The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s Kill Blue manga has officially cast voice actor Shunsuke Takeuchi as its main protagonist, Juzo Ogami. The series, an action-comedy centered on a seasoned hitman forced back into middle school, is slated to premiere in 2026.
Shunsuke Takeuchi Steps into the Dual Role of Juzo Ogami
Shunsuke Takeuchi, known for his deep and versatile voice, will lend his talents to Juzo Ogami, a 40-year-old legendary assassin who undergoes an unexpected transformation into a 13-year-old boy. This pivotal role requires an actor capable of portraying both the hardened killer and the bewildered middle schooler, a challenge Takeuchi is well-equipped to handle given his diverse filmography.
Takeuchi, born on September 12, 1997, and affiliated with 81 Produce, is an award-winning voice actor who received the Best Rookie Actor award at the 10th Seiyu Awards. His notable roles include the Producer in The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls, Alexander Yamato in King of Prism, Juuza Hyoudo in A3!, Revolver in Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS, and Zack Walker in Astra Lost in Space. Beyond voice acting, he is also part of the musical duo Amadeus, performing under the stage name Jack Westwood.
The Intriguing Premise of “Kill Blue”
The “Kill Blue” narrative introduces Juzo Ogami as the prized hitman for the clandestine Z.O.O. assassin syndicate. His life takes a drastic turn during a mission targeting criminals associated with Mitsuoka Pharmaceuticals. An accidental sting from a genetically modified wasp regresses his age, leaving him in a 13-year-old body.
From Elite Assassin to Middle School Student
With his physical capabilities severely hampered by his youthful appearance, Juzo is temporarily unable to carry out his usual hitman duties. His boss then assigns him an extraordinary new mission: to infiltrate a middle school. The objective is to assess the safety of the institution, which the boss’s daughter is considering attending. This forces the grizzled assassin, who previously lacked formal education, to navigate the unfamiliar world of school life.
Unexpectedly, Juzo finds himself enjoying middle school, balancing his clandestine assassin work with the everyday challenges and joys of being a student. A crucial part of his new assignment and quest for a cure involves getting closer to Noren Mitsuoka, the heiress of Mitsuoka Pharmaceuticals, whose family’s work may hold the key to reverting his age.
Production Details and Original Work
The “Kill Blue” TV anime is being directed by Hiro Kaburagi, known for his work on critically acclaimed series such as Great Pretender and Hozuki’s Coolheadedness. The animation production is handled by CUE, with character designs by Miho Daidōji.
The anime is based on the manga series of the same name by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, the acclaimed creator behind Kuroko’s Basketball. The Kill Blue manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from April 2023 to September 2025. The adaptation promises to blend high-octane action with school comedy elements, creating a unique “redo-your-youth” style narrative. Fans can anticipate its debut in 2026.
