The production committee for the upcoming television anime adaptation of Scum of the Brave (Yūsha no Kuzu) announced on Saturday that popular voice actress Akari Kitō has been cast in the role of Aki Jogamine, a second-year student described as a troublemaker. Kitō joins Ryōta Suzuki, who was previously announced to play the lead character, Shinigami Yashiro. The supernatural action series is slated to premiere in January 2026.
Akari Kitō Takes on Key Role
Akari Kitō, known for her diverse roles across various anime series, will portray Aki Jogamine. Jogamine is a high school girl who forces her way into the life of the protagonist, Yashiro, and becomes his self-proclaimed “apprentice.” Her addition is a significant update for fans eagerly awaiting the anime’s debut. Kitō’s previous roles include Nezuko Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Tsukasa Yuzaki in Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You.
Production Details and Creative Team
The Scum of the Brave anime is being produced by OLM, a studio recognized for its work on various successful anime titles. Overseeing the project as director is Shinji Ushiro. Yoichi Kato is responsible for writing and overseeing the series scripts, ensuring the narrative remains faithful and engaging. Character designs for the series are being handled by Rika Murakami, while Kenichiro Suehiro is composing the music, aiming to add an emotional and impactful layer to the action-packed storyline.
Other key staff members include Naoto Kondō for color design, Kazuhiro Inoue as art director, Tsunetaka Ema as director of photography, Naoki Watanabe for editing, and Takahiro Enomoto as sound director.
The Story of “Scum of the Brave”
Scum of the Brave is based on the web novel written by Rocket Shokai, which was initially serialized on Kadokawa Corporation’s Kakuyomu website in 2016. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Nakashima723, began serialization as an independent comic in 2018 before moving to Leed Publishing’s Comic Border website in 2022. Manga Planet publishes the manga digitally in English.
The story is set in an alternate 21st century where affluent mafia members can transform into “Demon Kings” through ether-enhancement surgery. To combat these powerful figures, bounty hunters known as “Braves” are enlisted to take them down. The protagonist, Yashiro, also known as “the Reaper,” is an independent Hero who initially seeks only simple pleasures in life. His life takes an unexpected turn when Aki Jogamine, a high school student, insists on becoming his apprentice, drawing him into a series of deadly conflicts.
Anime Release Schedule
The Scum of the Brave TV anime is scheduled to begin its broadcast in January 2026. It will air on Nippon TV and its affiliated channels. Fans can anticipate further details and promotional materials as the premiere date approaches.
