The highly anticipated new television anime adaptation of Motoei Shinzawa’s classic comedy manga, High School! Kimengumi, has released its main visual and a promotional video, offering fans a glimpse into the updated chaotic school life. Scheduled to premiere on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block on January 9, 2026, the announcement also included details on 13 additional cast members joining the ensemble and the artists behind the opening and ending theme songs.
This modern rendition of High School! Kimengumi will bring the beloved gag comedy into the Reiwa era with a fresh cast and direction, nearly four decades after its original 1985-1987 anime run.
A Glimpse into the Reiwa Era with the New Promotional Video
The newly unveiled promotional video provides a dynamic look at the eccentric five-member “Kimengumi” group, led by protagonist Rei Ichido, as they navigate their high school antics. The video highlights the series’ signature absurd humor and introduces the vibrant new animation style by Studio Seven, directed by Kazuaki Seki. Seki, known for his work on music videos for artists like Perfume and Gen Hoshino, is making his anime directorial debut, aiming to inject a bold, stylish energy into the timeless comedy.
The teaser visual accompanying the PV showcases the five core members of the Strange Mask Group, promising a faithful yet refreshed take on the iconic characters and their bizarre personalities.
Expanding the Hilarious Roster: 13 New Cast Members Revealed
The High School! Kimengumi anime has significantly expanded its cast, announcing 13 new voice actors who will bring various student cliques and faculty members to life. These additions further enrich the quirky world of Ichiou High School, where the Kimengumi group consistently finds itself in outlandish situations.
Key Additions to the Faculty
The new faculty members include:
- Harumage Don, a childhood classmate of Rei from elementary school, voiced by Kosuke Toriumi.
- Masuyo Ikari, Rei and the others’ junior high homeroom teacher, voiced by Yoko Hikasa.
- Ran Wakato, their high school homeroom teacher, voiced by Yui Horie.
- Sakugo Jidai, the vice homeroom teacher, voiced by Tomokazu Sugita.
- Takuma Sessa, voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi.
- Ko Irooto, voiced by Sho Hayami.
New High School Classmates and Family Members
Several new student characters will also join the chaotic mix:
- Ichiro Shinjitsu, voiced by Fumiya Imai.
- Menichi NikaiDo, voiced by Junya Enoki.
- Mari Oda, voiced by Aimi.
- Shumi Monozuki, voiced by Yui Ishikawa.
Additionally, members of Rei’s family have been cast:
- Rei’s father, Takuseki Ichido, will be voiced by Yoji Ueda.
- His younger sister, Kiri Ichido, by Kanna Nakamura.
- Their pet dog, Lassie, by Yuki Okada.
These new additions join the previously announced main cast, which includes Tomokazu Seki as Rei Ichido, Shunsuke Takeuchi as Gou Reietsu, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kiyoshi Shusse, Kikunosuke Toya as Dai Monohoshi, Chiaki Kobayashi as Jin Daima, Haruka Shiraishi as Yui Kawa, and Ikumi Hasegawa as Chie Uru. Further cast announcements have also introduced members of other school cliques, such as the “Bangumi” delinquents with Nobuhiko Okamoto as leader Yo Nihiruda, and the all-girl “Omegumi” gang with M.A.O as leader Jako Amano. The all-boy gang “Irootokogumi” will feature Snow Man idol group member Daisuke Sakuma as its leader Shō Kireide.
Theme Song Artists Set to Define the New Era
The musical landscape of High School! Kimengumi for the Reiwa era has also been unveiled, with new artists taking the helm for the theme songs. The opening theme will be “Funky Spice feat. TOMOO” by BREIMEN, promising an energetic start to each episode. The ending theme, “Suteki!!”, will be performed by Rikon Densetsu.
In a nod to the anime’s rich history, the iconic first anime’s theme song, “Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi” by the duo Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, will receive a modern rearrangement by Night Tempo and a cover version performed by Haruka Shiraishi and Ikumi Hasegawa, the voice actors for Yui Kawa and Chie Uru respectively. This blend of classic and contemporary music aims to bridge the gap between long-time fans and a new generation. Night Tempo is also producing the project’s in-show songs.
The new High School! Kimengumi anime is set to be a comedic highlight of the 2026 anime season, bringing its unique brand of humor to a global audience.
