The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004 (Yūsha-kei ni Shosu: Chōbatsu Yūsha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku) has announced three new voice cast additions. Yoji Ueda, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and Jun Fukushima are joining the dark fantasy series, which is now slated to premiere in January 2026 after being delayed from its original October 2025 debut.
New Additions to the Cast
The newly revealed cast members will portray key characters in the highly anticipated anime. Yoji Ueda, known for his role as Eisen in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, will voice Norgalle Senridge. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who plays Inosuke in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is cast as Tatsuya. Rounding out the new trio is Jun Fukushima, the voice of Kazuma Satou in KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world!-, who will take on the role of Tsav.
These actors join a previously announced main cast that includes Yohei Azakami as Xylo Forbartz, Mayu Izuka as Teoritta, Shizuka Ishigami as Patausche Kivia, Shun Horie as Dotta Luzulas, and Shunichi Toki as Venetim Leopool.
Production Details and Delay
Studio KAI, known for its work on Skeleton Knight in Another World, is handling the animation production for Sentenced to Be a Hero. The series is directed by Hiroyuki Takashima, with Yoshitake Nakaoji serving as assistant director and creature designer. Kenta Ihara is responsible for the series composition and scripts, while Noda Takeshi is the character designer. The music for the anime is composed by Shunsuke Takizawa.
The anime’s premiere was recently pushed back from October 2025 to January 2026. This delay was implemented to allow for additional time to enhance the show’s overall quality and deliver a better final product to fans. The first episode is confirmed to be a 60-minute special.
The World of Sentenced to Be a Hero
The Sentenced to Be a Hero light novel series, written by Rocket Shoukai and illustrated by Mephisto, began as a web novel on Kadokawa’s Kakuyomu website in October 2020. Kadokawa later published the light novels, with seven volumes released as of January 2025. Yen Press publishes the official English version of the light novels.
The dark fantasy series presents a unique premise: “Heroism—a punishment for only the worst criminals.” Those condemned to be heroes are forced to battle the demon king’s army on the front lines. Death offers no escape, as heroes are continuously revived to continue the relentless fight. The story follows Xylo Forbartz, a member of Penal Hero Unit 9004 and a convicted goddess killer. His encounter with a new goddess and the pact they form could potentially change the world.
A manga adaptation by Natsumi Inoue launched in March 2022, with two tankobon volumes released as of April 2024.
