KAGURABACHI anime revealed Miku Ito as Hinao and Miyari Nemoto as Char Kyonagi, along with new character visuals and individual trailers for both characters. The highly anticipated anime is set to premiere in April 2027, with Crunchyroll streaming it worldwide (excluding Japan, Mainland China, North Korea, and South Korea).
Studio Cypic is in charge of the animation production, with Tetsuya Takeuchi as the director. Takeuchi is famously known for the Rock Lee vs Gaara fight in Naruto. We previously also had the chance to interview CyberAgent’s Takahiro Yamauchi, who talked about the company and its goal of creating “high-quality Japanese animation works that can be accepted globally.”
The main staff for the anime includes:
- Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi
- Character Design: Keigo Sasaki
- Production: Cypic
Previously, the anime revealed the following voice cast:
- Taihi Kimura as Chihiro Rokuhira
- Tomokazu Seki as Kunishige Rokuhira
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Togo Shiba
Hinao works at Cafe Haru Haru, where she serves as an intermediary connecting people looking for help with sorcerers. She takes Char under her protection and introduces her to Chihiro and the others.
Miku Ito Comment
Q. What are your impressions of the character you voice, and what did you keep in mind while voicing them?
I was directed to aim for natural, conversational dialogue that matched the overall tone of the series, so I focused on keeping my performance relaxed and natural.
As for Hinao, I thought it would be fun to lean into her more comedic side every now and then, so whenever the opportunity arose, I tried to really embrace those moments and give them a little extra flavor.
Everyone on the team has such a strong sense of dedication and respect for the series, so I’m really looking forward to continuing the recording sessions!
Q. How did you feel when you were cast, and what are your thoughts on the anime?
From the moment I started reading Kagurabachi, I found myself especially drawn to Hinao. She’s a rather unique character within the series, and I was fascinated by her from the very beginning. During the audition, I wondered whether I was truly capable of taking on the role, so I was absolutely overjoyed when I found out I’d been cast. I hope to portray Hinao in a way that makes her presence at “Cafe Haru Haru” feel like a comforting place within the anime as well. I’ll give it my all so that everyone comes to love the anime version of Hinao, too!
Q. What were your thoughts when you first read the manga?
Both the characters and the story are so gritty and cool! It felt like watching a movie. What struck me the most when reading the manga, though, was how beautifully the goldfish were depicted. I can’t wait to see how they are brought to life in the anime.
Q. What is Hinao’s greatest charm?
Hinao works as a sort of information broker, connecting the underworld with sorcerers. Even though she is well-versed in what seems like a dangerous world, she is incredibly cute and always remains completely natural and down-to-earth, which I think is wonderful. Her twin-bun hairstyle and casual clothes give her a bright, cheerful look, but she is also kind and very caring. There is something about her presence that makes you feel safe and at ease, which is another part of her charm. I also personally admire how effortlessly she can connect with anyone and treat everyone equally.
Q. How would you describe the appeal of the series in one phrase?
“Cool Japanese culture.”
I’m sorry I couldn’t come up with anything catchier! Beyond the swords, battles, mental strength, and the bond between parent and child, I felt that the series is filled with little touches that are uniquely Japanese. Reading it honestly made me think, “Wow, Japan is so cool…”—which is why I chose this phrase!
Char is described as a cheerful and courageous young girl being pursued for certain reasons. Her claim that her pursuers possess “the most strongest sword” ultimately leads to her meeting Chihiro.
Miyari Nemoto Comment
Q. What are your impressions of the character you voice, and what did you keep in mind while voicing them?
Char’s lines are pretty short, so I felt a lot of pressure to express all of her emotions as honestly and concisely as possible! But once recording began, I found myself having a lot of fun voicing her.
Q. How did you feel when you were cast, and what are your thoughts on the anime?
When my manager told me in person at the agency that I’d been cast as Char, I let out such a loud noise that one of the staff members had to gently tell me to keep it down. Haha.
Even then, until I actually had the script in my hands, I kept thinking, “Is it really… me…?” I was constantly bouncing between excitement and anxiety!
Q. What were your thoughts when you first read the manga?
It’s dark, but it also has the kind of optimism you’d expect from a Jump series. The comedy isn’t overly obvious either—it’s woven naturally into the serious moments. I also felt there was a real sense of style in how carefully the story flows as a whole.
But honestly, I don’t know anything about the complicated stuff! I just know it’s incredibly fun to read!
Q. What is Char’s greatest charm?
Personally, I think she’s someone who naturally helps people relax. Even though she’s carrying a heavy burden herself, she’s usually full of energy. If Char isn’t cheerful, it makes everyone watching feel sad too… I think that’s part of what makes her so lovable.
During recording, one of my senior castmates told me, “This role suits you perfectly.” I was just about to be happy when they added with a laugh, “…Because you’re the type who doesn’t read the room. Haha.”
W-Wait, whaaaat!?!!
Q. How would you describe the appeal of the series in one phrase?
“Japanese swords are seriously cool.”
Following premiere screenings at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, Japan Expo in Paris, and AnimagiC in Germany, the anime also screened at Otakon in Washington, D.C. on August 2, before concluding the tour at Anime NYC later that month. Most events featured an advance screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1, with select venues also hosting staff and cast appearances.
The story follows the young Chihiro, who was trained by his father to become a swordsmith. After his father is murderer, Chihiro sets on a path of revenge to avenge him with yakuza and sorcerers standing against him. The official synopsis:
Flames of resolve, kindled by hatred.
Chihiro Rokuhira is a boy who aspires to become a swordsmith, and took daily training under his
father Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith. Their days, once filled with laughter, are brutally torn apart
by an attack from the mysterious sorcerer organization, the Hishaku.
What is stolen from them are the six Enchanted Blades—swords of immense power capable of
shaping the fate of the nation—and the gentle, warm life they once shared.
From that day on, everything changed. In a world engulfed in darkness, Chihiro takes up Enten, the
seventh Enchanted Blade left behind by his father, and sets out on a blood-soaked path of revenge.
The first teaser trailer for the anime exceeded 6 million views within the first 24 hours, and you can check it out below.
Source: Press Release, KAGURABACHI Official Website
©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA,Project Kagurabachi
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