, countless challenges for the protagonist and unfolding mysteries. We packed in everything that makes stories exciting. I hope you enjoy watching it with a drink in hand.”

Source : ORICON NEWS