The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Yu Chiba’s popular manga, Kindergarten Wars, has revealed its first teaser visual and key staff members. The announcement came during the Jump Festa ’26 event on Saturday, exciting fans eagerly awaiting the adaptation of the action-comedy series. The anime was initially announced by Bandai Namco Filmworks in October 2025.
A Glimpse into Kindergarten Noir: Teaser Visual Released
The newly released teaser visual offers a vibrant look into the world of Kindergarten Noir, an exclusive and heavily guarded institution for the children of global elite. The visual prominently features Rita, the series’ protagonist and a former legendary assassin, alongside her colleague Doug, a former con artist. They are depicted in the schoolyard, surrounded by the young charges they are tasked with protecting, setting a tone that blends the mundane with the dangerously extraordinary. Character visuals for Rita and Doug were also revealed, showcasing their daily appearances in contrast to their combat-ready personas.
The Creative Minds Behind the Adaptation
Studio Sunrise is producing the Kindergarten Wars anime, a studio known for its extensive portfolio of acclaimed series. Guiding the project as director is Shinsuke Gomi, who has previously contributed as an episode director for notable anime such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Secrets of the Silent Witch.
The character designs will be handled by Junko Yamanaka, recognized for her work on series like Kamisama Kiss and Servamp. Her involvement suggests a strong visual interpretation that will bring Yu Chiba’s distinct character art to life on screen.
Main Voice Cast Details
The primary voice cast for the series was previously announced and reiterated at the event:
- Rita will be voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki, celebrated for her role as Anya Forger in SPY x FAMILY.
- Doug will be voiced by Kentarō Kumagai, known for his work as Laios in Delicious in Dungeon.
The pairing of these experienced voice actors promises a dynamic performance that will capture the unique blend of action and romantic comedy central to Kindergarten Wars. A voiced comic video was also presented at Jump Festa ’26, giving attendees a preview of the characters’ voices.
Kindergarten Wars Manga: A Brief Overview
Yu Chiba’s Kindergarten Wars manga began its serialization on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app and website in September 2022. The series quickly garnered a dedicated following for its unique premise. As of August 2025, the manga has collected 15 tankōbon volumes, with over 1.7 million copies in circulation. The manga entered its final arc in March 2025.
Yen Press publishes the manga physically in English, with the first volume released in April 2025. Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service also offers the manga digitally.
The Intriguing Premise
The story is set in “Kindergarten Noir,” dubbed “the world’s safest kindergarten”. This special institution caters to the children of world leaders, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals. To protect these vulnerable charges from a constant threat of assassins and kidnappers, the kindergarten employs former criminals as teachers, offering them reduced sentences in exchange for their unique skills.
Rita, known as Convict 999, is a former legendary assassin now working as a kindergarten teacher. While her primary duty is to protect the children, she also harbors a personal goal: to find a handsome boyfriend. This romantic pursuit often leads to comedic encounters, especially when attractive assassins target the kindergarten. The series blends intense action with elements of romantic comedy, making it a distinctive entry in the manga landscape.
