Tokyo – The highly anticipated KILLTUBE anime film has unveiled its main cast, a compelling new key visual, and behind-the-scenes footage, offering fans a deeper look into the ambitious project. The reveals were made during a dedicated panel at Anime Expo 2025 on July 5, 2025, where director Kazuaki Kuribayashi and animation producer Fuko Noda were in attendance.
Principal Voice Cast Announced
Leading the cast for KILLTUBE are three prominent voice actors, bringing to life the film’s central characters. Yui Tsukada has been cast as Musashi, marking her first leading role. Kengo Kawanishi will lend his voice to Kikuchiyo, a cunning con artist. Rounding out the main trio is Ayane Sakura as Leonardo, an inventor who has experienced profound loss. Collaboration images between the voice actors and their respective characters have also been released, building anticipation for their performances.
Yui Tsukada expressed her surprise and excitement upon receiving the role of Musashi, noting it fulfilled a dream of playing a male lead in a movie. Kengo Kawanishi highlighted the innovative and unique nature of the film, encouraging audiences to enjoy this new venture. Ayane Sakura, a fan of Director Kuribayashi’s visual works, shared her enthusiasm for joining the KILLTUBE project.
Key Visual and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
A striking new key visual for the KILLTUBE anime film was revealed at Anime Expo 2025, providing a fresh glimpse into its unique world. Furthermore, new behind-the-scenes and preview videos were showcased, offering viewers a sneak peek into the film’s production. A “Cast Reveal Movie” featuring Musashi, Kikuchiyo, and Leonardo, along with a previously released pilot film, are available, giving audiences a comprehensive look at the project’s development. Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi also shared insights into the creative vision and the story behind KILLTUBE‘s creation during the Anime Expo panel.
The World of KILLTUBE
The film is set in a dystopian 2026, where Japan maintains its isolation under the continued rule of the Edo Shogunate. Society is rigidly structured by a strict hierarchy, with individuals assigned statuses from level 1 to 7, determining their homes, occupations, and even food. The only path to upward mobility and freedom is through “KILLTUBE,” a dueling video platform where individuals can amass wealth and popularity by winning battles.
The narrative follows Musashi, a boy raised by dogs, who arrives in Edo with his mentor Manjiro’s words echoing in his heart: “There is something incredible at the highest point of Edo.” He crosses paths with the cunning producer Kikuchiyo and the brilliant inventor Leonardo, inadvertently joining the “KILLTUBE” platform. Initially mocked, Musashi’s unconventional fighting style gradually captivates audiences, leading him and his companions to rise in popularity and become celebrated figures. However, as they reach the pinnacle of their fame, they uncover the dark truth hidden behind “KILLTUBE.”
Production and Vision
KILLTUBE is the inaugural anime film production from CHOCOLATE Inc. as part of its “108 Experiments” initiative, which aims to innovate in content creation, presentation, and revenue generation for original stories. The film boasts a reported budget of 1 billion yen (approximately US$6.8 million) and is slated for a worldwide release in Spring 2026.
The project is a collaborative effort, with STUDIO DOTOU (jointly established by CHOCOLATE, KASSEN, and WACHAJACK) leading the production. Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi, an industry newcomer previously recognized with the Japan Advertising Agencies Association Creator of the Year Medal for his work in advertising, makes his animation directorial debut with KILLTUBE. The production staff includes a diverse group of creators from various fields outside the traditional anime industry, such as live-action film, music, and commercial production. The film aims to be an “experimental ground,” blending traditional and modern Japanese cultural elements and utilizing a fusion of classical and state-of-the-art CG expressions, alongside hand-drawn animation and live-action techniques.
