Fans of the classic “Yoroiden Samurai Troopers,” known in the West as “Ronin Warriors,” are buzzing with the release of a new “special first look ver. 1” video for the upcoming sequel, “Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers.” The video, along with recent visual reveals, offers a glimpse into the action sequences and, crucially, showcases the faces and armor of the new generation of Samurai Troopers. The highly anticipated anime is slated to premiere in January 2026.
First Look at the New Troopers and Their Yoroi Gear
The “special first look ver. 1″ video, streamed recently, provides more than just action teases; it’s the clearest presentation yet of the main characters who will inherit the mantle of the Samurai Troopers. While earlier teasers kept fans on edge with character silhouettes and initials of their voice actors, the latest revelations confirm the visual direction for these new heroes.
The character designs, handled by Yuhei Murota (known for the Love Live! franchise) for main characters and Tsukasa Kotoboki for villains, present a modernized aesthetic while aiming to capture the essence of the original series. Hideo Okamoto, the armor designer from the original Samurai Troopers series, is also returning to contribute to the “Yoroigear” designs for the new show, ensuring a connection to its roots.
The New Generation of Samurai Troopers
The five new protagonists, who will don the mystical Yoroi Gear to combat the returning demon emperor Arago, have had their voice cast officially announced. These include:
- Gai: Voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi. Gai is described as a 14-year-old who possesses the qualities of a Samurai Trooper and wields the Armor of Inferno (or Blaze).
- Kaito Uesugi/Sōkyū no Kaito: Voiced by Junya Enoki.
- Musashi Hōjō/Suiren no Musashi: Voiced by Ayumu Murase.
- Yamato Hōjō/Kōya no Yamato: Voiced by Shunsuke Takeuchi.
- Shion Ishida/Senkō no Shion: Voiced by Kentarō Kumagai.
These new characters are central to the entirely original story, which will unfold in present-day Shinjuku.
A Legacy Reborn: What to Expect from the Sequel
“Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers” is positioned as a direct and official sequel to the beloved Yoroiden Samurai Troopers anime, which first aired between 1988 and 1989. The new series, produced by Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks), aims to bring the classic hero action to a contemporary audience while honoring the original’s legacy.
The plot will see the seal on the demonic realm weakening, unleashing chaos upon Tokyo, prompting the emergence of these five young samurai. The creative team behind the project boasts several notable names: Yoichi Fujita (Gintama, Mr. Osomatsu) is directing, with Shōgo Mutō (Kamen Rider Build) handling the series composition and script. Shūji Katayama (Overlord) is composing the music, promising an impactful score for the action sequences.
For fans eager to revisit the original series, Crunchyroll currently streams Yoroiden Samurai Troopers, allowing newcomers and veterans alike to catch up before the sequel’s debut. With a blend of supernatural action and emotional character drama, the sequel is set to be a significant highlight of the Winter 2026 anime season.
