A new PV and updated cast information have been released for the completely new anime adaptation FIST OF THE NORTH STAR (JP: 北斗の拳) scheduled to air and stream in 2026. Koji Yusa will voice Shin, while Saori Hayami will portray Yuria.

In the newly released PV, viewers can see the first footage of Shin, a master of Nanto Seiken and Kenshiro’s destined rival, as well as Yuria, Kenshiro’s fiancée who was taken by Shin. This new anime project is being produced to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Fist of the North Star manga.

It will be the first new animated adaptation in 18 years since the 2008 film Fist of the North Star: The Legends of the True Savior Part Five ZERO Kenshiro’s Chapter. With a new staff, new cast, and modern animation technology, the series aims to faithfully bring out the full appeal of the original work.

The original Fist of the North Star manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1983 to 1988. Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by nuclear war, the story follows Kenshiro, successor to the martial art Hokuto Shinken, as he grows into a savior while bearing both love and sorrow. The series remains beloved worldwide, with over 100 million copies in circulation. It has inspired TV anime adaptations (1984–87, 1987–88), theatrical films (1986, 2006, 2007, 2008), and even a stage musical (2021). The franchise celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 13, 2023.

Comment from Koji Yusa

Q1. Thoughts on joining the series.
I never imagined I would get to appear in Fist of the North Star, a series I read in my teenage years. It is a work loved by so many and adapted into numerous forms of media, so I am extremely nervous. This time it has been adapted once again in a new form, and I myself am very excited. I approached Shin by expressing what I personally felt from the manga. I would be grateful if audiences could watch this new Fist of the North Star, which we created together with an incredible cast.

Q2. Favorite quote from Fist of the North Star.
“Desire and obsession! ”

Q3. Favorite character.
Naturally, with this project, it has to be Shin.

Q4. First encounter with Fist of the North Star.
I first read it back when it was still a one-shot set in the modern world, and it really caught my attention. When full serialization began while I was still a student, I looked forward to it every week.

Q5. What is necessary to survive in a world at the end of the century?
First, a strong will for yourself. And then… desire and obsession.

Comment from Saori Hayami

Q1. Thoughts on joining the series.
It is a great honor to be part of Fist of the North Star, a series loved around the world. I felt both nerves and a strong determination as I took on this role. I hope to express through my performance the deep kindness, love, inner strength, and resolve that define Yuria. I would be delighted if viewers pay attention to her interactions with Kenshiro and the other characters.

Q2. Favorite quote from Fist of the North Star.
From Yuria’s lines, the one that left the strongest impression, especially combined with the art, is:
“If my life can bring light to this world… then please, send me to the heavens.”

And of course, “You are already dead” is such an iconic line. I had heard it in many places before, but when I finally saw it at its source, I was moved.

Q3. Favorite character.
Kenshiro. He possesses overwhelming strength, yet maintains compassion and emotional depth despite his hardships. I find him truly admirable.

Q4. First encounter with Fist of the North Star.
I feel like I had already known of the series’ existence since I was very young, so the exact moment is unclear. But I certainly encountered Kenshiro’s lines, voice, and visuals through various media. In preparing for this role, I revisited the original work thoroughly.

Q5. What is necessary to survive in a world at the end of the century?
I don’t think one can survive alone, so having comrades is essential. And no matter how harsh the world becomes, I would want to keep my heart from turning completely cold.

Source : ORICON NEWS