The highly anticipated “DARK MACHINE The Animation Series” has officially unveiled its main cast, key production staff, and confirmed a 2026 broadcast debut on Fuji TV. This announcement has generated significant buzz, detailing the talent behind the upcoming esports-themed anime that is part of a larger mixed-media project.
A Glimpse into the Near-Future Esports World
“DARK MACHINE The Animation Series” is set in a near-future Japan where the globally popular esports game “DARK MACHINE” has transformed economic structures, with Golden Valley designated as a special economic zone. The narrative follows Kairi, a young man who enters the competitive world of “DARK MACHINE” searching for purpose and ultimately finding companionship and a new place to belong. The story is also intertwined with a battle for energy in “The Dark,” an unknown realm, and Kairi’s journey to confront Ajima, the “Senki” or strongest “DARK MACHINE” player. The anime is being developed concurrently with a global esports-focused game, aiming to offer a fresh take on esports anime centered on team growth and competitive innovation.
Leading Voices Bring Characters to Life
The series boasts a stellar voice cast, bringing depth and personality to its futuristic world. Kensho Ono will voice the protagonist, Kairi, a young man embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the game. Miyuki Sawashiro steps into the role of Rudra, the owner of the café ship Carbuncle and trainer for the “DARK MACHINE” team of the same name. Koki Uchiyama is cast as Shin, described as a cool, sharp-tongued genius player. Riho Sugiyama will play Blanc, the team’s stabilizer. Saya Aizawa voices Isana, the cook aboard the café ship Carbuncle, known for her delicious dishes. Rounding out the main cast, Yuichi Nakamura takes on the role of Ajima, the formidable seventh “Senki” and Kairi’s greatest rival.
A Creative Team of Industry Veterans
The production of “DARK MACHINE The Animation Series” is spearheaded by a notable creative team, ensuring a high-quality visual and narrative experience.
Esteemed Production Staff
Goro Taniguchi, renowned for his work as the creative producer of the “Code Geass” series and “ONE PIECE FILM RED,” will serve as the creative producer for “DARK MACHINE”. Kazuo Terada is confirmed as the director, bringing his vision to the screen. The intricate mechanical designs crucial for the mecha-filled esports world are handled by Hidetaka Tenjin, celebrated for his contributions to the “Macross” series.
Animation production is being managed by Production +h, known for its work on “The Orbital Children” and “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction”. The series composition and scripts are a collaborative effort by Team Carbuncle, comprising Takaaki Suzuki, Tatsuhiko Urahata, and Atsuo Ishino. Ko Yoshinari is responsible for the main character designs.
The musical score for the series will be composed by rock musician and producer SUGIZO, whose powerful soundscapes are expected to enhance the emotional resonance between humans and machines within the anime’s world.
A Cross-Media Endeavor
The anime is part of a larger “DARK MACHINE” cross-media project, which includes a Web3 mech game. The game, described as a “7 vs 7 team shooter featuring destructible mechs and maps situated against two parallel universes, The Light and The Dark,” was announced in 2023. This integrated approach aims to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience, expanding the “DARK MACHINE” universe across different platforms and engaging a broader audience. The anime adaptation of this Web3 game project is seen as an opportunity to offer viewers a new form of entertainment.
Fans can look forward to the “DARK MACHINE The Animation Series” broadcasting on Fuji TV in 2026, promising an engaging story of competition, growth, and futuristic battles.
