Kagurabachi Anime Announced for April 2027 Release: PV Reveals Chihiro Rokuhira Cast, Studio Cypic Produces

The manga Kagurabachi (JP, カグラバチ, 神楽蜂) by Takeru Hokazono will be adapted into a television anime airing in April 2027. Alongside the announcement, a teaser visual and PV were released, as well as cast and staff information. The protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira will be voiced by Taibi Kimura, who won the Best New Actor award at the 20th Seiyu Awards. The anime will be directed by Tetsuya Takeuchi, with character design by Keigo Sasaki and animation production by Cypic.

Kagurabachi follows Chihiro Rokuhira, a young man aspiring to become a swordsmith. After his father is killed, Chihiro sets out on a path of revenge. Once living peaceful days filled with laughter under his father’s guidance, his life is shattered when a mysterious sorcerer organization known as Hishaku attacks. They steal six enchanted blades powerful enough to influence the fate of the nation, along with his peaceful life. From that day on, Chihiro takes up the seventh enchanted blade left behind by his father, Enten, and embarks on a bloodstained journey of vengeance.

The author, Takeru Hokazono, was born in 2000 in Osaka. Kagurabachi is his first serialized work, which began in Weekly Shonen Jump in September 2023 and quickly gained global attention. On the global manga platform MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA, the first chapter ranked number one worldwide in views within a week of release in its English version. In August 2024, the series won first place in the Comics category of the Next Manga Awards 2024. With the release of Volume 11 on May 1, total circulation surpassed 4 million copies. Shueisha has described it as the best selling Japanese sword battle manga in Jump right now, solidifying its status as a flagship title.

Teaser Visual and PV Highlight the World of Kagurabachi

The teaser visual depicts three goldfish named Aka, Kuro, and Nishiki swimming in the background, while Chihiro stands in the foreground holding the enchanted blade Enten. His sharp gaze conveys strong resolve. The dynamic composition blends stillness and motion, hinting at the beginning of an intense story.

The teaser PV opens with a blacksmith’s forge, emphasizing the creation of swords, one of the central themes of the series. Set in a Japan where modern and traditional aesthetics intersect, the video vividly portrays the beginning of Chihiro’s revenge story. The heavy atmosphere and tense visuals draw viewers into the unique world of Kagurabachi.

Staff, Cast, and World Tour Announcement

Taibi Kimura will voice Chihiro Rokuhira. Director Tetsuya Takeuchi previously worked as action animation director on Sword Art Online II and handled storyboarding, direction, and animation for battle scenes in Heavenly Delusion. Character design is handled by Keigo Sasaki, known for Blue Exorcist and The Seven Deadly Sins.

A global world tour for the anime has also been announced. Starting this summer, the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 will be screened at anime events around the world. The tour will conclude in Japan with a special event featuring guest appearances and a full screening of Episode 1 ahead of the broadcast.

Creator and Staff Comments

■Original Creator Takeru Hokazono
"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!"

■Director Tetsuya Takeuchi
"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.

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!"

■Character Designer Keigo Sasaki
“Hokazono-sensei's art style is really cool, and I couldn't wait to see his drawings come to life! I jumped into the design process with nothing but that feeling in mind, but it's been an uphill battle.

It's hard... but when I manage to draw something well, it makes me that much happier! The staff and I are working hard every day, and I feel so lucky to be able to participate in this project.

I'll do my absolute best so that everyone can enjoy the anime."

■Chihiro Rokuhira Voice Actor Taibi Kimura
“I’m Taihi Kimura, and I’ll be voicing Chihiro Rokuhira!

I'm truly grateful for this opportunity to voice the protagonist of Kagurabachi— an incredible series loved by fans all over the world.

A katana is forged and refined through the art of "tanren," gaining its ultimate strength through the repeated folding of steel.

Chihiro is a quiet young man, but deep in his heart he carries a conviction as unyielding as a sword.

I’m going to give this role my absolute all and pour my heart and soul into it so that Chihiro’s unwavering resolve truly resonates with everyone.

Thank you for your support!”

Source : ORICON NEWS