The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Shū Sakuratani’s action-comedy manga, Rooster Fighter, has announced new additions to its cast, featuring prominent voice actors Yūko Kaida, Jun Kasama, and Natsumi Fujiwara. These voice talents will bring key characters to life in the series, which is set to premiere in Q2 2026.
Voice Actors Join the Fight Against Demons
The newly announced cast members are set to play significant roles in the anime’s narrative, though specific character assignments for Kaida, Kasama, and Fujiwara have yet to be detailed in the immediate announcements. They join the previously announced Kenta Miyake, who voices the titular hero, Keiji.
- Yūko Kaida is known for her versatile roles, often lending her voice to strong female characters across various anime and video game titles.
- Jun Kasama has a growing reputation for his compelling performances in recent anime productions.
- Natsumi Fujiwara is celebrated for her ability to voice both energetic young male characters and spirited female roles.
Their inclusion signals a strong voice cast for the adaptation of this unique manga.
What is Rooster Fighter? The Story of Humanity’s Avian Protector
Rooster Fighter tells the story of Keiji, a lone rooster with superhuman strength and an unwavering spirit, who dedicates his life to defending humanity from giant monsters known as “Demons.” These formidable foes, often ten stories tall, emerge from humans afflicted by extreme emotional distress or unresolved trauma. Keiji, a self-described “migratory bird,” wanders Japan with a strict code of conduct, seeking to avenge his sister, who was killed by a demon dubbed “The White Demon.”
The manga, created by Shū Sakuratani, began serialization on Hero’s Inc.’s Comiplex manga website in December 2020. It has gained acclaim for its bizarre, absurd, and often boundary-blurring narrative, blending epic action sequences with moments of profound silliness and heartfelt character interactions. Despite the comical premise of a rooster fighting colossal demons, the story is often described as an epic samurai saga, echoing themes found in works like Kaiju No. 8 or One-Punch Man.
Production and Release Details for the Rooster Fighter Anime
The anime adaptation of Rooster Fighter was first announced in July 2024 at San Diego Comic-Con. It is being produced by Sanzigen (known for its 3DCG animation in series like BanG Dream!) and Sola Entertainment, with Daisuke Suzuki directing and Hiroshi Seko handling the series composition. Joseph Chou, CEO of Sola Entertainment, is serving as the producer.
Viz Media holds the licensing rights for the anime and has confirmed that it will be broadcast in the United States on Adult Swim. Further streaming partners for other territories are expected to be announced. The series is slated for a Q2 2026 premiere. Manga author Shū Sakuratani has expressed immense joy over the adaptation, stating his belief that the anime will feature “the best writer, the best production staff, and the best voice actors all working together to create the best anime.”
