Fans eagerly anticipating a “Special Edition” film for the Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan: The Ultimate Tournament anime on January 23 may need to temper their expectations, as current official announcements focus on the ongoing and upcoming television series. While the popular franchise has seen recent activity, there is no information available regarding a “Special Edition” film linked to The Ultimate Tournament premiering on that specific date. Instead, the franchise is preparing for the debut of its second television anime in April 2025.
The Roaring Success of the Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan Franchise
The Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan franchise originates from Gakken’s children’s book series, which has sold over 5.4 million copies and is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025. The series captivates audiences with its unique premise: an ultimate tournament held on the mysterious “Sai-Kyō-Jima” (The Ultimate Island). Here, creatures from diverse species, including extinct animals, insects, dinosaurs, marine life, and even dragons, battle across various terrains like wildernesses, rocky crags, forests, ice fields, and caverns, all vying for the title of the strongest.
Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan: The Ultimate Battles – The First TV Anime
The first television anime in the franchise, Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan: The Ultimate Battles, premiered on January 6, 2024, as part of the Iniminimanimo program on TV Tokyo. This initial series adapted the Ishu Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan book and starred Yoshihisa Kawahara as the voice of Mr. Most. Renowned director Kunihiko Yuyama, known for his work on Pokémon, served as chief director, with Shintarō Kishimoto directing the anime at OLM Digital. Shinji Satō oversaw the series scripts, Toonz Imai designed the characters, Kisuke Koizumi directed the sound, and Yusuke Kamimachi composed the music. Special screenings of The Ultimate Battles were also held in Aeon Cinema theaters across Japan starting August 23, 2024.
The Upcoming Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan: The Ultimate Tournament
A second television anime, officially titled Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan: The Ultimate Tournament, is slated to premiere in April 2025 on TV Tokyo and its affiliates. This new installment will expand the battle roster, introducing additional species such as marine creatures and dragons to the already diverse cast of combatants, which includes Tyrannosaurus, Purussaurus, lions, and Hercules beetles. Makoto Satō is directing this second season, with Kunihiko Yuyama returning as chief director and Shinji Satō handling the series composition. OLM Digital is once again handling the animation production.
Clarifying the January 23 Release
While the Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan franchise continues to grow with its successful TV anime adaptations and an upcoming second season, current official information does not indicate a “Special Edition Film” for Sai-Kyo-Oh! Zukan: The Ultimate Tournament debuting on January 23. Fans should refer to official announcements for the most accurate and up-to-date release schedules for this exciting creature battle series.
