The popular supernatural historical fantasy anime, Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho, is gearing up to introduce its new “Meiji Arc” with fresh cast members, even as it navigates recent streaming difficulties with its penultimate episode. Fans can anticipate the start of the Meiji Arc with Episode 22, scheduled for international release on September 8, 2025.
Key Additions to the Voice Cast for the Meiji Arc
As the series transitions into the Meiji Arc with its 22nd episode, two new voice actors have been announced to join the ensemble, bringing additional depth to the unfolding narrative.
- Yumiri Hanamori as Kaneomi: Known for her role as Ai Hayasaka in Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Hanamori will lend her voice to the character of Kaneomi.
- Toshiki Kumagai as Utsugi Heikichi: Kumagai, recognized for his portrayal of Hitoyoshi Yokoya in You are Ms. Servant, will take on the role of Utsugi Heikichi.
These additions aim to enrich the storytelling as the protagonist, Jinta, continues his century-spanning journey as a demon hunter.
Streaming Setback for Episode 21 and Upcoming Episode 22
While the series looks forward to its new arc, the international streaming of Episode 21 faced an unexpected hurdle. HIDIVE, the platform simulcasting the series, streamed an incomplete version of “The Wish Part 2” on August 31st (effectively September 1st) due to production constraints. This interim version notably lacked frames, filters, and graphic effects, prompting an official statement from HIDIVE confirming the error and promising to roll out the final version as quickly as possible. As of the latest reports, HIDIVE has not yet provided a specific date for when the completed Episode 21 will be made available to subscribers, although the episode has already aired in its complete form in Japan.
Despite the issues with Episode 21, Episode 22 is slated for its Japanese broadcast on September 9, 2025, with an international release expected on September 8, 2025. Episode 22 is titled “The year is 1872, April, the fifth year of the Meiji era,” and its preview images have already been released, indicating the narrative’s progression. The upcoming installment is expected to delve into Jinya’s emotional development and a potential shift in the story’s pacing.
About Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho is an anime adaptation of the historical fantasy novel series written by Motoo Nakanishi and illustrated by Tamaki. The story follows Jinta, a wandering orphan who becomes the guardian of a shrine maiden. His encounter with a mysterious demon sets him on an epic journey spanning from the Edo to the Heisei periods, where he battles supernatural threats and grapples with his role as a demon hunter.
The anime, produced by Yokohama Animation Laboratory and directed by Kazuya Aiura, premiered on March 31, 2025, after an initial delay from its originally planned June 27, 2024, debut. The series is set to run for two consecutive cours, with Deko Akao handling the series composition and Taro Ikegami designing the characters. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes both the original novels and the manga adaptation in English.
