The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation, “Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-” (Ushūboro Tobigumi: Hikuidori), has announced its main cast members, setting the stage for its debut in January 2026. The historical action-drama, based on Shōgo Imamura’s novel series, has revealed five key voice actors who will bring the Edo-era firefighters to life.
The series promises an engaging narrative centered on a team of relentless firefighters battling mysterious arsons in Edo.
Key Cast Members Revealed
The core ensemble of “Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-” features a talented lineup of voice actors. Yūichirō Umehara is set to voice Gengo Matsunaga, the protagonist known as the “Fire-eating Bird” who endeavors to rebuild a struggling firefighting clan. Shūichirō Umeda will portray Shinnosuke Torigoe, while Subaru Kimura takes on the role of Torajiro, a former sumo wrestler. Nobunaga Shimazaki joins as Hikoya, an artisan, and Kenshō Ono rounds out the main cast as Kaji Seijuro, a military strategist.
These actors will lead the charge in depicting the unique characters of the Boro Tobi Gumi as they strive to protect lives amidst escalating dangers.
The Story of Edo’s Fire-Eating Bird
“Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-” draws its narrative from the “Ushūboro Tobigumi” novel series, specifically adapting the first volume, “Hikuidori” (translated as Fire Eater). The plot follows Gengo Matsunaga, once revered as the finest fire-fighting samurai in Edo, who earned his moniker by quelling a massive blaze. Despite his legendary status, Matsunaga resigned from the fire brigade for undisclosed reasons.
However, an invitation to join the Shinjo clan, whose fire-fighting team lacks resources and personnel and is consequently looked down upon, draws him back into action. Encouraged by his wife, Miyuki, Gengo embarks on a mission to reconstruct the dilapidated fire-fighting clan as its chairman. The series will chronicle Gengo and his distinct group of friends, battling mysterious “foxfires” that plague Edo and striving to save every life, even as they face ridicule as “ragged steeplejacks.”
Production Details and Release
The animation production for “Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-” is handled by Synergy SP. The anime is slated for a January 2026 premiere, with specific broadcast dates yet to be announced. The original novel series by Shōgo Imamura began in 2017, with 12 volumes released in Japan, and a manga adaptation by Shinobu Seguchi also receiving a digital English release.
